Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation

The Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing and improving the oral health of Iowans. Established as part of the broader Delta Dental network, this foundation focuses on providing financial support to other 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and academic institutions that are engaged in projects related to oral health access, research, and education.

Mission

The primary mission of the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation is to strengthen and transform the oral health and wellbeing of Iowans. This involves strategic initiatives that support underserved populations and promote dental education.

Funding Opportunities

The foundation offers several funding opportunities to align with its goals:

• Rethink Your Drink Grants: Aimed at encouraging healthier beverage choices and improving oral health.
• Ignite and Innovation Grant Projects: These are offered biannually, in spring and fall, to support innovative oral health initiatives.
• Wellness Community Fund: Supports community-based health and wellness projects.
• Oral Health Fund: Focuses on initiatives that directly improve oral health access and outcomes.
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Nonprofit Support: Provided during the pandemic to support non-profit organizations facing challenges due to COVID-19.

Initiatives

One notable initiative is the Iowa Medicaid Dental Innovation Initiative, launched to improve oral and overall health for Iowa Medicaid enrollees. This initiative included analyzing barriers and innovative approaches to dental care within Medicaid programs.

Grants and Donations

The foundation has provided grants to various organizations in Iowa, supporting projects such as the provision of toothbrushes, water bottle filling stations in schools, and equipment upgrades for community water fluoridation. For example, grants have been awarded to organizations like the American Home Finding Association and the City of Adel. Additionally, the foundation participates in in-kind donation programs, such as toothbrush distributions[1][3][4].

Strategic Goals

By focusing on access to care, education, and research, the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation aims to create a long-lasting impact on oral health in Iowa. This approach is complemented by collaborative efforts with stakeholders across the state to ensure comprehensive support for Iowans.