ROANOKE—The Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation believes in the power of a healthy smile and has put its money where its mouth is, supporting 30 organizations committed to improving oral health in the Commonwealth.
In December 2016, grants totaling $231,500 were awarded to 30, 501(c)(3), tax exempt organizations whose work will positively improve the oral health of Virginians through education and access to care for the under or uninsured in 2017.
The Community Health Center of the New River Valley received a $10,000 grant which will be used to purchase dental equipment.
Since its creation in 2012, the Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation has provided $3,653,000 to 51 (unduplicated) Virginia non-profit organizations. In 2015 alone, these grant award recipients were able to provide dental care and education to more than 157,000 in Virginia who had previously been unable to afford or access care.
The Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation works to fulfill its mission of improving the oral health of Virginians through a community-based approach that provides grants to local organizations for research, educational outreach and programs that provide access to care.
“Over and over again we have seen the inspiring changes that can happen in a person’s life with proper oral care,” said Dr. George A. Levicki, president and CEO, Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation. “By providing funding to these organizations that are making a difference in their communities, we can help bring healthier, confident smiles to an increasing number of Virginians in need.”
The Virginia Health Care Foundation (VHCF) has been a big beneficiary of the Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation grants. Previously awarded a $1 million matching grant over the past three years to establish dental safety net organizations in Virginia communities where access to dental care is lacking, VHCF has received an additional $35,000 this year to continue growing this program, training providers and developing new initiatives.
Many of the 30 grants awarded focus on key areas of need throughout Virginia – the state’s youth, the uninsured and medically underserved population and dental professionals in training. Community organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia and the Virginia Peninsula, who combined served more than 370 children in 2015 with Foundation grants, will continue providing much- needed dental appointments and education for children in need.
Low-income, uninsured Virginians will receive expanded access to dental care through grant recipients such as CrossOver Healthcare Ministry and Free Clinic of Central Virginia. Additionally, four universities and non-profit organizations received grants totaling $32,500 for oral health education and expansion of care through scholarships and workstations for aspiring health professionals.
Organizations eligible to receive grants from the Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation include governmental agencies or educational institutions, entities holding a 501(c)(3) tax-exemption, or organizations with a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt fiscal sponsor. The Foundation was created with an initial $2.5 million donation from Delta Dental of Virginia in 2012. Information regarding grant eligibility and application can be found online at http://deltadentalva.com/ddvafoundation.aspx.
