Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation and the Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation today announced the creation of a $4 million COVID-19 Utilization: Decreasing Oral Health Disparities Health Equity Grant Program to assist organizations working to improve the oral and overall health of children impacted by poverty and COVID-19. Each foundation is contributing $2 million for this initiative. Grants of up to $200,000 will be awarded and must be used within two years (up to $100,000 per year). Eligible organizations must work in Illinois communities where children may not be able to access quality, comprehensive oral health services as a result of systemic health and social inequities. Organizations may apply for Health Equity Grants by August 2 at deltadentalil.com/health-equity-grant.

• Applicants should address community disparities related to one or more of the following areas: access to dental services, school curricula, community education, social stigma and the importance of oral health.

• Grants can be requested for – but not limited to – salaries and benefits, consultant fees, data collection and analysis, meetings, supplies, education and training, marketing and communication materials related to children’s oral and overall health.

• Preference will be given to organizations that seek to implement or expand community-informed strategies for addressing and overcoming barriers to utilizing oral health services with the goal of improving oral health outcomes for Illinois children. Applicants do not have to be a health organization to be eligible.

For full criteria and to apply for this grant program, visit deltadentalil.com/health-equity-grant.