Delta Dental Foundation Calls for Applicants for Annual Community Mini-Grant Program.

OKEMOS, Mich. -- Community-based oral health programs in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana are encouraged to apply for grants up to $5,000 from the Delta Dental Foundation's second annual Community Mini-Grant Program. The announcement was made today by Nancy E. Hostetler, senior vice president of the Delta Dental Foundation.

Hostetler said a total of $70,000, a $20,000 increase from last year, will be awarded in competitive grants this fall to applicants whose programs emphasize oral health initiatives. Special consideration will be given to those applicants whose programs focus on improving the oral health of low-income children.

"Unfortunately, dental decay remains the most common chronic childhood disease in the United States, with a disproportionate number of low-income children being affected," said Hostetler. "Poor oral health leads to unnecessary pain and suffering, absences from school, poor self-esteem, and can lead to further medical issues.

"Now in its second year, we are excited to further expand the community mini-grant program, and look forward to assisting in addressing oral health needs for children in the tri-state area."

Guidelines for Grant Seekers

General information:

* Community mini-grants are limited to a maximum of $5,000 per grant with a total of $70,000 available in 2007.

* Only one proposal per organization per year will be considered.

* Grant recipients may re-apply in future years, as long as a report detailing use/impact of the grant monies is provided with the application.

* Grants must be dedicated to local not-for-profit programs designed to promote oral health in communities in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.

Eligibility:

* Only not-for-profit programs in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana may apply for a mini-grant.

* Grants will not be awarded to individuals, political organizations, projects developed for commercial and proprietary purposes, or to organizations that discriminate by race, religion, color, creed, gender, age, or national origin.

* Grants will not be awarded for capital campaigns, overhead/administrative expenses, endowments, advertising, or fundraising activities.

Application process:

* Contribution request applications are available at www.deltadentalmi.com/ddf/index.htm or by calling the Delta Dental Foundation at 517-347-5333.

* Applications must be received by the Delta Dental Foundation no later than July 31, 2007.

* Grant recipients will be notified in November 2007.

Delta Dental Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio and Indiana, seeks to support education and research for the advancement of dental science and to promote the oral health of the public through education and service activities, particularly for those with special needs.