Access to Care Grant

The Access to Care Grant is offered by the AAPD Foundation, a national nonprofit organization affiliated with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and dedicated exclusively to improving oral health outcomes for children. The Foundation has a long-standing commitment to increasing access to dental care for underserved populations and has distributed more than 12 million dollars in funding since 2010 to support community-based oral health initiatives. The organization focuses on ensuring that all children, regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic barriers, have access to comprehensive and continuous oral health care services. This specific funding opportunity provides one-year grants of up to 30000 dollars to eligible organizations operating within the United States and its territories. The funding period runs from April 2027 through March 2028, supporting programs that directly deliver dental services or improve access to care for children aged 18 and younger. The grant is designed as an entry-level opportunity for organizations to demonstrate their capacity to provide pediatric oral health services, with the potential for future eligibility for multi-year funding opportunities based on performance and reporting outcomes. The primary purpose of the grant is to support community-based initiatives that address barriers to dental care for underserved children. Funded activities may include direct clinical services, preventive education, outreach programs, transportation assistance, translation services, and workforce support such as salary supplementation for dental professionals. The Foundation allows for flexible use of funds as long as expenditures are directly tied to improving access to dental care and increasing the number of children receiving services. Indirect costs are permitted up to 15 percent of the total budget. Eligibility is limited to non-private dental or medical organizations located in the United States and its territories. This includes nonprofit organizations, local and state health departments, hospitals and clinics, dental and medical schools, and professional dental societies. All programs must operate under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist, with preference given to pediatric dental leadership. Ineligible applicants include private dental practices, for-profit entities, and individuals seeking funding for personal expenses. Programs must demonstrate a commitment to serving vulnerable populations, including low-income children, uninsured patients, and migrant or transient communities. The application process is conducted through an online grant management platform provided by Foundant Technologies. Applicants are required to create an account and submit their application through the system without the need for a password-protected entry. The application includes detailed project descriptions covering who will be served, how funds will be used, where services will be delivered, and how the initiative will result in measurable improvements in children’s oral health outcomes. Applicants must also provide a timeline of activities and demonstrate how their project aligns with the Foundation’s priorities. Applications for the current cycle are open through September 18 2026. Following submission, applications undergo a review process between September 2026 and February 2027, with update notifications issued in mid December 2026 and mid February 2027. Final grant agreements are distributed in March 2027, and the first installment of funding is released in April 2027. The grant operates on an annual cycle, and organizations may reapply or be invited to participate in extended funding opportunities based on performance and impact reporting. Evaluation criteria focus on the organization’s ability to deliver comprehensive oral health care, address barriers to access, and demonstrate measurable outcomes. Applicants are encouraged to provide detailed information about their target population, program design, and strategies for overcoming challenges such as transportation limitations, language barriers, and workforce shortages. The Foundation emphasizes equitable care and requires that all children be served regardless of race, gender, financial status, or citizenship. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact the Grants and Programs Assistant Manager, Jasmine Williams, via email.

Focus on clearly demonstrating how your program directly results in children receiving comprehensive oral health care and address barriers such as transportation language and access while providing measurable outcomes