Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation is accepting applications for its 2026 grant opportunity supporting children’s oral health, dental workforce development and oral health equity across Colorado.
At Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation, we believe every Coloradan deserves the opportunity for a healthy mouth and a healthy life. Yet too many people continue to face barriers to oral health care based on where they live, what they earn, or who they are. That’s why we’re excited to announce our 2026 Grant Opportunity.
This oral health grant opportunity supports community-driven solutions that align with our commitment to advancing oral health equity across Colorado. Through our 2025-2029 strategic plan, we’re investing in programs that create lasting change and improve oral health outcomes for communities facing the greatest barriers to care.
Two Funding Priorities
This year, organizations may apply under one of two focus areas:
Prevention of Tooth Decay for Children (Ages 0-10)
Ensuring children ages 0-10 receive preventive oral health services that lead to completed care and ongoing connection to a dental home.
Competitive proposals will move beyond one-time services by helping children and families successfully navigate referrals, connect to dental providers and receive completed care. We are particularly interested in approaches that strengthen care coordination, build sustainable partnerships, and integrate oral health into systems that already support children and families every day.
Access: Oral Health Career Pathways
Expanding Colorado’s oral health workforce by helping individuals move forward along oral health career pathways through training, completion, and employment.
Whether supporting entry into training, persistence through educational programs or transition into the workforce, we are looking for organizations that offer intentional pathways, reduce barriers and help participants advance toward long-term career success.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations
- Schools and government entities
- Organizations applying through a fiscal sponsor
Funding requests may be up to $75,000 per year, with one-year or multiyear opportunities available depending on the funding area.
Important Dates
- Application period: Aug. 6-Sept. 8, 2026
- Applications due: Sept. 8, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
- Award notifications: Early December 2026
- Grant period begins: Jan. 1, 2027
Visit our website’s Apply for a Grant page for full details and grant opportunity resources.
Together, we can build stronger systems, improve access to care and create a future where every Coloradan has the opportunity to thrive.