The Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation announced Dec. 2 $593,300 in grant funding, benefiting 23 organizations across the state dedicated to improving oral and overall health among vulnerable populations.
This year’s list of grantees spans 13 New Jersey counties and reaches more than 14,500 children, seniors, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and veterans through preventive screenings, direct patient care, mobile clinics, and dental equipment and supplies.
Grants ranged from $4,000 to $55,000 and were given to such organizations as: Bergen Community College Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern NJ, Cape May County Division of Aging and Disability Services, Children’s Dental Care, Dental Lifeline Network, Department of Health & Community Wellness – Mary Eliza Mahoney Health Center, Foundation for Morristown Medical Center, and Hackensack Meridian Health Hospitals (JFK Medical Center and Jersey Shore University Medical Center).
Other grantees include: Impact Community Development Corp dba The CARE Center of New Jersey, Institute for Exceptional Care, KinderSmile Foundation, Matheny School and Hospital, Middlesex College, Middlesex County College Foundation, Middlesex County Recreation Council Inc., Kiddie Keep Well Camp, No Limits Academy, Paterson Public Schools Office of Dental Services, Rowan College at Burlington County Foundation, Rutgers Camden School of Nursing, Rutgers University Foundation, Somerset Health Care Foundation, Virtua Health Foundation and Zufall Health Center.
“We are proud to stand alongside community organizations that share our commitment to building healthier smiles, which starts by ensuring dental care is accessible to as many people as possible,” said Paul Di Maio, president and CEO of Delta Dental of New Jersey.
Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation’s grant funding is divided into three tiers: SMILE, SMILE Mini, and SMILE Workforce. All of which seek to expand access to dental care for un/underinsured New Jerseyans through supporting community dental clinics and health centers, dental workforce student scholarships, and dental education programs for children. The Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation has supported dental care and education across the state for nearly 40 years.
The foundation will award its second inaugural SMILE Workforce grants in January 2026. To date, the Foundation has committed more than $3 million to help address the dental assisting and dental hygiene workforce shortage issue across the state.
Delta Dental of New Jersey, Inc. provides or administers coverage to more than 2.2 million people through contracts with groups and individuals in New Jersey and Connecticut.
