The DentaQuest Foundation has announced a request for proposals from oral health programs that have demonstrated positive outcomes for its Venture Fund for Oral Health.

The Venture Fund supports the achievement of optimal oral health through strategic investments in proven initiatives that have the potential to make an impact on a wider scale.

The foundation envisions oral health systems that are effective and efficient and which provide equitable access to high-quality care for diverse populations. As a result of its investments, the foundation seeks to achieve impact in the following four systems:

* Public policy that supports improved oral health;
* Increased public and private funding for oral health initiatives;
* Improvement in the delivery of oral health care and prevention programs;
* Expanded community engagement on oral health issues.

DentaQuest Foundation awards grants to strengthen Oral Health in Maryland

To qualify for funding, organizations must demonstrate proven past successes in one of the systems that the foundation seeks to impact--policy, funding, care, community--and a well-thought-out plan for expansion. Each grantee in the portfolio will receive funding and technical assistance to support the expansion of their program on a larger scale.

The foundation anticipates establishing engaged relationships with Venture Fund grantees to ensure the sustainability of these investments. Funding will specifically support business planning, capacity building, and program evaluation to allow grantees the ability to expand while maintaining the quality of their programs.

There are two stages in the competitive proposal process for the Venture Fund. Interested applicants should first submit a Letter of Intent describing their proposed project. The DentaQuest Foundation will then invite qualified applicants to submit full proposals.

“We believe that replicating effective programs that have been successful in reducing oral health disparities will lead to an improvement in access to oral health care and a reduction of disease and disability,” said Ralph Fuccillo, DentaQuest Foundation president.

Letters of Intent and applications for the Venture Fund will be accepted on a rolling basis through December 2011.

For more information, go to www.dentaquestfoundation.org.

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