ADA Foundation launches disaster relief fund
Grants will address impacted dentists’ most urgent personal needs
The ADA Foundation has launched a new grant program to support state dental associations and their affiliated foundations as they assist dentists impacted by natural disasters.
States may be eligible to receive a grant of up to $25,000 from the ADA Foundation. The amount of the grant will depend on the severity of the disaster, the number of dentists impacted and the available funds at the time of the disaster. Grants will be awarded at the sole discretion of the ADA Foundation.
“The ADA Foundation is proud to launch this program so we can join forces with state associations and their foundations and provide assistance to dentists who are suffering in the immediate aftermath of a disaster,” said Rita Cammarata, D.D.S., chair of the ADA Foundation. “The funds available will support affected dentists so they can get back to practicing dentistry as soon as possible.”
On average, 164 disasters are declared annually in the U.S., according to USAFacts. States can apply for funding within 60 days of a disaster declaration. If they are approved and receive funding, they must distribute individual grants to eligible dentists consistent with IRS disaster relief guidelines.
The grants are intended to address impacted dentists’ most urgent personal needs in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. They cannot be used for dental practice-related expenses, including property, supplies or staff wages, or to compensate for lost income.
The grants may be used for essential, short-term personal needs such as food, water, clothing, blankets, medication and medical supplies, emergency shelter, transportation and toiletries. They are not designed to cover long-term recovery efforts, such as rebuilding homes or replacing household items.
States will be expected to report back to the ADA Foundation on their use of the funds.
To access the full list of fund guidelines and the grant application, visit adafoundation.org. Applications and inquiries should be emailed to foundation@ada.org.
