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Our Grant Application Process
Through our grantmaking, we work with partners to catalyze oral health transformation. Together, we are guided by one vision: an oral health system that is just, equitable, and accessible to all.
3 Steps to Apply for Grant Funding
Step 1: Check Funding Eligibility
CareQuest Institute makes grants to nonprofit or not-for-profit organizations in the US and territories. The Institute does not make grants to for-profit organizations or individuals. CareQuest Institute grants support organizations that:
- Are representative of, or have demonstrated trusted relationships with, communities that have historically been affected by oral health inequities. These could include, but are not limited to, racial and ethnic minority groups, immigrants, refugees, persons with disabilities, veterans, and/or rural communities
- Have demonstrated experience in, or willingness to begin engaging in, policy and systems-change work at the local, state, or national level
- Have a proven track record of applying a health equity and racial equity lens in their work
- Are committed to deepening their expertise in the social determinants of oral health
The CareQuest Institute grant applications are managed through Fluxx. If you do not have a FLUXX account, please register and set up an account. You will receive a username and password to log in to the portal within one to three business days.
Step 2: Submit a Concept
All applicants are invited to initiate the grant submission process by submitting a 500-word concept of a proposed project. This requirement applies to all applicants and organizations applying to any of the CareQuest Institute funds.
Within the concept, CareQuest Institute requests that applicants include:
1) Description of the issue you intend to address
2) Description of the project for which you are seeking funding
3) Why funds are needed to complete the project
Organizations can submit concepts at any time through the online grants management portal. After review, we will invite organizations whose work strongly aligns with CareQuest Institute’s priority areas to enter the next stage of the application process, to submit a full proposal.
Step 3: Submit a Full Grant Proposal
Upon invitation, applicants can submit a full proposal, which is a more comprehensive application that includes a project narrative, work plan, and budget. This detailed proposal allows applicants to fully describe the proposed scope of work and corresponding steps necessary for implementation.
2025 Application Timeline
| Concept Submissions Deadlines | Proposal Deadline | Final Determination Anticipated |
| Sep 16, 2024 or Nov 22, 2024 | Jan 8 | Early-Apr |
| Jan 20, 2025 or Feb 20, 2025 | Apr 1 | Mid-Aug |
| Mar 14, 2025 or May 16, 2025 | July 8 | Mid-Oct |
| Jun 13, 2025 or Aug 1, 2025 | Sep 19 | Mid-Dec |
| Oct 10, 2025 or Nov 20, 2025 | 2026 |
Please note that in 2025 there are two submission deadlines per quarter.
FAQs
Where can organizations apply for funding?
Organizations can apply for funding through our online grants management portal, Fluxx.
Where can organizations learn more about the grant process?
Organizations can find more information about the funding areas by visiting our grantmaking landing page or by getting in touch with a member of the grants team.
What types of organizations are eligible for funding?
CareQuest Institute makes grants to nonprofit or not-for-profit organizations in the United States and US territories. The Institute does not make grants to for-profit organizations or individuals.
Should an organization submit a full budget as a part of the concept submission?
No, you don’t need a full budget when submitting a concept. Our hope is that after any concept is approved, the process for writing and submitting a full proposal is collaborative and iterative in a way that can clarify any budget questions.
Is there a funding amount maximum and/or a range for funding?
We are flexible and consider the scope of your work as well as its alignment with our strategic priorities.
Which organizations need to submit a Concept?
We ask all interested organizations to submit a Concept in the grant application process. Concepts are reviewed regularly and prospective applicants may contact a member of the grants team for more information about submitting a Concept.
What budget line items are eligible/not eligible for funding?
CareQuest Institute does not make grants directly to individuals and does not support capital expenses, direct service, mobile vans, or payments for procedures.
Can organizations communicate with the grants team before applying for funding?
Absolutely! We encourage all organizations to reach out to a member of the grants team to discuss the program or project for which you are seeking funding.
What is the OPEN Network and how do I join?
OPEN, an initiative of CareQuest Institute, is a diverse network of individuals and entities who are taking on America’s oral health challenges so that everyone has a chance to thrive. OPEN members use their unique experiences, knowledge, and skills to lead network activities every year, creating collective energy that is driving large-scale change. Learn more about joining the network.