$133,545 awarded in grants during the Q2 cycle

Patterson Foundation proudly awards our second round of grants for the 2025 calendar year. We awarded just over $133,000 to 12 nonprofit organizations nationwide, including six oral health organizations, two assistance dog nonprofits and four Mission of Mercy and dental events.

Samaritan House Community Center — $10,000
Rogers, AR
SCC operates a dental clinic in Northwest Arkansas, providing care to low-income adults earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level. Funding from the Patterson Foundation grant will be used to provide salary support for essential staff working evening clinics alongside volunteer dental professionals. This organization has been partnering with the Patterson Foundation since 2018. They have received two prior grant awards, totaling $31,000. Their last award was in 2023 for $26,000 to support a capital expansion project.

South Bay Children’s Health Center — $13,345
Redondo Beach, CA
South Bay Children’s Health Center remains committed to proven solutions that protect access, build the dental workforce, and support positive patient experiences for children and youth. Patterson Foundation grant will support the provision of a dental assistance as well as the purchase of four Apple iPad Air 11-inch tablets and floor stands to enhance patient comfort and reduce anxiety during dental visits. This organization has been partnering with the Patterson Foundation since 2013. They have received nine prior grant awards, totaling $79,465. Their last award was in 2023 for $11,445 to support a similar personnel request and assorted technology needs. Cara Cherry, Region President for the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area for Patterson Dental, is a valued leader and volunteer with South Bay Children’s Health Center as a member of their Board of Directors.

Volunteer for Dental — $10,000
Muskegon, MI
VFD staff and volunteer providers improve long-term health outcomes through dental services, education, and access to oral health tools. Funding from the Patterson Foundation grant award will support the salary of VFD’s program coordinator. This is the first grant awarded to Volunteer for Dental, and this organization was referred to our grants program by Michelle VanDyke who works with this organization through Patterson Dental, but also serves on VFD’s fundraising committee for their golf tournament.

Interfaith Dental Clinic — $12,200
Nashville, TN
The Teeth for Life program at Interfaith Dental Clinic provides oral health access for critical dental needs – breaking the cycle of generational dental disease through: transformational oral care services, education, the creation of work-place ready healthy smiles that increase employment opportunities and financial stability. Funding from the Patterson Foundation grant will support personnel funding for their dental assistant on staff. This organization has been partnering with the Patterson Foundation since 2008. They have received 14 prior grant awards, totaling $210,538 for similar personnel requests. Their last award was in 2023 for $20,800 to support a very similar personnel request. Josh Clendenin, from Patterson Dental, volunteers with this organization on their golf committee.

Rural Parish Clinic of Archdiocese of St. Louis — $10,000
St. Louis, MO
The Rural Parish Clinic serves uninsured individuals aged 16 and older who fall below 200% of the federal poverty level. They provide comprehensive dental care, including dentures and partials, at no cost to qualifying patients. The funds from this grant award will be applied towards the dental staff salary to support our dental clinic operations. This organization has been partnering with the Patterson Foundation since 2022. They have received two prior grant awards, totaling $20,000 for similar personnel requests. Their last award was in 2024 for $10,000 to support this same personnel request. Mike Dunahoo attends this church and works with this organization on behalf of Patterson Dental.

North Dakota State College Science Foundation — $17,500
Wahpeton, ND
NDSCS Allied Dental Education Department is redesigning their clinic space to add 19 radiology units, allowing their dental assisting and dental hygiene programs to accept more students each year. There is a critical shortage of dental assistants and hygienists across the state of North Dakota and this is an opportunity to increase the number of graduates from the programs and help fill the workforce needs. Along with training more dental assistants and hygienists, the project will increase the patient capacity of the on-site clinic. This is the first grant being awarded to the North Dakota State College Science Foundation, and they were referred to our grants program by Brenna Lindemoen from Patterson Dental.

United Disabilities Services Foundation — $20,000
Lancaster, PA
UDS pairs service dogs with those in need. By utilizing a Prison Puppy Program, UDS creates a dual impact: for the dogs, it provides early socialization & preparation for assisting individuals with disabilities. For inmates, it offers opportunities to develop life skills such as responsibility & leadership. This organization has been partnering with the Patterson Foundation since 2020. They have received two prior grant awards, totaling $15,625. Their last award was in 2022 for $5,625 for the USD Service Dogs Fitness First Program

Can Do Canines — $25,000
New Hope, MN
Can Do Canines transforms lives through the use of specially trained assistance dogs. By utilizing a Prison Puppy Program, Can Do Canines is able to train puppies in a safe and loving environment to prepare them for further training and fostering to become an assistance dog for clients with disabilities. Funding from the Patterson Foundation grant will support the Prison Puppy Program, including support for their staff trainers and on-site resources for inmates. This organization has been partnering with the Patterson Foundation since 2018. They have received seven prior grant awards, totaling $186,000. Their last award was in 2024 for $25,000 for a liter sponsorship that we are currently getting regular updates on!

Iowa Dental Foundation — $5,000
Des Moines, IA
This 100-chair event will be taking place in Coralville, Iowa, September 19. This event is hoping to serve 1,000 unique patients throughout the weekend, with the help of 400 volunteers. This organization has been partnering with the Patterson Foundation since 2009. They have received 11 prior grant awards, totaling $68,250. Their last award was in 2024 for $5,000 to support this exact same event. A number of Patterson Dental employees are expected to volunteer at the event, coordinated by Terry Evans (retired). Todd Slycord is also involved in this event.

Columbus Community Host Group — $3,500
Columbus, OH
This 45-chair event will be taking place in Columbus, Ohio, November 8–9. This event is hoping to serve 750 unique patients throughout the weekend, with the help of 150 volunteers. This is the first award for the Columbus Community Host Group for their dental event in Ohio.

Rhode Island Oral Health Foundation — $3,500
Wakefield, RI
This 45-chair event will be taking place in Providence, Rhode Island, October 4–5. This event is hoping to serve 600 unique patients throughout the weekend, with the help of 250 volunteers. This organization has been partnering with the Patterson Foundation since 2018. They have received five prior grant awards, totaling $18,000. Their last award was in 2024 for $3,500 to support this exact same event. Steve Malley is involved with this event through Patterson Dental and is expected to help with supplies/equipment as well as recruiting other volunteers.

California CareForce — $3,500
Roseville, CA
This 45-chair event will be taking place in Sacramento, California, October 10–12. This event is hoping to serve 1,000 unique patients throughout the weekend, with the help of 250 volunteers. This organization has been partnering with the Patterson Foundation since 2014. They have received five prior grant awards, totaling $30,500. Their last award was in 2024 for $3,500 to support this exact same event.