Delta Dental gives $300K to Tenn. nonprofits

Delta Dental of Tennessee is donating $300,000 in grants to seven local nonprofits.

The grants are to organizations that provide oral healthcare to children and those in need across the state, according to the company. Throughout 2011, Delta Dental has awarded more than 20% of its net revenues to organizations, including both of the state's dental schools, the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry and Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry.

The first grant for $50,000 was presented on December 22 to Remote Area Medical in Knoxville, and will be used to provide dental care and supplies.

The other grantees are listed below:

• The Keystone Dental Care clinic in Johnson City will receive a $50,000 grant to provide care to the working uninsured.
• HOPE for the Inner City in Chattanooga, a Christian social services organization, will receive a $50,000 grant.
• Erlanger Foundation in Chattanooga will receive a $25,000 grant with funds designated to Children's Hospital at Erlanger.
• Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville will receive $50,000 to purchase tools and equipment that will help aid in its dental clinic and children's programs.
• St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis will receive $50,000 to purchase tools and equipment that will help aid in its dental clinic and children's programs.
• Children Are People of Hendersonville will receive a $25,000 grant, which will be used to assist at-risk children in Sumner County by developing academic and life skills to produce responsible, self-sufficient adults who contribute to their community.