The Patterson Foundation is dedicated to supporting programs that expand access to dental care for individuals in need and enhancing animal health. They give priority to projects led by volunteer professionals or students, seeking to make a significant impact in oral and animal health sectors.
The grant program focuses on two main areas: Oral Health and Animal Health. In Oral Health, it supports efforts to increase access to restorative and emergency dental care for underserved populations, targeting support for Mission of Mercy events, start-up or one-time project costs that grow organizational capacity for serving those in need, operational funding to support volunteer dental professionals and students, and strategic grants for large-scale programs. Priority is given to applications from organizations primarily staffed by volunteers or students, with various financial support depending on the project scope. In Animal Health, the Foundation awards grants for start-up or one-time costs that expand capacity for providing assistance dogs to veterans and individuals with disabilities, favoring organizations affiliated with Assistance Dogs International or the International Guide Dog Federation, with grant amounts varying based on project specifics.