• Reducing oral disease through education, prevention and treatment
• Ensuring access to affordable, timely and high-quality dental care
• Enhancing the awareness of good oral health with a focus on children and individuals in need
• Making a measurable difference in the oral health of New Mexicans
• Helping to ensure New Mexico is among the states with the highest indicators of oral health

In considering grants, the Smiles Across New Mexico program evaluates each application on its own merits. Of particular interest are programs designed to promote/improve the oral health of underserved or at-risk populations and to those which have an oral health education component.

Smiles Across New Mexico considers the programs in which the organization is engaged, the constituencies it serves, the services it offers, its accountability and its fundraising practices, and the level of local community support it attracts.

Although exceptions may be made, in general, grants are not provided for building construction or to cover an organization’s normal overhead expenses. Primary consideration is given to supporting meritorious programs or activities for which other sources of funding are unavailable. Grant recipients may reapply in future years, as long as a report detailing use/impact of the grant monies is provided with the application.

• The Smiles Across New Mexico grants program is limited to $2,500 or $5,000 per grant.
• Grants must be dedicated to local programs (preference to non-profits) designed to promote oral health in New Mexico.
• Only one proposal per organization per year will be considered.