CCM Foundation receives $1M grant for new dental programs at health professions center
RANDOLPH TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — The County College of Morris Foundation has received a $1 million grant from the Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation to support new dental programs at the college’s Center for Health Professions, currently under construction.
College officials said the grant is the largest corporate foundation gift in CCM history. It follows a $100,000 SMILE grant awarded by Delta Dental in August 2024 to help develop and implement the college’s forthcoming Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting programs.
The funding will support the launch of the dental programs within the new Center for Health Professions, an 80,000-square-foot facility scheduled to open in winter 2027. The building will include learning spaces and laboratories designed to simulate modern medical and dental settings.
“Delta Dental’s commitment to the dental profession and CCM will allow the college to prepare the next generation of dental professionals. Because of Delta Dental, future students will enter the medical/dental workforce equipped with the skills necessary to meet the dental needs in the region,” said Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, president of CCM. “We can’t thank President and CEO Paul Di Maio and the entire Delta Dental company enough for this extraordinary gift.”
The Center for Health Professions is funded through state and county support, with backing from members of the New Jersey Legislature and the Morris County Board of Commissioners. College officials said philanthropic contributions will help equip the facility with updated technology and specialized equipment.
Delta Dental’s grant is intended to enhance the dental programs and support efforts to improve public oral health and expand access to preventive care.
“Building a strong, diverse dental workforce is critical to the Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation’s 40-year mission of expanding care to those who need it most. Our ability to fund significant initiatives like this reflects Delta Dental’s ‘do well, do good’ philosophy,” said Paul Di Maio, President and CEO, Delta Dental of New Jersey. “By supporting the Center for Health Professions, we are transforming our corporate success into a permanent community asset that will educate the next generation of dental professionals.”
Kelly Meola, executive director of the CCM Foundation, said the grant underscores the role of philanthropy in advancing the college’s mission.
“As the philanthropic arm of CCM, the CCM Foundation’s work is fueled by the remarkable generosity of community partners. This grant from Delta Dental signifies the power of philanthropy and the Delta Dental Foundation is a leader in showing our community the impact grants and gifts will have on future generations of healthcare providers. We welcome the support of our alumni, friends and overall community to support this incredible effort,” Meola said.
The CCM Foundation raises funds to support college programs, scholarships, capital improvements and other initiatives not covered by tuition and public funding.
