About IKDEF
As the philanthropic and charitable arm of IKDDS, our mission is to improve the oral health of the public we serve by providing a source of funding for access to care and dental education programs throughout northeast Indiana.
History
The Isaac Knapp Dental Education Foundation was established in 1987 to promote educational programs, support dental care research, and enhance dental hygiene in northeast Indiana.
Since its inception, IKDEF has distributed nearly $500,000 to various children’s oral health and community outreach initiatives, free clinics, student scholarships, and continuing education programs.
Leadership
Board of Directors
Dr. Jason Glassley – President
Dr. Andrew Hobbs – Treasurer
Dr. Alyssa Fisher – Secretary
Dr. Lucas Reed
Dr. Jay (John) Hayes
Dr. Sonya Shively
Dr. Dave Diehl
Dr. Catherine Periolat
Dr. Yash Singh – Ex-officio, IKDDS President
Jamee Lock – Ex-officio, IKDDS Executive Director
Dr. Rob Chenoweth – Ex-officio, IKDDS Immediate Past President
Charter Board Members
Dr. Jack H. Boyd
Dr. James E. Dumas
Dr. Edwin C. Errington
Dr. Max E. Fetters
Dr. Charles T. Frissell
Dr. Lloyd J. Hagedorn
Dr. Ralph G. Merkel
Dr. Robert M. Stetzel
Grants
Apply for a grant
The 2022 IKDEF Grant application deadline is MARCH 11, 2022. Click below to apply online.
2021 Grant Recipients
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Junior Achievement of Northeast Indiana
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Matthew 25
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McMillen Health
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Neighborhood Health Clinic
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St. Martin’s Healthcare
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Visit Fort Wayne – Collaborative project with NCAA to benefit Vincent Village
Scholarships
The IKDEF Dental Education Scholarship
Each fall, third year dental students have the opportunity to apply for the IKDEF Scholarship. Learn more about eligibility requirements and apply online by clicking below.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: OCTOBER 15
Dr. Phillip E. O’Shaughnessy Scholarship
Students in the Dental Assisting, Hygiene, and Lab Tech programs at the IU School of Dentistry in Fort Wayne can apply for the Dr. Phillip E. O’Shaughnessy Scholarship. Click the links below to learn more and apply.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: OCTOBER 31st
The Diane Velpel Community Program
About the program
The Diane Velpel Project was started by the Alliance of Issac Knapp, and then transferred over to IKDEF in 2020 to carry on the project. Local schools and nonprofit organizations who serve lower income families are eligible to apply to receive free toothpaste/toothbrush kits to distribute to these families who may otherwise not receive these basic hygiene tools that promote proper oral care.
In 2021, The TowneHouse Retirement Community collected donations for the Isaac Knapp Dental Education Foundation’s Diane Velpel Community Program, which was matched by the BHI Foundation. This partnership allowed more toothpaste/toothbrush kits to be distributed to those in need in our community.
2021 Recipients
- A Hope Center
- Adams Elementary School, FWCS
- Arlington Elementary School, FWCS
- CANI
- Christian Community Healthcare
- Croninger Elementary School, FWCS
- Franciscan Center
- FWCS Career Academy
- Haley Elementary School, FWCS
- Holland Elementary School, FWCS
- Indian Village Elementary School, FWCS
- Lifeline Youth & Family Services
- Matthew 25
- Meridian Health Services
- Visit Fort Wayne
- YWCA of Northeast Indiana
The Annual IKDEF Golf Outing
About the event
Since 1928, dental professionals from IKDDS have been gathering for the annual golf outing and fundraiser to benefit the Isaac Knapp Dental Education Foundation. Golf, drinks, food, and fun, plus raising money for a great cause. Sign up today!
Make a Donation
How to Give
