Targeted Achievement Grant (TAG): Tobacco 21

The TSET Targeted Achievement Grant: Tobacco 21 is a competitive funding opportunity offered by the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), a constitutionally created state agency in Oklahoma. This grant aims to reduce underage access to tobacco, vapor, and nicotine products through comprehensive community-based strategies. It is designed for Oklahoma-based organizations that have existing relationships in selected counties and a demonstrated capacity to execute public health interventions in collaboration with local law enforcement and community stakeholders. The purpose of the grant is to advance TSET’s mission of reducing tobacco use and associated chronic diseases among youth by preventing the sale and use of tobacco, vapor, and nicotine products by individuals under 21. Oklahoma continues to face disproportionately high rates of youth tobacco use, particularly with electronic vapor products. By supporting the adoption of enabling ordinances, conducting retailer education visits, and increasing compliance checks, the program seeks to change community norms, reduce access to harmful products, and promote long-term health improvements in youth populations. Eligible applicants include Oklahoma local governments, non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations, tribal nations, and county sheriff’s offices. All applicants must have a physical office located in Oklahoma, be incorporated and able to make laws or policies, and must certify that they do not accept tobacco industry funding. Eligible applicants must also operate within one or more of the 33 specifically listed counties and demonstrate that each targeted service area includes at least 13 tobacco retailers. Applicants may request up to $30,000 per year for a three-year period, for a total of up to $90,000. Total available program funding is $120,000 annually. While no match is required, programs with confirmed match commitments may receive preference. Allowable expenditures include ordinance development and implementation, retailer education visits using youth and adult volunteers, law enforcement compliance checks, earned or paid media campaigns, and training or promotional activities to support youth access prevention strategies. Awards are made on a reimbursement basis and grantees must use 95% of funds annually to maintain eligibility. The application process is managed through the TSET Funding Portal, with applications opening on September 23, 2025. Completed applications are due by November 18, 2025, at 4:00 PM Central Time. Applicants may submit questions until October 24, 2025. Award decisions will be announced by March 26, 2026, and funded programs will begin July 1, 2026. Required documentation includes organizational assurances, policies, signed ordinances, and evaluation commitments. Applicants are expected to collaborate with a TSET-assigned evaluator throughout the funding period to assess implementation and outcomes. Key program requirements include quarterly reporting, full participation in evaluation, and public acknowledgment of TSET support. Successful grantees will show capacity to implement enabling ordinances (unless they are law enforcement), conduct youth retailer interactions, maintain strong community and law enforcement partnerships, and build toward long-term sustainability. Programs that document previous enforcement, community buy-in, and matching resources are strongly preferred. Applications must be submitted electronically and late or incomplete applications will be disqualified.

Demonstrating law enforcement partnership, submitting signed ordinances, including KPI metrics, and matching funds documentation improves competitiveness.