ThreeStar Grant Program - Pre-Certified Counties

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) administers the ThreeStar program as a strategic statewide community development initiative. Its mission is to strengthen county-level planning, promote collaboration among local governments and organizations, and drive long-term prosperity. ThreeStar certification unlocks access to a wide range of benefits, including discounts on grant match calculations, eligibility for state economic and community development programs, and access to direct ThreeStar grant funding. For counties that are already certified, the program provides an ongoing opportunity to apply for competitive grant funding aligned with local SMART goals. Once a county has achieved certification, it holds a two-year status, during which it may participate in quarterly grant cycles. Certified counties may apply for up to $250,000 in project funding for local government and nonprofit partners, and distressed counties (already certified) may be eligible for up to $1 million. Funding is awarded to projects that strengthen community capacity and align with county-identified development priorities. The program operates on a rolling quarterly cycle. Application deadlines for the current certification period include September 30, 2025, December 30, 2025, and March 30, 2026. Applications are submitted through the SmartSimple system and must demonstrate clear connections to one of the county’s ThreeStar SMART goals. Applications are scored on project design, community impact, sustainability, partnerships, alignment with goals, and clarity of budget. Funds cannot be used for salaries, travel, food, prizes, landscaping, or direct business support. The submission process is streamlined for certified counties, which have already completed all foundational requirements such as asset inventories, taskforce formation, and SMART goal development. Applications require a project narrative, budget and budget narrative, sustainability plan, and documentation of partnerships. Projects must include performance measures and an evaluation plan. A professional grant administrator is required if the request exceeds $75,000. Awards are determined quarterly, with reviews conducted in July, October, January, and April. All ThreeStar grants are reimbursement-based, requiring detailed invoices and proof of payment. Grant management webinars before application and after award are mandatory. Reports on outcomes and impacts are submitted throughout the grant cycle and at project completion. Contacts for the program include Sarah Elizabeth Hickman-McLeod for questions on current or pending grants, and Brooxie Carlton for general program administration. With certification in place, counties are positioned to take advantage of predictable quarterly funding cycles, making this an important tool for sustaining long-term community and economic growth.

Align projects with SMART goals; emphasize strong partnerships; avoid ineligible costs