Construction and Implementation Projects in Oklahoma

The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) of Oklahoma has released the FY26 Built Environment Grant for Nutrition and Access to Healthy Food under funding opportunity number 092-BEN26. TSET is a constitutionally established state agency with a mission to improve the health and well-being of Oklahomans by reducing tobacco use and obesity through targeted programs and investments in research. This grant program focuses specifically on enhancing access to healthy foods through construction implementation projects across farmers’ markets, food pantries, and PreK–12 schools. This funding opportunity supports shovel-ready construction projects that improve infrastructure in existing public-use facilities. The eligible types of infrastructure improvements include additions such as refrigeration units, water stations, shade canopies, kitchen upgrades, ADA-compliant pathways, and other built environment elements that facilitate healthier food access. Projects must be situated on property owned or leased by the applicant, be publicly accessible during reasonable usage hours, and directly improve access to nutritious foods in Oklahoma. Applications must demonstrate both local data to justify need and evidence of community buy-in. TSET offers up to $100,000 per year for up to two years for projects impacting farmers’ markets and food pantries, and up to $200,000 per year for PreK–12 school-based food access initiatives. A total of $1.5 million in funding is available for this opportunity. Matching funds are required for projects impacting populations over 10,000, with match requirements ranging from 5% to 15% of the total project cost depending on the size of the service population. Projects must be ready to begin construction within 75 days of receiving an executed cooperative agreement. Eligible applicants vary by track but include city or county governments, PK–12 public school districts, state government agencies, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, tribal nations, and public higher education institutions. Applicants must be in good standing with the Oklahoma Secretary of State and sign a certification confirming they do not accept tobacco industry funds. All applicants are required to submit signed workplace wellness and tobacco-free policies, along with multiple project documents such as staffing plans, budget templates, and planning renderings. Applications must be submitted through TSET’s Salesforce portal. The application portal opens on July 1, 2025, and closes on August 26, 2025, at 4:00 PM Central Time. The last day to submit questions is August 1, 2025. Awards will be announced by January 29, 2026, with projects beginning on April 1, 2026. Evaluation will include monthly reporting, external performance reviews, and mandatory signage recognizing TSET funding. Applications will be scored across multiple criteria, including alignment with funding tracks, public accessibility, project readiness, detailed budget and planning documents, and community engagement. Any project spanning multiple, non-adjacent sites or failing to meet alignment, policy, or eligibility criteria will be disqualified.

Ensure project is shovel-ready, include local data and public buy-in, submit recent cost estimates, and meet policy requirements.