TSET Built Environment Grant – Physical Activity

The Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) is offering funding through its Built Environment Grants to support community-level infrastructure projects that promote physical activity and improved health outcomes across the state. These grants are part of TSET’s ongoing commitment to fostering healthier environments in Oklahoma by providing resources to enhance public spaces where residents live, work, and go to school. The Built Environment Grants are divided into two funding tracks: Planning and Design, and Construction Implementation. Both tracks support projects that enhance physical activity opportunities, such as parks, trail systems, fitness areas, downtown enhancements, school activity spaces, ADA-compliant playgrounds and sidewalks, and renovations to community food access sites like farmers markets and food pantries. For example, past funds supported Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva to build pickleball, basketball, and tennis courts. Each grant-funded project must be directly aligned with TSET’s constitutional focus areas, which include tobacco prevention or cessation for high-risk groups, programs to improve the health of Oklahomans, enhance healthcare access, and promote the well-being of children and senior adults. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, tribal nations, public entities (e.g., school districts or local governments), and colleges or universities. Applicants must maintain a physical office in Oklahoma, be in good standing with the Oklahoma Secretary of State, and demonstrate the ability to deliver services or programs within the state. Additional eligibility requirements include a commitment to adopting a tobacco-free policy across all properties and a worksite wellness policy. Organizations that partner with others must act as the primary contractor and fiscal agent for the project. The grant application process is now open. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the full RFA for details on proposal structure, required documentation, and evaluation criteria. TSET provides a series of videos and guides to assist new users in registering on the funding portal and completing applications. Technical assistance is available for navigating the application process, though TSET consultants are not permitted to write proposals. Applications are submitted online through TSET’s portal. Applicants are advised to sign up for email alerts to receive updates about RFAs, funding opportunities, and amendments. The grant award timeline, application due dates, and award notifications were not included in the available source materials and may be available via TSET’s funding portal or future updates. All projects must demonstrate alignment with TSET’s goals to improve public health through environmental and policy changes that increase access to healthy food and opportunities for physical activity. Successful proposals will present clear implementation plans, measurable outcomes, community collaboration, and sustainability plans. All grant-funded projects must avoid conflicts of interest with the tobacco industry and ensure all work is aligned with public health best practices.

TSET provides application tutorials and portal support, but not direct proposal assistance. Applicants should review guidelines and plan early.