The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) has set out to touch every life in Oklahoma through strategically designed grant programs. These initiatives are not just about addressing health challenges but also about fostering wellness in every community across the state.
“Schools and communities often tell us that with a little bit of money, they could improve the playground or pave the walking trails,” said TSET Executive Director Julie Bisbee. Through Healthy Incentive Grants, TSET provides communities with the power of choice. This allows them to allocate the TSET-awarded funding where they believe it will have the most significant impact and tailor health initiatives to suit the residents’ unique needs. For example, Lindsay Public Schools used TSET funds to upgrade their playground equipment, giving students a safe place to get active during recess.
“Our role is to help Oklahomans make the healthy choice, the easy choice,” said Bisbee. “TSET grants help ensure communities have the opportunity to make healthy choices.”
Communities across the state can apply for health-promoting infrastructure projects through TSET Built Environment Grants. These grants fund a variety of projects, including the development of comprehensive plans for community parks and trail systems, improvements to community centers and ADA-compliant sidewalks and playgrounds.
TSET Discovery Grants are for groundbreaking and innovative ideas that support TSET’s main pillars. These grants are aimed at immediate, impactful programs focused on tobacco cessation and health improvements.
In 2022, TSET awarded approximately $5.5 million in Discovery Grants to seven organizations that impact a wide range of people. For example, NewView, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit for Oklahomans with vision loss, received a TSET Discovery Grant for a comprehensive wellness initiative that included the creation of accessible outdoor wellness space for clients and community members.
“TSET grants are impacting every corner of the state,” said Bisbee. “We are in urban areas and rural areas. It’s really important that we are making partnerships in a variety of communities because we’re moving the whole state forward, not just certain pockets.”
How can TSET make a difference in your community? Explore our funding opportunities to learn more.