TSET Board Approves Nearly $7 Million in Grants to Support Health Across Oklahoma

The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) Board of Directors approved nearly $7 million in grants to support projects that increase physical activity, improve community spaces and reduce youth access to tobacco, vapor and nicotine products across Oklahoma.

The funding was approved at the board’s regular meeting on May 28 and includes support through TSET Built Environment Grants, TSET Targeted Achievement Grants and TSET Healthy Incentive Grants. These investments help make it easier for people to be active, learn healthy habits and live tobacco free.

“TSET supports wellness by listening to cities, towns and organizations across the state and then offering grants to help them increase physical activity, support access to better nutritional options and keep tobacco and vape products out of the hands of Oklahoma youth,” said Lance Thomas, TSET interim executive director. “TSET partners with communities and supports local organizations who know their communities and how best to engage their residents to improve health at the local level.”

TSET Built Environment Grants

Where people live shapes their health. In many communities, limited access to safe sidewalks, parks and recreation spaces makes it hard for people to be active. Built environment projects address those gaps by improving the everyday places people rely on.

Research shows communities with safe, connected spaces for walking and recreation have higher levels of physical activity and lower rates of chronic disease. Small changes to the built environment, like adding a trail or improving a park, can reach entire communities and support health over time.

These investments focus on long-term impact by making healthy choices easier and more accessible. This work supports TSET’s constitutional goal to reduce chronic disease by improving the conditions that influence health across Oklahoma.

Approved awards include:

Projects include trail development, park improvements and playground upgrades that help people stay active close to home.

TSET Targeted Achievement Grants: Tobacco 21

The board approved $270,000 over three years for projects to reduce youth access to tobacco, vapor and nicotine products.

Most tobacco use begins before age 18. Preventing early access is one of the most effective ways to reduce lifelong addiction and improve long-term health outcomes.

These grants support local partnerships that strengthen enforcement, educate retailers and increase community awareness. Together, these efforts help limit youth access and reduce tobacco use across communities, advancing TSET’s goal to lower tobacco use statewide.

Approved awards include:

Projects focus on retailer education, compliance checks and community awareness to help prevent youth tobacco use.

TSET Targeted Achievement Grant: Physical Activity

The board approved $973,369 over three years for programs that increase access to physical activity opportunities.

Approved awards include:

Projects include community wellness programs and structured activities for all ages.

Programs like these help people build routines and stay engaged. When paired with safe places to be active, they increase participation and improve physical, mental and social health. This work supports TSET’s efforts to reduce chronic disease by helping Oklahomans move more in ways that fit their daily lives.

Healthy Incentive Grant: Communities

The board approved $334,710 for six communities to support student health.

Approved awards include:

Projects include playground and park improvements, walking tracks and farmers’ markets.

Communities play a key role in shaping lifelong behaviors. By creating healthier environments for residents, these projects help support long-term well-being. This aligns with TSET’s mission to prevent chronic disease before it starts.

“TSET creates pathways for a healthier future in Oklahoma through our work in communities in all parts of the state,” said Ken Rowe, chair of the TSET Board of Directors. “Community-based grants make physical activity safer and more accessible for families across all parts of Oklahoma. This also helps protect Oklahoma youth from addiction to tobacco and nicotine products."

TSET funding comes from earnings from the Master Settlement Agreement with tobacco companies and is used to improve health across Oklahoma. These investments help reduce tobacco use, improve nutrition and increase access to physical activity.

For more information about TSET funding opportunities, visit OK.gov/TSET/funding.

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The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) is building a healthier future for all Oklahomans. As a state grantmaking entity, TSET supports community programs, public health initiatives and research to prevent the leading causes of chronic disease. TSET grants and partnerships help to reduce tobacco use, improve nutrition, advance medicine and increase access to active, healthy living. Created by voters and funded by the Master Settlement Agreement, TSET is creating lasting change in schools, workplaces and communities across the state. Learn more at Oklahoma.gov/TSET.

TSET – Better Lives Through Better Health