TSET to Open Grant Applications for Health Projects Across Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY (Sept. 23, 2024) –The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) is continuing its mission to improve the health of Oklahomans with two new grant opportunities opening this November. These funding opportunities invite organizations to propose community-driven health projects that will make a lasting impact across the state.

Requests for Applications (RFAs) for TSET Built Environment Grants and TSET Discovery Grants will be posted on the TSET website on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Applications will be accepted for both grants through Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025.

Built Environment Grants: Transforming Communities

TSET Built Environment grants support projects to improve the health of Oklahomans by transforming community spaces and physical infrastructure.

Previous awardees include:

• The City of Seminole, which received $480,333 for improvements to Boomtown Park to provide a more user-friendly, walkable and ADA-inclusive environment.
• Eastern Oklahoma State College, which received $110,000 to develop a plan for a new health and wellness center.
• Cushing Public Schools, which received $972,512 to build a 1.63-mile concrete trail to close a gap in bicycle and pedestrian access through Cushing and provide access to Cushing Public Schools.

Proposals must be project-driven, time limited and benefit a specific area or population. Projects should have support from multiple partners and applicants must agree to participate in an external evaluation.

Discovery Grants: Expanding Health Initiatives

Discovery Grants support innovative and effective programs to improve the health of Oklahomans through one or more of the following focus areas:

• Tobacco prevention or cessation for high-risk groups
• Programs designed to maintain or improve the health of Oklahomans
• Enhanced provision of health care services, particularly for children and youth
• Enhancing the health and well-being of senior adults

Previous awardees include:

• NewView Oklahoma, which received $495,000 for a comprehensive wellness initiative for blind and low-vision residents, including an accessible outdoor wellness space, physical activity programming and wellness programs for blind employees at NewView.
• Oklahoma State University, which received $750,000 for the OSU Student Farm to increase access to fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables through regional and local food banks and pantries in Oklahoma.
• Gateway to Prevention and Recovery, which received $748,311 for a tobacco, vaping prevention and cessation program to be embedded in local school districts.

Both Built Environment and Discovery grants are available to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, public entities such as municipalities and counties, tribal nations and educational institutions. By offering these grants, TSET aims to create healthier environments, encourage active lifestyles and broaden access to vital health services.

To learn more about TSET's funding opportunities, including eligibility requirements and key dates, visit oklahoma.gov/tset/funding.

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The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) serves as a partner and bridge builder for organizations shaping a healthier future for all Oklahomans. TSET provides leadership at the intersections of health by working with local coalitions and initiatives across the state, cultivating innovative and life-changing research and working across public and private sectors to develop, support, implement and evaluate creative strategies to take advantage of emerging opportunities to improve the public’s health. To learn more, go to Oklahoma.gov/TSET.