Healthy Built Environments is sponsored by Tennessee Department of Health. Supports initiatives to create healthier built environments that promote community wellness and public health. Letter of Intent deadline March 13, 2026.

Built Environment Funding Opportunities We’re redesigning the Tennessee Department of Health’s website to improve accessibility and user experience. Some pages or documents may be temporarily unavailable. The relaunch of a new TDH website is expected in early 2026.

Please visit the TDH homepage and use the Search tool to find current information and resources. Thank you for your patience as we work to build a better online experience for all Tennesseans.

Built Environment and HealthSection Menu * Healthy Development Coordinators * Built Environment Resources * Built Environment Funding Opportunities Built Environment Funding Opportunities Grant Applications Due Soon Built Environment Funding Opportunties from Various Organizations TDH Built Environment Grants Other Useful Funding Resource Pages [](https://www. tn.

gov/health/health-program-areas/office-of-primary-prevention/redirect-opp/built-environment-and-health/built-environment-funding-opportunities. html)Grant Applications Due Soon Deadline: February 28, 2026 Riding for Focus is designed to integrate cycling into the school day. Developed as a result of our research findings, R4F is designed to help young riders build confidence and skills on the bike.

Eligible schools may receive a grant to establish a program, which includes a fleet of bikes and curriculum. Read more here. ### 2026 AARP Community Challenge Grant The 2026 AARP Community Challenge offers three grant opportunities—Flagship Grants, Capacity-Building Microgrants, and Demonstration Grants—to support quick-build projects that make communities more livable.

Grants range from $2,500 to up to $25,000 and fund projects focused on public spaces, transportation, housing, digital access, and disaster resilience. Communities who completed an Active Living Workshop in the past are strongly encouraged to apply. Read more here.

### Healthy Built Environments The Tennessee Department of Health recognizes that the built environment strongly affects physical, mental, and social health, and supports projects that promote healthier, more resilient communities.

Since 2018, TDH’s Office of Primary Prevention has funded projects like playgrounds, trails, greenways, and outdoor fitness spaces that encourage physical activity, social connection, and access to healthy food, often in economically distressed areas.

For this funding cycle, TDH has allocated $860,000 for 10–15 reimbursement-based grants available to eligible government entities, tribes, and nonprofits proposing inclusive, equity-focused built environment improvements in a defined community. Read more here. ### Trail Accelerator Grants This is a planning and design grant for mountain bike trails from the International Mountain Bicycle Association.

This grant provides a jump-start to communities that have the interest and political support to do this work, but need assistance to get projects up and running. This is not a cash grant but instead provides the professional services of the IMBA. Read more here.

#### Jeff Roth Cycling Foundation 2026 Community Grants Proposals for the 2026 Community Grants program are being accepted through March 25, 2026. Local bicycle clubs, community bicycle programs, and other not for profit and nonprofit organizations are encouraged to submit proposals for projects that promote bicycling as a safe and healthy form of recreation and transportation.

Projects originating at the grassroot community level have the highest probability of funding. Read more here. #### T-Mobile Hometown Grants T-Mobile Hometown Grants is a $25 million, five-year initiative to support the people and organizations who help small towns across America thrive and grow.

Hometown Grants are given every quarter to up to 25 small towns. Apply for funding to support a community project of your choice, like revitalizing or repurposing a historic structure, creating a downtown asset or destination, or improving a space where friends and neighbors gather. Projects that add to a sense of place or could lead to further investment are of particular interest.

Read more here. #### Tire Environmental Act Program The purpose of the Tire Environmental Act Program is to select and fund projects that best result in one of the beneficial end uses for waste tires identified below.

The Tire Environmental Act Program provides financial assistance (through reimbursement during a contract term) to organizations in Tennessee to purchase, install, and construct projects that fit into one of the following eligible project categories: tire recycling, tire derived product use, or research and development.

Many types of entities and organizations are eligible for funding such as local governments, state government, non-profits, k-12 schools, HEI's, and for-profit companies. This grant will be open from January 15th through April 15th. Read more here.

[](https://www. tn. gov/health/health-program-areas/office-of-primary-prevention/redirect-opp/built-environment-and-health/built-environment-funding-opportunities.

html)Built Environment Funding Opportunities from Various Organizations This section lists funding opportunities that have been available in the past so you can check to see if they may offer more funding in the future.

* Technical Assistance and Training **Grant Name****Agency****Who Can Apply****Brief Description** Community Transportation Plannng GrantTDOT Cities, towns, and counties outside of MPO's Community mobility plans, corridor studies, multi-modal studies, major street plans, etc. Multi-Modal Access GrantsTDOT Cities and counties Multi-modal infrastructure improvements along state routes Surface Transportation Block GrantTDOT automatically granted to municipalities >5,000 Transportation system improvements Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)TDOT Local governments Main funding source for general pedestrian and bicyling infrastructure projects People for Bikes grantsPeople for Bikes Local governments (or govrnment agencies working locally) and non-profits Making your community bike friendly, broad grants Recreational Trails Programs (RTPs)TDEC Local, state, and federal land managing organizations, 501c3's with written agreements for a trail management agency Land acquisition for trails, trail maintenance, trail construction, trail rehavilitation and for trailhead support facilities Jeff Roth Cycling Foundation grantsJeff Roth Cycling Foundation bike-supporting non-profits Making your community bike frindly - must go towards a specific projct or program Community Development Block GrantsTNECD for HUD cities, counties,Providing essential, pressing community development needs in underserved areas.

Can go towards community livability projects.

America Walks Community Chnage GrantsAmerica Walks Non-profits, local governments Improving community walkability---eligible for program, policy, or environmental projects AAA Traffic Safety GrantAAA tax-exempt organizations improving traffic safety for all road users through activities, programs and training Trail FundAmerican Trails"Tax-exempt organizations under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(7), including public charities as described in IRC 509(a)(1)-(4) and 170(b)-(c).

Federal, State, regional, and local government units, school districts, and tribes""These grants are for work on motorized or nonmotorized trails/project that are open to the public anywhere in the United States. We will focus our funding on state and local lands, and Federal lands will be accepted.

" Bloomberg Initiative for Cycling InfrastructureBICI Cities"Led in partnership with theGlobal Designing Cities Initiative (GDCI), BICI will:Fund ambitious cycling infrastructure projects by providing grants of $400k USD to $1M USD;Refine project plans by connecting winning cities with world-class technical assistance from GDCI;Implement projects and track progress by training city leaders on data collection, resident engagement and other industry best practices;Connect cities with a global network of peers."

**Grant Name****Agency****Who Can Apply?

****Brief Description** Local Parks and Recreation Funds (LPRFs)TDEC city and county governments Land acquisition, indoor and outdoor recreation facilities, trail development Creative PlacemakingTN Arts Commission local governments, quasi-governmental entities, 501c3s / public-private partnerships; public placeq Art that makes places more inviting Arts Build CommunitiesTN Arts Commission local governments, 501c3, higher ed if benefits public / open to and benefits the public.

Getting art to happen in our communities - programs, events, art in public places Commit to HealthNPRA, the Walmart Foundation Applicants must: be a local government agency, serve meals/snacks through SFSP and/or the CACFP or NSLP in 2018 (USDA programs), have not received funding from NPRA for a previous healthy out-of-school time grant Increasing healthy meals served to children, improving nutrition literacy in kids, and implementing HEPA standards Tourism Enhancement GrantTN Department of Tourist Development city or county governments / one application per county; must have former grants closed out; can split between multiple places as long as it tells a cohesive story Developing and improving tourism assets for tourism-related economic impact...

can't be for something completely new, but can build on what you have KaboomKaboom!

Most groups Playgrounds Play SpaceNational Parks and Recreation Association and Disney Local Parks and Recreation Agencies Inclusive play spaces The Explore FundThe North Face 501c3s Increasing participation in the outdoors and working in innovative ways to protect the environment Acres for AmericaNational Fish & Wildlife Foundation 501c3s, state and local governments, Native American tribes, and educational institutions Providing access for people to enjoy the outdoors; and, ensure the future of local economies that depend on forestry, ranching and recreation BlueCross Healthy PlacesBCBSTN Government entities and non-profit organizations with experience implementing large-scale civic projects Making active, healthy public spaces (likely parks) / can't go towards purchasing land, staffing pay, or co-branded projects 2019 NEEF Health and Natural Environment GrantNational Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF)501c3s with an existing connection to Forest Service agencies Mobilizing a diverse community of volunteers, primarily youth and hispanic families, and educating participants about how protecting the long-term sustainability of their local public lands greatly benefits people's health KEEN Effect GrantsKEEN 501c3s Inspiring youth outdoor participation and engaging diverse audiences through innovative and creative approaches.

Climbing Conservation Grant ProgramAccess Fund nearly anyone (even individuals)Preserving or enhancing climbing access and opportunities and conserving the climbing environment Cornerstone Conservation GrantAmerican Alpine Club, REI and Clif Bar Foundation Partners of members of local climbing community creates healthy climbing landscapes, promotes respect for places people climb, and empowers local climbing communities Challenge AmericaNational Endowment for the Arts 501c3s, local or state government units Supporting small and mid-sized organizations for projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved populaitons TN Disability Coalition Small GrantsTN Disability Coalition 501c3s and government entities build capacity in the disability community to serve individuals with disabilities and their families.

Can go towards infrastructure. BOGS Impact FundBOGS 501c3s outdoor education opportunities for low income and underserved communities [Levitt AMP [Your City] Music Series Grants](https://levitt. org/amp/)Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation 501c3s Funding 10 free outdoor concerts that are musically diverse and of high-caliber talent.

Technical assistance provided. Good projects will help revitalize an underutilized public space. Our TownNational Endowment for the Arts 501c3s, local governments Creative placemaking grants program for projects that integrate arts, culture, and design activities into efforts that strengthen communities by advancing local economic, physical, and/or social outcomes.

AARP Community ChallengeAARP 501c3s, 501c6s, Government Entities, other types of organizations considered on case-by-case basis Quick-action projects across the country, helping communities make immediate improvements and jumpstart long-term progress to support residents of all ages.

POWER InitiativeAppalachian Regional Commission Local development districts, Native American tribes, local governments, higher education institutions, public or private non-profits Helps communities and regions that have been affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries Pool Safely&text=This%20program%20provides%20state%20and,entrapments%20in%20pools%20and%20spas.)

Consumer Product Safety Commission State and Local Governments Assistance to help implement enforcement and education programs, with the goal of preventing drownings and drain entrapments in pools and spas. GameTime Cares Playground GrantsGameTime Communities 100% matching funds for playground equipment Hope VI Main Street ProgramU. S.

Department of Housing and Urban Development Local Governments Provides grants to small communities to assist in the renovation of an historic or traditional central business district or “Main Street” area by replacing unused, obsolete, commercial space in buildings with affordable housing units Gardens for GoodNature's Path Up to $5,000 for community garden projects.

Love your Block GrantJohns Hopkins University U.S. Cities with a population of at least 30,000"connects mayor’s offices with community residents to revitalize their neighborhoods one block at a time... From turning vacant lots into community gardens to helping elderly neighbors with home repairs to avoid fines and safely age in place." **Grant Name****Agency****Who Can Apply?

****Brief Description** Fuel up to play 60NFL and National Dairy Council Schools Nutrition and Physical activity improvements.

Examples: signage and paint for walking tracks, equipment for lunchrooms, visits to farms, water bottles, GoNoodle, etc. Donors Chooseindividuals Teachers Teachers' equipment and funding for programs School Breakfast Grant ProgramAction for Healthy Kids Schools Starting or expanding school breakfast participation Game on GrantsAction for Healthy Kids Schools For schools to improve or introduce new nutrition and physical activity programs Good Sports GrantsGood Sports Schools and 501c3s Sports Equipment for underserved children Tobacco-Free Generation Campus InitiativeAmerican Cancer Society Colleges and Universities Accelerate and expands the adoption and implementation of 100% smoke- and tobacco-free policies on college and university campuses.

Grants ranging from $8,000 to $20,000 **Grant Name****Agency****Who can Apply?

****Brief Description** Safe Routes to Parks Activating Communities ProgramSafe Routes Partnership Community based non-profits Developing an action plan and executing it to deliver safe non-car routes to parks Walking CollegeAmerica Walks Anyone Developing walking and walkable community advocates 10-Minute Walk Planning Grant and Technical AssistanceNRPA local government agencies operating parks OR affiliated 501c3s Grants and technical assistance to support planning efforts that help cities increase access to high-quality parks within a 10-minute walk **Grant Name****Agency****Who Can Apply?

****Brief Description** Farmers Market Promotion ProgramUSDA all organizations involved in getting food directly from producers to consumers Improving taking goods directly from farmers to market Local Food Promotion ProgramUSDA supporters of local and regional food business enterprises Planning or implementing new local and regional food business enterprises Healthy Food Financing InitiativeUSDA SNAP processing staple and perishable food retailers in underserved areas providing healthy food retail options in underserved areas Farm to SchoolUSDA school districts, state and local agencies, tribal organizations, agricultural producers, and non-profit organizations Designed to improve access to local foods in eligible schools Community Food Projects (CFP) Competitive Grants ProgramUSDA Public food program service providers, tribal organizations or private nonprofit entities To create community-based food projects and to plan for improving community food security Gro More Good GrassrootsKidsGardening Non-profits, tax-exempt organizations, schools Development of new and expansion of existing youth garden programs with sustainability plans Youth Garden GrantKidsGardening Non-profits, public or private schools, youth programs School or youth community gardens and gardening programs that enhance the quality of life for students and their communities Safer School Garden GrantSafer Brand Students on behalf of their schools School garden development High Obesity ProgramCDC Land grant universities work with community extension services to increase access to healthier foods and safe and accessible places for physical activity in counties that have more than 40% of adults with obesity.

Garden Grant ProgramWhole Kids Foundation School systems or non-profits Edible, educational school/youth gardens Improving Senior (age 50+) Food SecurityAARP Foundation Most entities Evidence-based projects to improve food security among older adults 2021Budding Botanist GrantKidsGardening Public, private or charter schools from which 40%+ of kids would qualify for free and reduced lunch helping kids learn about plants, explore their world and inspire them to take care of the life they discover in their local ecosystems The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive ProgramUSDA government agencies and non-profits Supports projects to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables among low-income consumers participating in SNAP by providing incentives at the point of purchase.

Food and Agriculture Service Learning ProgramUSDA State agricultural experiment stations; colleges and universities; university research foundations; other research institutions and organizations; Federal agencies; national laboratories; private organizations, foundations, or corporations; individuals; or any group consisting of 2 or more entities described in this paragraph"The purpose of the Food and Agriculture Service Learning Program is to increase the knowledge of agricultural science and improve the nutritional health of children.

The program’s goal is to increase the capacity for food, garden, and nutrition education within host organizations or entities, such as school cafeterias and classrooms, while fostering higher levels of community engagement between farms and school systems by bringing together stakeholders from distinct parts of the food system.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to not only increase access to school meals for low-income children, but also to dramatically improve their quality."

Healthy Meals IncentiveUSDA For profit organizations other than small businesses; Public, State controlled, and private institutions of higher education;Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education"USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has established the Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative to improve the nutritional quality of school meals through food systems transformation, school food authority recognition and technical assistance, the generation and sharing of innovative ideas and tested practices, and grants."

**Grant Name****Agency****Who Can Apply****Brief Description** Innovations in Accessibility Grant Funding OpportunityAdvancing States Local and regional private nonprofit or government organizations that directly provide transportation services Provides up to $30,000 support develop program innovations for increasing accessible transportation in the community that are ready to implement on Day 1 TDOT Rural Planning Initiative (Contact your RPO)TDOT TN Counties and Municipalities in at-risk or distressed counties located outside an MPO boundary Fund corridor studies, access management studies, road diet analysis, resurfacing and striping plans for local roads, transportation facility inventories,transportation feasibility studies, and all CTPG eligible planning documents Community Rides GrantsNational RTAP Current recipients and subrecipients of the FTA's Forumula Grans for Rural Areas Program Eligible applicants can "apply for grant awards of up to $100,000 for projects that develop or strengthen transportation partnerships that improve social determinants of health in rural and tribal communities."

Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development PlanningFederal Transit Administration communities to integrate land use and transportation planning in new fixed guideway and core capacity transit project corridors.

Community Mobility Design ChallengeNational Center for Mobility Management Government Agencies and Non-Profits"support communities in seeking innovative ways to address the personal well-being of community members that face transportation barriers to health care access, economic opportunity,healthy food,or community and peer support opportunities" CMAQTDOT Funds bike/ped projects that reduce congestion and improve air quality.

Typically greenway projects. SS4A (Safe Streets and Roads or All)FHWA* Metropolitan planning organizations; * Counties, cities, towns, and transit agencies or other special districts that are subdivisions of a State; Federally recognized Tribal governments; and Multijurisdictional groups comprised of the above entities. Discretionary program to fund grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries.

**Grant Name****Agency****Who Can Apply****Brief Description** Global Ideas for U.S. Solutions: Cities Taking Action to Address Health, Equity, and Climate ChangeRobert Wood Johnson Foundation organizations from a wide range of fields and disciplines—both within and outside the health/public health sector Funds proposals that stimulate action in U.S. cities around smart, effective approaches from abroad that mitigate the unequal health risks posed by climate change.

Specifically, they seek proposals that explore changes in city planning, policies, and programs that address: buildings and energy; land use and urban planning; transportation; waste; food systems and food security; and air quality.

Choice Neighborhoods Planning GrantHUD Housing authorities, non-profits, local governments, others Up to $450,000 to develop a comprehensive neighborhood revitalization strategy for public and/or assisted housing. Community Tree Planting ProgramTDA Local governments, private non-profits, educational institutions Funds to plant trees in riparian areas.

Meharry-Vanderbilt Community-Engaged Research Core Mini GrantsMeharry-Vanderbilt Community and Academic Partners Activities that promote on-going, mutually beneficial, health-oriented research partnerships between community organizations and academic researchers. Applicants may propose a community-engaged research project or a capacity building project that enables the partners to pursue an identified research agenda.

Advancing Environmental Justice Through Technical Assistance Mini GrantsAmerican Public Health Association 501c3 Non-profit organizations A grant and technical assistance program to help community-based organizations work to advance environmental justice. Conservation Alliance GrantsKEEN"The Conservation Alliance seeks to protect threatened wild places throughout North America for their habitat and recreational values.

" Tire Environmental Act ProgramTDEC Local governments, non-profits, and for-profit entities Between $10,000 to $750,000 for recycling, re-using, or researching ways to upcycle discarded tires. One of the uses for these tires is to create non-pourous paving surfaces to sidewalks and playgrounds!

Building Resilience Against Climate Effects: Implementing and Evaluating Adaptation Strategies that Protect and Promote Human HealthCDC Creating Homes Initiative 2. 0TDMHSAS Non-profits Develop and expand the number of safe, affordable and quality permanent housing options for Tennesseans living with substance use disorder, in particular opioid use disorder.

Creating Affordable HousingTDMHSAS Non-profits Develop new safe, quality, and affordable permanent housing options for people experiencing mental illness, substance use disorders (including opioid use disorder) and/or cooccurring disorder. [](https://www. tn.

gov/health/health-program-areas/office-of-primary-prevention/redirect-opp/built-environment-and-health/built-environment-funding-opportunities. html)Other Funding Resource Compilations * State of Tennessee Search for Grants Tool * Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC) Grants and Funding For comments or suggestions, please email shannon. velasquez@tn.

gov. [](https://www. tn. gov/health/health-program-areas/office-of-primary-prevention/redirect-opp/built-environment-and-health/built-environment-funding-opportunities.

html#header) * Certificate of Public Advantage (COPA)") Safety and Emergency Preparedness * Birth Defects Surveillance * County Health Assessment Priorities * Drug Overdose in Tennessee * Interactive Disease Data Resources for Healthier Living * Kidcentral Resources for Parents * Pick Tennessee Food Products **Department of Health** John R. Dunn, DVM, PhD, EMBA Commissioner 710 James Robertson Parkway tn. health@tn.

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