 Applications for TSET Legacy Grants are open now through June 16. This is a one-time, historic funding opportunity designed to address Oklahoma’s leading causes of death—cancer and cardiovascular disease. |
TSET Board Approves Funding for 17 Health Projects Across Oklahoma
Ryan Howell, project manager for River Parks Authority, shows map of newly improved Turkey Mountain trails funded by a TSET Discovery Grant in 2023.
The TSET Board of Directors approved more than $5 million in grant funding to support projects that will make it easier for Oklahomans to live healthier lives.
“TSET is proud to support bold, local solutions that improve health for everyone,” said TSET Executive Director Julie Bisbee. “From rural towns to urban neighborhoods, these investments will help more Oklahomans lead longer, healthier lives.”
TSET Discovery Grants
Through TSET Discovery Grants, six organizations will receive nearly $3.8 million to implement innovative programs that promote youth wellness, expand access to nutritious foods and physical activity, and reduce tobacco exposure. Projects include a mobile farmers market in Cherokee County, expanded youth leadership in rural communities, and a new digital platform for discovering active living opportunities.
TSET Discovery Grants were awarded to: |
|
Organization |
Project Summary |
Award |
|
Tahlequah Public Schools |
Expand a Mobile Farmers Market to schools in Cherokee County. |
$750,000 |
|
American Lung Association |
Provide Tulsa County childcare staff with skills to talk with parents about the harms of secondhand smoke. |
$588,763 |
|
Activate Oklahoma Incorporated |
Develop an online platform to promote opportunities for physical activity. |
$748,975 |
|
Youth & Family Services, Inc. |
Create a wellness program for clients in Blaine, Canadian, Kingfisher and Oklahoma counties. |
$414,975 |
|
Crossroads Youth & Family Services, Inc. |
Expand youth leadership coalitions across 66 rural counties. |
$750,000 |
|
Youth Services for Choctaw, Pushmataha and McCurtain Counties |
Launch "DiscoverU" in nine southeast Oklahoma school districts to improve health. |
$544,596 |
|
|
Total |
$3,797,108 | | |
TSET Innovations in Built Environment Grants
TSET also approved $1.2 million in TSET Innovations in Built Environment Grants to support 11 communities with planning and construction projects that improve access to health-promoting infrastructure. |
Northwestern Oklahoma State University used a TSET Built Environment Grant to renovate their outdoor recreational space in 2022. |
From walking trails and community gardens to fitness courts and school-based recreation spaces, these local projects will have a long-lasting impact on community health.
TSET Innovations in Built Environment Grants were awarded to: |
|
Organization |
Project Summary |
Award |
|
First Americans Museum Foundation |
Develop a renovation plan that supports physical activity and nutrition. |
$79,800 |
|
Oklahoma Ordnance Works Authority |
Construct six miles of new trails on the Ridgeview Loop Trail. |
$200,000 |
|
Meeker Public Schools |
Construct basketball and pickleball courts. |
$100,000 |
|
Town of Arkoma |
Conduct a feasibility study for a multi-use trail system. |
$50,000 |
|
Town of Prague |
Develop a plan to design and build a new park. |
$80,000 |
|
Shawnee Public Schools |
Construct an outdoor fitness court. |
$100,000 |
|
Alpha Community Foundation of Oklahoma |
Complete construction of a community center that will offer health programs serving NE Oklahoma City. |
$100,000 |
|
City of Stroud |
Enhance Foster Park with opportunities for physical activity. |
$197,916 |
|
Northwestern Oklahoma State University |
Improve an outdoor recreation area and replace walkway lighting. |
$25,000 |
|
City of Grove |
Build a multi-use trail system and park. |
$200,000 |
|
Seminole Public Schools |
Build an outdoor fitness area. |
$100,000 |
|
|
Total |
$1,223,416 | | |
With every grant cycle, TSET continues to drive innovative, community-based approaches to improving health across the state—fostering communities where Oklahomans can thrive. |
Five Oklahoma Communities Receive TSET Healthy Incentive Grants |
Five Oklahoma communities are taking steps towards a healthier future, thanks to funding by TSET. The TSET Board of Directors approved the latest round of funding for TSET Healthy Incentive Grants at their regular meeting on May 29.
These grants reward cities and towns that have adopted policies supporting healthier lifestyles, including tobacco-free environments, better access to nutritious foods and opportunities for physical activity. TSET Incentive Grants are also available to schools.
TSET Healthy Incentive Grants were awarded to: |
|
City |
Project Summary |
Award |
|
Town of Langley |
Enhancements to playground equipment. |
$14,000 |
|
Town of Depew |
Wayfinding signage to increase active lifestyles. |
$10,000 |
|
City of Tulsa |
Repair asphalt on the Osage Prairie Trail. |
$40,000 |
|
Town of Ripley |
Updates to rodeo arena, new lighting and fencing. |
$10,000 |
|
City of Jenks |
Wayfinding Signage to guide citizens to trails. |
$120,000 |
|
|
Total |
$194,000 | | |
Perspective: Julie Bisbee in the Journal Record |
 The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) supports efforts across Oklahoma that make it easier to move more every day.
From bike-friendly roads to walking trails and park improvements, TSET-funded programs create healthier communities that make physical activity safer and easier. |
TSET Better Health Podcast: Walking and Pedaling to Better Health |
Walking, bicycling and other forms of active transportation are great for recreation, getting from point A to point B and improving one's health and wellness. Episode 52 of the TSET Better Health Podcast explores state- and community-based efforts to keep Oklahomans moving in fun and safe environments. Guests are ODOT Active Transportation Coordinator Bart Vleugels and TSET Healthy Living Program coordinators Shelby Keller of Payne County and Stephanie Pendergraft and Kate Ladwig of Garfield County, who discuss Walk This May events in Stillwater and Enid.
"Starting is the hardest part. Just do something no matter how small it is," said Keller. "Sometimes when we think about it, it gets a little overwhelming. So I think if you just start small, that helps. And also there's so many free resources out there, YouTube, Instagram, social media – Shape Your Future is a great."
Available on TSET's website and everywhere podcasts are listened to: Spotify, TuneIn, Stitcher, PodBean, Google Podcasts and Apple Podcasts. |
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