Healthy Active Rural Tennessee (HART)

Summary

The program aims to improve health outcomes in Tennessee's 89 rural and suburban counties (outside the state's metropolitan counties) through built environment, assessment, planning, demonstration, placemaking, and policy promotion for health and wellness. Target projects advance health equity, serve historically underserved communities, and foster community resilience. Construction and capital asset expenditures are not permitted. Activities must align with evidence-based, outcomes-driven strategies and the grant's primary objectives, emphasizing cross-sectoral partnerships and local engagement. Approximately $6 million is available to fund an estimated 48-120 projects. Maximum award is $150,000 per project, with no matching or cost share requirement.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants are Tennessee local and state government entities, American Indian tribes, and nonprofit entities with 501(c)(3) status. Rural hospitals, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), and community-based organizations may apply if registered with the State of Tennessee. Eligible entities must serve Tennessee's rural and suburban counties as defined by TDH and be properly registered in the State's system in compliance with reporting requirements.

Requirements Checklist

• Applicants must propose evidence-based, outcomes-driven projects that address the built environment for improved health outcomes in rural and suburban Tennessee. Allowable activities include convening, assessment, planning, demonstration, placemaking, and policy engagement. Proposals must document local need, readiness, partnership strategies, and strong alignment with CMS Rural Health Transformation Program objectives. Funding cannot be used for construction, capital improvements, or lobbying. Applicants must comply with administrative cost restrictions (as specified in RFA), state reporting, and audit requirements, and must provide proof of registration with the State of Tennessee.