FY24 TADI Grant Applications for Rural Counties Now Available
By Evangeline Mee, Traditional Arts Specialist –
The Targeted Arts Development Initiative (TADI) is a strategy developed to reach counties identified by the Tennessee Arts Commission as under-represented in Commission investments. TADI is designed to build capacity and leadership potential while encouraging applications from the identified counties to existing Commission grant categories or programs.
Last week, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) announced their list of counties identified as distressed and at-risk in fiscal year 2024. Notably, the number of distressed counties in the state has reduced to eight, the fewest in Tennessee history.
The Tennessee Arts Commission’s TADI grant complements this administration-wide mission to expand opportunity for Tennesseans in rural areas by supporting arts projects in underserved, rural communities. This special focus on distressed and at-risk counties aims to expand accessibility, participation, and inclusion in the arts for all Tennesseans.
The following counties have been identified as distressed and are eligible for TADI funds in FY2024: Bledsoe, Clay, Cocke, Hancock, Hardeman, Lake, Perry, and Scott. Counties identified as at-risk counties may also qualify. At-risk counties for FY2024 include Benton, Campbell, Carroll, Carter, Claiborne, Decatur, Fentress, Greene, Grundy, Hawkins, Haywood, Houston, Jackson, Johnson, Lauderdale, Lewis, Macon, McNairy, Meigs, Morgan, Pickett, Rhea, Sequatchie, Unicoi, Van Buren, Warren, and Wayne. TADI also aims to reach counties in Tennessee which have been identified as under-represented in Commission investments and that could benefit from capacity building resources for the current fiscal year. FY2024 counties are Chester, Hardin, Henderson, Marshall, Moore, Polk, Stewart, Trousdale, and White.
Government entities, public schools, and nonprofit organizations within identified counties above with projects that use arts and cultural activities to benefit their community, build upon existing assets, or overcome challenges are urged to apply. Funding requests can range from $500 to $5,000 for arts projects that occur between July 1, 2023, and June 15, 2024. Periodic reviews of the Commission’s grant portfolio may determine if counties are added to or removed from the TADI program.
New organizations must first register on the online grants system and complete their profiles. Click here to register in the system now. TADI grants are Rolling Grants, which are reviewed and awarded on an ongoing basis, according to the availability of funds. Typically Rolling Grants are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information on applying for a TADI grant, see the TADI guidelines and contact Evangeline Mee, Traditional Arts Specialist, to discuss this opportunity.
