Click below to explore resources that can support steering committee discussions, grant applications, and community improvement efforts:

County Health Rankings & Roadmaps

Explore county-level data on adult obesity, physical inactivity, food access, and built environment indicators.

CDC PLACES Data Portal

Provides model-based estimates for chronic disease measures at the county and census tract level.

DNPAO Data, Trends, and Maps
Offers national, state, and county-level data on Americans’ health, behaviors, and environmental or policy supports, including breastfeeding, diet, physical activity, sugar-sweetened drinks, media use, and obesity.

Tennessee Department of Health's County Data Packages 

Provides the most up to date information on Tennessee county demographics, morbidity and mortality rates, key social drivers of health, and more.

Tennessee Livability Indicators Dashboard

Provides county-level data on more than 60 indicators related to housing, transportation, education, health care access, employment, and other factors that influence quality of life and community health.

USDA Food Access Research Atlas

Identify low-income and low-access census tracts to inform food system strategies.

🔷 2026 AARP Community Challenge Grants offer Flagship, Capacity-Building, and Demonstration Grants ($2,500–$25,000) to support quick-build projects that enhance community livability. Focus areas include public spaces, transportation, housing, digital access, and disaster resilience. Communities that previously completed an Active Living Workshop are strongly encouraged to apply. Proposals are due March 4, 2026.
Learn more and apply here.

🔷 The Tennessee Department of Health's (TDH) Healthy Built Environments Grants fund projects that promote healthier, more resilient communities. Since 2018, TDH has supported playgrounds, trails, greenways, and outdoor fitness spaces—especially in economically distressed areas—to boost physical activity, social connection, and access to healthy food.
This cycle, $860,000 is available for 10–15 reimbursement-based grants for eligible government entities, tribes, and nonprofits proposing inclusive, equity-focused built environment improvements. Proposals are due March 13, 2026.
Learn more here.

🔷 Jeff Roth Cycling Foundation 2026 Community Grants support grassroots projects that promote bicycling as a safe, healthy form of recreation and transportation. Eligible applicants include local bike clubs, community cycling programs, and nonprofit organizations. Proposals are due March 25, 2026.
Learn more and apply here.

🔷 T-Mobile Hometown Grants is a $25 million, five-year initiative supporting small towns across America. Each quarter, up to 25 communities can receive up to $50,000 to support shovel-ready projects, such as revitalizing historic spaces, creating downtown destinations, or improving gathering places that strengthen local pride and spur future investment. Proposals are due March 31, 2026.
Learn more and apply here.

The High Obesity Program is made possible with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The views expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the CDC or imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Learn more about the High Obesity Program (HOP) program at https://www.cdc.gov/dnpao-state-local-programs/php/about/.