TUFF Application FAQs

The application form will be available through an application portal that will go live on November 1, 2023.

For round #1 of applications, the portal will be open for submissions from November 1, 2023 – November 15, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. CST. Detailed information about the timing for rounds 2 and 3 will be made available as the application periods approach.

No, applications must be submitted on time to be considered.

Applicants will be required to provide general information about their organization, narrative information stating how your organization will achieve program goals, and a detailed project plan for your proposed project.

Applications will be scored based on the following criteria:

1.     Project sustainability

2.     Impact on the community

3.     Collaboration with community partners

4.     Project readiness

No, applications will be evaluated at the close of the application period without considering the time and date within the application window that the application was submitted. The timing of the application will not affect application score.

The required version of Form W-9 is the version revised as of Oct. 2018 which may be found here: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf.

First round awards will be announced in December 2023.

Yes, but an entity may not be awarded more than once.

Application questions should be sent to business.development@tn.gov.

Applicants will only be granted a TUFF award for one project. We suggest that applicants identify and apply for their highest priority project that they believe will be most competitive for this program. Applicants may apply in the second or third round of funding with a different project idea if they are not awarded funding with their initial application.