Office of Faith-Based and Community Engagement
OFBCE supports the Tennessee Department of Health's efforts to engage and support faith-based and vulnerable populations in Tennessee.About the Office of Faith-Based and Community Engagement (OFBCE)
OFBCE supports the Tennessee Department of Health's efforts to engage and support faith-based and vulnerable populations in Tennessee.
Office Contacts
LaShan Dixon, BS, GCHCM, GCG, MS
Director
LaShan.Dixon@tn.gov
Bethsahida Harrigan
Community Engagement Coordinator
Bethsahida.Harrigan@tn.gov
Focus: Immigrants/Refugees
Anika Brown (West Grand Division)
Community Outreach Worker
Anika.Brown@tn.gov
Focus: HIV/AIDS Awareness
Katherine Diaz (Hispanic Population)
Community Outreach Worker--Bilingual (Spanish)
Katherine.Diaz@tn.gov
Focus: Hispanic/Latino community
Tiffany Tutko (East Grand Division)
Community Outreach Worker
Tiffany.Tutko@tn.gov
Focus: Maternal & Child Health
Schacona Johnson
Administrative Services Assistant
Schacona.Johnson@tn.gov
TDH Related Offices & Division
Funding Opportunities and Resources
Communities often have innovative ideas to improve health, safety, and quality of life. Funding may come from federal, state, or local governments, non-profits, foundations, businesses, and healthcare providers. Some opportunities are competitive, others guaranteed. This guide highlights key funding sources.
Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) Grants
Healthy Built Environment Grants
- Support planning, programming, and construction of projects that promote physical activity, such as playgrounds, trails, and fitness stations.
- Open to local governments, state agencies, and non-profits.
- Sign up for the Built Environment + Health Newsletter for notifications.
Project Diabetes Grants
- Focus on reducing overweight and obesity as risk factors for diabetes.
- Supports community-based prevention interventions.
Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Grants
Multimodal Access Grant – Supports infrastructure for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users.
CMAQ Program – Funds projects that reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality.
Transportation Alternatives Program – Supports sidewalks, trails, and historic transportation improvements.
- Applications open annually from July 1 to November 3.
Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (ECD)
ThreeStar Program – Annual grants for counties focusing on jobs, economic development, education, and health. Learn more on the ThreeStar webpage.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) – Supports water projects, housing, community improvements, and disaster recovery. Learn more on the CDBG webpage.
Tennessee Main Street Programs – Revitalizes downtown areas; applications accepted annually. Learn more on the Tennessee Main Street Programs webpage.
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC)
Recreation and Educational Service Grants – Support parks, trails, and land development.
Green Star Partnership – Recognizes industries committed to sustainability and sharing best practices.
EPA Grants
Brownfields Program – Grants for contaminated properties to protect the environment and support redevelopment. Learn more on the Brownfields webpage.
Environmental Justice Small Grants – Funds community and tribal organizations addressing environmental justice issues. Learn more on the Environmental Justice Small Grants webpage.
MPOs, RPOs, and Development Districts
- MPOs/TPOs manage federal transportation funding in urban areas.
- RPOs serve rural areas for transportation planning.
- Development Districts assist with planning and funding administration.
Tips for Applying for Grants
Grants may begin with an identified need or a new funding opportunity. Regardless of the starting point, remember that grants are time-limited and highly competitive. Proposals that are simple, clear, and well-organized are the most likely to succeed.
- Confirm your organization is eligible (government, academia, or nonprofit).
- Check the deadline to make sure you have enough time.
- Follow all directions carefully. Missing steps may disqualify your application.
- Consider partnerships to strengthen your proposal.
- Some grants are annual; others are one-time only.
- Some guarantee funding, while many are highly competitive.
- Few awards with short deadlines often target experts in the field.
- More awards with longer deadlines may attract a wider audience.
- Proposals often improve through multiple application cycles.
- What need does the project address?
- Who is the target audience? Do they face health disparities?
- How many people will be served?
- Is the project specific, realistic, and measurable?
- Can you leverage existing resources or partnerships?
- Is the proposal clear, organized, and easy to read?
- Assign a strong project leader and qualified staff.
- Request letters of support early.
- Show your organization can meet all requirements.
- Include measurable outcomes and sustainability plans.
- Highlight unique community strengths.
- Ask someone else to review for clarity.
Resources
Explore helpful tools and programs that connect individuals, families, and communities to essential health and support services across Tennessee.
Tennessee Disability Pathfinder
Tennessee Disability Pathfinder provides a statewide database of services — including social service agencies, low-income medical clinics, and recreational programs. Users can search by region, service type, or use the advanced search feature to filter by categories such as age, type of disability, and accepted funding sources.
To access the database, visit Tennessee Disability Pathfinder.
If you need personalized assistance, call 1-800-640-4636 for one-on-one support.
Connect With Us
Use the forms below to connect with the TDH Office of Faith-Based and Community Engagement (OFBCE) by requesting support, sharing resources, or submitting content.
OFBCE Community Outreach Worker Request Form
Health Disparities Advisory Group Presentation Form
OFBCE Top Ten Newsletter Submission Form
Faith-Based Community Spotlight Nominee Form
This Page Last Updated: March 26, 2026 at 4:53 PM