TDEC Grant Management System FAQs

Back to Grants Home

SmartSimple by Foundant. Access TDEC's GMS at tdec.smartsimple.com. 

Chrome is preferred, but the system should work in modern browsers.

No. We recommend using Microsoft Word for spell check, then copying and pasting the content into the grants management system.

SmartSimple saves progress as you move between application tabs. However, we recommend saving frequently to avoid data loss due to connectivity issues.

Use the "Forgot Password" link on the SmartSimple login page to reset your password. You can also reach out to TDEC.Grants@tn.gov.

Go to tdec.smartsimple.com and click "Register here" in the bottom, left of your screen. 

Before you can create  and submit an application, or access an existing application, you must affiliate your account with the organization. This links your account to the organization, allowing you to apply on its behalf and request access to applications that have already been started by another user.

No. Users may affiliate with multiple organizations using a single account.

NOTE:  Affiliation does not grant automatic access to all applications within an organization. Access is granted per application or through assignment by TDEC staff.

To switch between organizations, click the circle containing the first letter of your first name in the top, right corner of your dashboard. From the menu that appears, select Organization, then select the organization you would like to view.

No. For audit and security purposes each user should have their own individual account.

The primary official for the organization (e.g., Mayor, CEO, President) should be listed as the Primary Contact in SmartSimple. Each user may only serve as the Primary Contact for one organization. If an individual serves in this role for multiple organizations, separate accounts are required.

If others need authority to sign on behalf of the Primary Contact, a signed letter on official organization letterhead must be submitted. The letter must include the authorized individual’s name, be signed and dated, and be on official letterhead.

NOTE: If there is a change to the organization’s primary contact, please email TDEC.Grants@tn.gov to update the contact information.

For security purposes, only the application owner and the organization’s Primary Contact have access to applications. Additional users must be added by TDEC staff. Users must be affiliated with the organization before they can be granted access.

Yes. Additional users can be added to the application once they are affiliated with the organization. To request this, email TDEC.Grants@tn.gov or your division contact.

Current funding opportunities are found under the "Funding Opportunities" section of your SmartSimple dashboard.

On your SmartSimple dashboard, locate the "My Applications" section.

  • In Progress Tab
    • Displays applications that are not yet submitted or require revisions
  • Active Tab
    • Displays submitted applications that are under review, approved – pending contract or fully approved
  • Completed
    • Displays applications that were not submitted by the deadline, were declined, have been terminated or are closed

You can see this on your dashboard under "My Applications", or you can open the application and see the current status.

If you do not already have a SmartSimple account, create one and affiliate with your organization. Once completed, navigate to the appropriate grant program and select "Apply Now."

Once you have completed your application, click "Submit."
NOTE: Once submitted, applications cannot be edited. If changes are needed, contact the program listed in the “Resources” section to request reopening.

You should receive an email confirmation that it was submitted. If you did not receive a confirmation email, please reach out to TDEC.Grants@tn.gov.