Submitting a Nomination

Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards Home

Applications Open in January 2026


 

Initiative Eligibility

The Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards recognize outstanding achievements for environmental initiatives in Tennessee.

  • The initiative must align with one of the ten award categories.
  •  Projects must be voluntary and not required by federal or state mandates, regulations, or enforcement actions.
  • Initiatives must have been completed within the two years prior to December 31, 2025.
  • Long-term inititatives must have been completed by one year piror to the application deadline.
 

Nominee Eligibility

  • Nominees must reside in, or be located in, Tennessee.
  • Eligible nominees include individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, local governments, and state or local agencies.
  • Nominees must have three consecutive years of strong environmental compliance with no outstanding issues.
  • Previous recipients may reapply in the same category after a three-year waiting period.
 

Application Timeline

Governor's Environmental Stewardship Awards Application Timeline. Applications open late December, applications close mid-March, applications are vetted in May/June, recipients are announced in July, and the award Ceremony is in September.
 

Sample Application

Below are the requirements for submitting a nomination. Check back here in late December to access the official application portal to submit your nomination. 

Nominations must include a summary overview of the initiative and its outstanding environmental achievements. 

Nominations must include answers to the following supporting questions with quantitative data, when possible.

Results: What significant environmental, economic, social, and/or community enhancements resulted from the project? Include any qualitative and quantitative results.

Innovation: Did the project utilize or contribute to any new methods or information that support protecting or enhancing the environment? What creative or untested elements were included in the project?

Leadership and Commitment: How does the scope of the project compare to the size and resources of the organization(s)?  Does the project go beyond the current status quo for what leadership typically requires of the organization for environmental performance? How is leadership within the organization(s) supporting the project? How does the project demonstrate an exceptional commitment from those involved in the effort (e.g., employees, leadership, community partners, local/state/federal government)?

Addressing Environmental Issues: How does this program, project, or individual accomplishment address environmental issues and/or provide an environmental benefit to the State of Tennessee? Include and document any quantifiable results.

Transferability: Describe how the program, project, or accomplishment lends itself to replication by other organizations or individuals. Are any project activities or results being shared with others, and if so, with whom and how?

Education and Outreach: What education and/or outreach activities were associated with the project? Does the project promote public awareness regarding environmental issues, and if so, describe how? Include and document any quantifiable results.

Reducing Community Burden: Does the project demonstrate a commitment to alleviating environmental risks to communities?

Partnerships: Does this project involve a cooperative or collaborative effort between multiple entities, organizations, or sectors (city/state government, industries, civic groups, schools, citizens, associations)? Were partnerships created or strengthened by the project?

 

Nominations must include at least four supporting documents that help illustrate the scope and impact of the project.

Examples include:

  • Photographs
  • News clippings
  • Press releases
  • Publications
  • Data sets
  • Process flow diagrams
  • Other materials that provide a comprehensive view of the initiative