TDEC Announces Tennessee Recreation Initiative Program (TRIP) Grant Cycle

Applications Due Jan. 29, 2015

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is now accepting Tennessee Recreation Initiative Program (TRIP) grant applications from local governments that do not currently have, or have not had in the past, an established parks or recreation department with a designated director.

TRIP grants are designed to assist communities in establishing their first, full-time parks and recreation department to provide recreation opportunities for their citizens. Applications are due Jan. 29, 2015 with a projected grant and professional parks and recreation director start date of July 1, 2015.

The Tennessee Recreation Initiative Program was created in 1995 by the General Assembly. TRIP grants are administered through TDEC’s Recreation Educational Services Division and provide funding to governments that do not currently have established parks and recreation services within their jurisdictions. Any incorporated city or county government or joint city and county government that meet the grant qualifications may apply for funding through a competitive matching grant process.

The grant is offered over a three-year period. During the first two years of the program, the community will be required to match up to $50,000 with the TRIP grant funding an equal amount up to $50,000. The community is responsible for 100 percent of the funding during the third year. The TRIP program provides grants to hire a professional director, establish a recreation office and hire other staff as needed.

To receive additional information regarding the TRIP grant program and the application process and requirements, contact April H. Johnson, Recreation Services Coordinator, at April.Johnson@tn.gov or 865-898-0956.

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