NASHVILLE —The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is accepting grant proposals for projects that will help improve water quality by reducing nonpoint source (NPS) pollution in the state. For the first time, incentives will be given to projects located in both economically distressed and at-risk counties.

“With this cost-share support, we’re helping Tennesseans take direct action to improve water quality,” said Commissioner Andy Holt. “These projects make a lasting difference by reducing runoff, restoring watersheds, and supporting healthier ecosystems for people, wildlife, and future generations.”

NPS pollution includes a variety of contaminants, such as sediment, urban runoff, excess fertilizers, pesticides, chemicals, and other pollutants that can affect both surface and groundwater.

Eligible applicants include local governments, regional agencies, soil and water conservation districts, state universities, and nonprofit organizations. The submission deadline is Dec. 1, 2025.

This federal grant supports the implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) to combat NPS pollution, as wells as efforts in training, education, and water quality monitoring. Grant program priorities, incentives and evaluation criteria can be found online at www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/agriculture/documents/landwaterstewardship/fy26/FY2026_319_RFP_FINAL.pdf

Contact Dr. Sam Marshall at 615-837-5306 or sam.marshall@tn.gov with questions. The Nonpoint Source Program was created in 1987 as part of the Clean Water Act. TDA’s Land and Water Stewardship Section manages the Tennessee NPS Program on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.