Removing Barriers. Unlocking Opportunity. Investing in Tennessee Communities.

TENNTIP—the Tennessee Tourism Investment Project—is a community-supported fund that helps eligible organizations, destinations, communities, and businesses access temporary funding for projects that benefit Tennessee residents and visitors.

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Through interest-free, repayable advances, TENNTIP helps qualified applicants cover approved project expenses while awaiting grant reimbursement or finance an eligible grant-match requirement. Returned funds become available to support future projects, allowing community contributions to serve more communities over time.

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Turning Grant Opportunities into Community Impact

A grant opportunity can bring meaningful investment into a community. But paying expenses before reimbursement or securing the required matching funds can keep a worthwhile project from moving forward.

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TENNTIP helps address these barriers through two types of assistance:

 

Grant Reimbursement Advances

Temporary funding to cover eligible project expenses while an applicant awaits payment from an awarded grant. Approved advances are repaid according to a written agreement, typically using the related grant reimbursement.

 

Grant-Match Assistance

Repayable funding to help an applicant finance a grant’s required contribution when the grant program permits this arrangement.

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Applicants must identify an acceptable repayment source. Grant reimbursement generally covers the grant-funded portion of a project, so additional resources may be needed to repay an advance used for matching funds. Approval depends on the grant’s requirements, the applicant’s repayment plan, and available TENNTIP funding.

 

How It Works

1. Identify a project and funding opportunity. Choose a project with a clear community benefit and identify the grant program, eligible expenses, funding timeline, and any matching requirements.

2. Apply for assistance. Tell us about your organization, project, requested amount, grant status, and proposed repayment source.

3. Complete the review and agreement. TENNTIP evaluates project readiness, community benefit, grant requirements, available funds, and the applicant’s ability to repay. Approved assistance requires a signed agreement establishing permitted uses, repayment terms, reporting responsibilities, and procedures for changes to the project or grant.

4. Put the funds to work. Use the advance for the approved expenses and maintain the records required by TENNTIP and the grant provider.

5. Repay and support the next project. Return the funds according to the agreement so they can help another community pursue its opportunity.

 

What We Support

TENNTIP considers projects that further its charitable purposes and provide a clear public or community benefit.

• Public Art: Murals, sculptures, cultural installations, and creative projects that improve public spaces and share community stories.

• Music: Community concerts, music heritage projects, public programming, and other eligible initiatives that strengthen access to Tennessee’s music culture.

• Tourism and Heritage: Visitor experiences, preservation projects, outdoor recreation, and community amenities that benefit residents and visitors.

• Community Impact: Other eligible projects that improve public spaces, preserve local character, expand access to cultural experiences, or address documented community needs.

Requests involving businesses are evaluated for their charitable purpose and public benefit, including how the project serves the broader community.

 

Understanding Your Advance

TENNTIP advances are interest-free, repayable financing. Each approved recipient enters into a written agreement that establishes the repayment obligation and due date.

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Grant delays, reduced reimbursements, disallowed expenses, or project cancellation may affect the funds available for repayment. The agreement explains the recipient’s responsibilities in those circumstances. Any extension or forgiveness requires separate written approval from TENNTIP.

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Approval is subject to available funding, applicable funding restrictions, grant requirements, and completion of the required agreement.

A Community-Supported Fund

Contributions to TENNTIP help build a resource that communities can use again and again. As recipients repay their advances, those dollars become available for additional eligible projects.

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Your support helps Tennessee communities move worthwhile projects forward and turn outside funding opportunities into lasting public benefit.