The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) proudly announces the first round of grant recipients for its inaugural Fatherhood Grant Program. The grant program will invest approximately $5 million dollars in funding to support public, private, and nonprofit organizations serving fathers in East, West and Middle Tennessee.
Following more than 120 application submissions during the competitive grant cycle, ten organizations have been selected to receive funding, including:
- East Tennessee State University (ETSU)
- Ridgeview Behavioral Health Services
- Signal Centers, Inc.
- First Things First, Inc.
- National Football League Alumni Association - Tennessee Chapter
- New Vision, Inc.
- United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties
- Boys and Girls Club of Greater Memphis
- Agape Child and Family Services, Inc.
- Southwest Human Resources Agency
"Fathers are not a luxury; they are not merely nice to have--they are essential. Essential to the development, health, and well-being of their children, families, and all of Tennessee. It is for this reason we launched the Fatherhood Initiative and this transformative grant program," commented TDHS Commissioner Clarence H. Carter. "We are honored to partner with organizations and communities across Tennessee to empower fathers, strengthen families, and create a brighter future for our children to thrive."
The Fatherhood Grant Program is a significant investment in the health and well-being of Tennessee dads, targeting the critical role fathers play in family dynamics and childhood development. The program will fund organizations providing fatherhood-focused services, including mentorship, co-parenting support, skill-building workshops, educational programs, employment assistance, and financial literacy training.