NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) has selected the first round of recipients for its inaugural Fatherhood Grant Program, a $5 million initiative designed to support organizations working with fathers across the state.
The program was launched to strengthen family dynamics and promote child development. It has awarded grants to 10 public, private and nonprofit organizations serving communities across Tennessee. The recipients were chosen from more than 120 applicants.
The organizations receiving funding include:
- Agape Child & Family Services Inc.
- Boys and Girls Club of Greater Memphis
- East Tennessee State University (ETSU)
- First Things First Inc.
- National Football League Alumni Association – Tennessee Chapter
- New Vision Inc.
- Ridgeview Behavioral Health Services
- Signal Centers Inc.
- Southwest Human Resources Agency
- United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties
The first two organizations listed serve the Shelby County area.
TDHS Commissioner Clarence H. Carter emphasized the importance of fathers’ involvement in their children’s lives.
“Fathers are essential to the development, health and well-being of their children, families and all of Tennessee,” Carter said. “It is for this reason we launched the Fatherhood Initiative and this transformative grant program. We are honored to partner with organizations and communities across Tennessee to empower fathers, strengthen families and create a brighter future for our children.”
The Fatherhood Grant Program will fund services focused on fatherhood, including mentorship, co-parenting support, skill-building workshops, educational programs, employment assistance and financial literacy training.
For more information on the grant recipients and the services they offer, visit the TDHS website at www.tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/fatherhood-grants.html.
