Skip to content
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

Fundraising For Fatherhood Programs

Tips and resources to fund your fatherhood program.

Supporting fathers and families in your community takes resources—and finding those resources isn’t always easy. Many organizations face limited budgets, and funding can feel like a constant challenge. Whether you’re just starting to look for financial support or searching for new strategies, there are often overlooked opportunities available.

Funding from Your Own Budget

We understand budgets are stretched thin. Still, if fatherhood programs aren’t included in financial planning, they often don’t happen. Start by reviewing your current budget to see where funds could be reallocated. This might mean shifting resources from less effective programs or reducing costs in one area to free up dollars for fatherhood initiatives.

When preparing for the next fiscal year, be intentional about including fatherhood resources in your planning—just as you would for other client materials.

Affordable options are available. For example, NFI offers brochures ($17.99 for a 50-pack) and pocket guides ($12.99 for a 5-pack) that require little staff time to implement. Adding even a few father-focused resources is a simple, budget-friendly way to strengthen your services.

Funding from Outside Sources

Funding from outside sources is an option that your organization may want to pursue – in addition to starting fatherhood work on a smaller scale using funds from your own budget. With some planning you may be able to find an outside funding source that will provide for all aspects of your work with fathers.

From training your fatherhood program facilitators, to providing funding to sustain your program (staff stipends, ongoing fathering handbook costs, and other materials needed to run fatherhood program classes), outside funding could open doors for your fatherhood program you may have never imagined. And, you may be able to serve even more fathers than you ever thought possible.

There are several routes your organization may want to explore in seeking outside funding:

  • Individuals
  • Foundations
  • Corporations
  • Local, State & Federal Government
  • Special Events/Fundraisers

Federal Grant Resources

  • Grants.gov > A federal site that aggregates all federal grant opportunities. You can search for grants currently being offered and access grant writing resources.
  • Office of Management & Budget (OMB) Circulars > Provide direction on federal budgeting and expensing for nonprofits, education institutions and state, local and Indian Tribe governments.

Foundation / Grant Funding

  • Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood Grants > With these grants coming to an end, the Administration has proposed a more comprehensive Fatherhood, Marriage and Families Innovation Fund as a successor initiative.
  • Foundation Center > A subscription-based website that offers research on foundations, including family foundations and other tools for grant seekers.
  • Alliance for Nonprofit Excellence > Search for all types of grants.
  • The Grant Station > An online funding resource for organizations seeking grants throughout the world.  Providing access to a comprehensive online database of grant makers, as well as other valuable tools, GrantStation can help your organization make smarter, better-informed fundraising decisions. 
  • The Grantsmanship Center > Offers a variety of training such as The Grantsmanship Training Program, Earned Income Strategies and Competing for Federal Grants.
  • Grassroots Institute for Fundraising Training (GIFT) > Provides a range of training programs and webinars to help you raise money from your community.  Additionally, they offer articles and subscription based services to aid in your fundraising efforts. 

Check out our Free Guide: Fundraising Tips for Father-Inclusive Efforts eBook.

Check out our blog articles about Fundraising!