Awards for the federally-funded marriage and fatherhood grants were announced last week. The Administration for Children and Families awarded 125 marriage-strengthening and 100 responsible fatherhood grants. NFPN was not among those organizations that were awarded a grant.

Several months ago I wrote a News Notes on “Good Reasons to Write Grants.” I received more response to that article than any other that I’ve written! Perhaps it’s because grant-writing and grant announcements are so emotionally charged and draining for both winners and losers. If so, then now is a good time to re-visit this issue.

Previously, I wrote about the grant-writing process, and stated that “valuable partnerships are formed through developing proposals,” and “grant proposals open the door to additional funding.” I can certainly verify that, as one of the agencies that was awarded funding has already contacted me about purchasing NFPN’s training materials and on-site training. I’m sure there will be others. Some partners are right under our noses: this past week I was in meetings in Boise and met a federal fatherhood grant applicant who had been looking for fatherhood resources. I live a two-hour drive from Boise! We’re going to start working together, and it’s a good reminder that in the search for collaborative partnerships, they may be closer than you think.

The federal marriage and fatherhood grants will likely have a tremendous impact on the social services sector and on our culture for the next five years and beyond. As grant proposals are put to the test, model programs will emerge that will be replicated nationwide. Because these grants have the potential to greatly influence the future, it’s imperative that everyone with marriage strengthening or fatherhood initiatives get involved. Those of us who were not awarded grants can assist those who did receive grants. Grant recipients will need staff, training, technical assistance, and lots of encouragement.

NFPN will be contacting the fatherhood grant recipients to offer our resources. NFPN is also the lead organization for the Working with Fathers Institute that provides training and technical assistance for practitioners, father support groups, marriage and parenting education, and culture-specific programs.

The issue is not really who won or lost the grants. The issue is strengthening and preserving families. A giant experiment is about to take place and we can choose to either help it succeed or sit on the sidelines. NFPN plans to focus on the bottom line—the well-being of families—and do whatever we can to improve outcomes for children and families.

If you agree, the best place to start is to review the list of fatherhood grant recipients and begin to make contacts with those in your area to offer support and assistance.

- Priscilla Martens
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