Father absence is one of the most consequential trends of our time impacting mothers and fathers alike, but even more concerning, shaping the well being of our state's children and the very fabric of our communities.  In 1996, the Foundation began examining the family structure and its connection to poverty.  The literature revealed compelling evidence linking the changing family structure and poverty.  The statistics regarding the relationship between father absence and negative outcomes for children indicate a growing problem with significant social and economic consequences. 

Thus in 1997 the Foundation launched its first proactive grant making initiative, Reducing Poverty Through Father Engagement, and dedicated half of its overall grant making budget to supporting the initiative and community-based fatherhood programs.  The goal of the Fatherhood Initiative is: to address a root cause of poverty by supporting communities that strengthen the engagement of fathers with their children and families as they improve the emotional, physical and spiritual well-being of fathers and subsequently that of their children. 

The Foundation awarded 49 planning grants.  Based upon the results of the $1500 grants, from 1998 - 2000 the Foundation awarded 17 programs for 3 years at $120,000 per year.  The Foundation extended funding in 2001 for $100,000 for programs whose 3-year grant had expired.  But more funding was needed for program operation and expansion.  In 2002, the Foundation and the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) entered into a tactical partnership to leverage funding and expand programs.  DSS's multi-year, multi-million dollar commitment significantly boosted the Initiative.  To date, the Foundation has committed $8,232,122 to support fatherhood programs.

While the Foundation has invested in Fatherhood programming across the state, the benefits of the statewide Fatherhood Initiative are far reaching.  The Foundation through a partnership with the University of South Carolina's Institute for Families in Society, has invested in providing technical assistance aimed at community and program capacity building and program evaluation.  Throughout the Initiative, the Foundation in collaboration with the Institute for Families in Society has relentlessly worked to disseminate information documenting the issues facing fathers and families as well as information about best practices and lessons learned. 

This website will be updated regularly with those findings and lessons learned.

Hello, We're Changing Labels on Absent Fathers
(fatherhood initiative overview brochure) 

South Carolina Center for Father and Families
(brochure)

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