Partnership Opportunities for Tennessee Employers, Community Organizations
The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) seeks to ensure every Tennessean has the opportunity to achieve economic and social wellness that impacts our communities and our state as a whole and we’re always looking for new partners to join our mission.
TDHS offers grant, training and other structured partnership opportunities to businesses, community organizations and professionals that are serious about addressing child care disparities, food insecurity, the wellness of vulnerable adults, economic barriers, disability employment, and other issues that impact our state. Use the links below find details about partnership opportunities with TDHS.
Videos Highlighting TDHS Partnerships, Grants and Cooperative Initiatives for Community Organizations and Employers
Families First Community Grant Opportunity
The Families First Community Grant opportunity is open to organizations that help Tennessee families with low-incomes gain higher levels of independence and self-sufficiency. The grant uses Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds to remove economic barriers for families with children under 18 years of age.
Fatherhood Grant Initiative
Organizations that help Tennessee fathers with low-incomes overcome barriers are welcome to partner with TDHS through the Fatherhood Grant Initiative. Funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, this initiative is meat to empower fathers with children under 18.
Summer Food Service Program Partnership Opportunity
Community organizations can partner with TDHS to address food insecurity among school age children during summer months. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) funds meals served through SFSP partners (sponsors) across Tennessee. Click here for SFSP video, resource and microlearning.
Child Care Improvement Options for Tennessee Employers
Tennessee employers can connect with the TDHS Child Care Services Pre-Licensure Unit to find child care solutions that support their pool of talent.
Child Care Incentives, Grants and Supports
TDHS has a variety of grants, incitive programs, training opportunities and business academies to support the establishment, expansion, and enhancement of licensed child care operations in Tennessee. These resources are open to new and current child care agency operators and employers who are considering the establishment of onsite child care facilities to support their workforce.
Child Care Training and Professional Development Opportunities and Resources
Child Care professionals and business operators can find training, resources and other supports to help improve the quality of care offered at their agency.
Outreach Materials for Child Care Child Professionals and Business Owners
TDHS has a variety of outreach materials that can be downloaded and shared to help child care professionals and agency operators improve their business and service to the Tennessee families they serve.
Child and Adult Care Food Care Program Partnership Opportunity
Some licensed child care centers, outside-school-hours care centers, family day care homes, at-risk afterschool care programs, emergency shelters (for homeless, domestic violence and runaway shelters) and adult day care centers in Tennessee may be eligible to partner with the TDHS to provide meals to those in care. Click Here to find CACFP outreach materials and training videos.
Non-Profit/Employer Workforce (New) Care Partnership Grant
Non-profit organizations can partner with TDHS to increase child care options for Tennessee workers though the Non-Profit/Employer Workforce (New) Care Partnership grant. This opportunity facilitates partnerships between employers and non-profit agencies to establish new child care facilities or expand existing child agencies that benefit both Tennessee employers and their workers with children. Click Here to download the Non-Profit Employer Partnership Application Guide or review the FAQ document for this this pilot program.
Disability Employment Supports for Employers
The Business and Community Services Unit within the Division of Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Rehabilitation is here to help Tennessee businesses find disability employment solutions that strengthen workers, employers and the state’s economy. The unit offers training, talent solutions and other supports that positively impact commerce. Click Here to download the Vocational Rehabilitation on Fact Sheet.
The Tennessee Rural Toolbox
The Tennessee Rural toolbox is a database of grants, resources and other supports that aim to strengthen Tennessee businesses, community organizations and citizens.