About

The Governor’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative (GFBCI) was established by the Tennessee General Assembly in 2019 in response to Governor Bill Lee’s vision to leverage the power and possibilities of Tennessee’s faith and community-based organizations, in partnership with state government, to address the state’s most pressing challenges. In 2023, the General Assembly approved recurring funding to ensure the long-term sustainability of this vital public-private partnership. Today, GFBCI operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization funded through both public and private dollars and governed by a Board of Directors appointed by Governor Lee.

With more than 11,500 houses of worship and over 30,000 socially engaged nonprofits across Tennessee, GFBCI is uniquely positioned as a nimble and proactive problem-solver -- aligning community compassion with state leadership. From supporting children, youth, and families in foster care to strengthening reentry efforts for incarcerated men and women, GFBCI convenes partners, aligns strategy across agencies, and mobilizes local action to deliver measurable impact. The initiative exists on a simple belief: lasting change happens when government works alongside the people and organizations closest to the need.

The Governor’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative was created in 2019 with private funds, and then funded by the Tennessee State Legislature in 2021.

The Governor’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative was created under the leadership of Governor Bill Lee to identify opportunities for community and faith partners to better address the most pressing challenges of the state. As the Governor said in his 2019 Inaugural Speech, “government is not the solution to our deepest challenges …” In partnership with the 23 state departments, and other agencies, the GFBCI has two initiatives and several special projects, including foster care and prisoner reentry.

The Governor’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative is a 501c3 that blends public funding and private donations from individuals, foundations, and other sources.

An appointed board of directors provides oversight and accountability to the Initiative.

All funding is provided in an annual report to the TN State Legislature, as well as state and federal filing entities.

Tyrone Burroughs
Fred Decosimo
Ginger Eley
Libby Phillips
Iris Ray
Barry Ray
David Schmid
Lang Wiseman
Dianne Young

Beginning in FY 23-24, the TN General Assembly appropriated $1.487 million for the Governor's Faith-Based and Community Initiative.

The $1.487m funds staff (70%), operations (20%), and execution of initiatives and special projects (10%).

The Governor’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative has 10 employees, including three Regional Directors in East Tennessee, West Tennessee, and Middle Tennessee. You can view team members and bios further down on this page.

The Governor’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative partners with all faith traditions to help every community flourish. We’re actively working with the Islamic, Christian, Jewish, and Hindu communities on areas ranging from affordable housing to foster care.

Please use the contact form to connect with staff.

The best way to partner with us is to submit your information with us via the contact form.

About

The Governor's Faith-Based & Community Initiative

Approach

Mobilizing Tennesseans to Care for Our Most Vulnerable Communities

“We have been given a responsibility – an obligation to use our lives in a way that multiplies in the lives of others – to spend our days considering how the work of our lives will reap benefits, not for ourselves, but for others.”

Meet The GFBCI Team

Lance Villio

Erik Lokkesmoe

Kathleen Clancy

Raul Lopez

Dr. Emily Hager

Dr. Edward Stephens III

Cammy Aguilar

Gracyn Martin

Abby Chapman

Brenton Collyer

Maura Hoving

Anna Ferguson

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Initiative created?

Why was the Initiative created?

How is the Initiative structured and funded?

Who serves on the Board of Directors for the Initiative?

How much did the General Assembly appropriate to the Initiative?

What does the budget fund?

What is the size of the Initiative staff?

What “faith” is served at the Initiative?

How do I reach the staff?

How do I partner with the Initiative?

Annual Reports