About

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 considered a “quasi-government” office that, as a 501c3, 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.

Information Coming.

In FY23-24, 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.

No, the Initiative is not a grant-making entity.

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