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OVERVIEW

The Governor's Faith-Based & Community Initiative

In 2019, in response to Governor Bill Lee’s vision, the Tennessee State Legislature statutory implemented and funded the Governor’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative (GFBCI) to leverage the power and possibilities of Tennessee's faith communities and non-profit organizations -- in partnership with government -- to solve the state’s most challenging issues.

Mobilizing Tennesseans to Care for Our Most Vulnerable Communities

With over 11,500 houses of worship and 30,000+ non-profit organizations across Tennessee, the Initiative is uniquely positioned as a nimble and proactive problem-solver for the state's diverse challenges – from prisoner re-entry to foster care, affordable housing to mental health.

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Governor Lee
Governor Lee
Governor Lee
“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.”

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Second Inaugural Speech January 2023

 

Initiatives

Initiative Development, Design, and Deployment

Coming soon...

 

How Can We Help?

Frequently Asked Questions

If you don't see an answer to your question below, please contact us for more information.

When was the Initiative created?

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.

Why was the Initiative created?

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.

How is the Initiative structured and funded?

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.

Who serves on the Board of Directors for the Initiative?

Information Coming.

How much did the General Assembly appropriate to the Initiative in FY 23-24?

In FY23-24, the TN General Assembly appropriated $1.487 million for the Governor's Faith-Based and Community Initiative. 

What does the budget fund?

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

What is the size of the Initiative staff?

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.

What “faith” is served at the Initiative?

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.

How do I reach the staff?

Please use the contact form to connect with staff.

Does the Initiative provide grants?

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

How do I partner with the Initiative?

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

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THE PROFESSIONALS SERVING TENNESSEANS

Meet The GFBCI Team

The Governor’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative leadership team is comprised of individuals from various backgrounds, including community organizers, faith leaders, educators, and activists, we unite in our mission to serve and uplift communities across the state. Our collective expertise and passion drive us to collaborate, innovate, and advocate for positive change.

lance
Lance Villio
Executive Director, Appointed by the Governor
monty
Dr. Monty Burks
Deputy Director
erik
Erik Lokkesmoe
Senior Advisor, Strategy & Communications
suzanna
Suzanna Hendricks
Chief of Staff
omaran
Dr. Omaràn D. Lee
Regional Director, Middle Tennessee
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Dr. Edward
Stephens III
Regional Director, Western Tennessee
emily
Dr. Emily Hager
Regional Director, Eastern Tennessee
shelbi
Shelbi Ball
Manager of Special Projects
alex
Dr. Alexander Stephens
Director of Operations