Supporting Fathers, Strengthening Families Across Ohio

As we celebrate Father’s Day and Responsible Fatherhood Month, Ohio has taken a significant step to strengthen support for fathers, children, and families across our state.

The recently enacted state budget includes a $20 million investment in the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. This investment expands Ohio's commitment to fatherhood programs and services, helping more fathers access the support they need to be actively involved in the lives of their children.

The Ohio Commission on Fatherhood was established in 1999 and is unique in the nation. Ohio remains the only state with a statutory commission that is both funded and staffed at the state level and dedicated specifically to supporting fatherhood programs and promoting father inclusion in policies and services. Prior to this budget, the Commission operated with approximately $2.5 million in funding.

The new investment will allow the Commission to significantly expand its reach across Ohio communities.

More than $7 million will support a partnership with All Pro Dad, a national nonprofit organization that helps fathers engage with their children through school-based chapters and father-child activities. The initiative will expand opportunities for fathers to connect with their children and become more involved in their schools and communities.

The remaining funding—more than $11.7 million—will be distributed through grants to more than 60 local programs serving communities across Ohio. These organizations provide a range of supports, including parenting education, employment assistance, mentoring, family engagement opportunities, and help navigating child support systems.

The investment also supports Responsible Fatherhood Month activities throughout June. Counties across Ohio can access mini-grants of up to $3,500 to host father-child events that celebrate fatherhood and strengthen family connections.

Research consistently shows that fathers play an important role in children's healthy development. Children benefit when fathers and father figures are engaged, present, and supported. Strong father involvement is associated with positive outcomes in areas including social-emotional development, educational success, and overall family well-being.

When announcing the investment, Senate President Rob McColley said the funding is intended to "highlight the importance of having a father figure in a child's life and the importance of being a present father."

Groundwork Ohio applauds Ohio's continued commitment to strengthening families by investing in fathers. Supporting fathers is not only good for dads—it is good for children, families, and communities.

As we recognize Responsible Fatherhood Month, we celebrate the fathers, father figures, and caregivers who show up every day for Ohio's children. We also recognize the bipartisan leaders who made this historic investment possible and helped ensure that more fathers across Ohio have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.

To learn more about the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood and programs available in your community, visit the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood and explore its 2025 Annual Report.