The Dovetail Project Kicks Off Black History Month With $300,000 Donation from Joseph and Bessie Feinberg Foundation

America's Largest Fatherhood Initiative Organization Receives $300,000 from Notable Social Impact Investor

The Dovetail Project, a 501c3 organization that gives young fathers within marginalized communities a better understanding of the responsibilities of fatherhood and their importance in the lives of their children, announced today that The Joseph and Bessie Feinberg Foundation has made a transformative contribution to the fatherhood organization, donating a multi-year investment of $300,000 ($100,000 annually for the next three years). 

The Dovetail Project rewrites the narrative of Black and Brown men between the ages of 17 to 24 by providing the education, skills, and support needed to be better fathers for their children and better men in their communities. The Dovetail Project's 12-week curriculum emphasizes the roles, rights and responsibilities of fatherhood, felony street law and how to maintain an active, engaged presence in their children's lives. Upon completing the program, fathers receive a $500 stipend, are coached and prepared for job opportunities, GED registration and completion, or enrollment in a trade training program.

"We are deeply grateful for this investment and can never thank the Feinbergs enough for their generosity and belief in our mission," says Sheldon Smith, founder of The Dovetail Project. "We are so fortunate to have them in our corner, working alongside us for better fathers and brighter futures."

Joseph and Bessie Feinberg Foundation has been a great supporter of The Dovetail Project organization since 2018. Introduced at the 'Family Forever Gathering' hosted by Gary and Denise Gardner, Joseph and Bessie Feinberg Foundation has believed in The Dovetail Project's unique work and power to impact fathers and families since day one of formally meeting each other. 

The Joseph and Bessie Feinberg Foundation is a private family foundation committed to effective community and cultural investments through its philanthropy. As a social impact investor, the Feinberg Foundation is dedicated to supporting community-based organizations that improve the lives of the economically underserved population of Chicago and Los Angeles. The Foundation serves the needs of abused or neglected youth and supports children in at-risk or economically disadvantaged households.

The Dovetail Project has been recognized by prominent figures such as Michelle Obama in addition to national media features on People MagazineTODAY ShowELLENCNNForbes, BBC, Chicago TribuneBlack Enterprise and more.

To learn more about The Dovetail Project, visit www.thedovetailproject.org

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About The Dovetail Project

The Dovetail Project works to give young African-American fathers - ages 17 to 24 - the skills and support they need to be better fathers for their children and better men in their communities. Founded in 2009 by Sheldon Smith, The Dovetail Project has graduated more than 400 young fathers. Graduates are equipped and placed on a path for success in education and employment to enable them to be present and consistent fathers and responsible men in their families and communities.

Source: The Dovetail Project