Tennessee officials are offering $180 million in grants for public-private partnerships to develop welfare programs focused on helping low-income families become self-sufficient

TENNESSEE – According to the state officials, over the next four years, this initiative will provide up to $5 million in Planning Grants and $175 million in Implementation Grants.

This first phase will award Planning Grants of up to $500,000 each to public-private partnerships dedicated to developing innovative strategies that will move Tennesseans with economic, social, and developmental vulnerabilities beyond their current circumstances and on to self-sufficiency.

The state officials say that the deadline for planning grant applications in the Tennessee Opportunity Pilot Initiative is Oct. 15.

Next spring, a panel will pick six pilot program participants for the $25 million grants over three years.

Officials say that the funding comes through the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.

More information here.