--- title: How to Choose the Best Tools for Your Fatherhood Program description: National Fatherhood Initiative offers over 100 skill-building resources for serving fathers. Learn several ways we can help you decide which ones best suit you! image: https://www.fatherhood.org/hubfs/fatherhood_tools.jpg --- [Skip to main content](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/how-to-choose-the-best-tools-for-your-fatherhood-program#main) - [![NFI mark](https://www.fatherhood.org/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI%20mark.svg)FATHERHOOD.ORG](https://www.fatherhood.org/) - [STORE.FATHERHOOD.ORG](https://store.fatherhood.org/) [![NFI_logo_blue_left (1) 1](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png?width=149&height=82&name=NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png) ![NFI_logo_blue_left (1) 1](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png?width=119&height=65&name=NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png) ![NFI_logo_blue_left (1) 1](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png?width=119&height=66&name=NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png) ![NFI_logo_blue_left (1) 1](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png?width=89&height=49&name=NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png) ](https://www.fatherhood.org) - [How To Build Strong Families](https://www.fatherhood.org/build-strong-families) - [Why Father Inclusion Matters](https://www.fatherhood.org/why-father-inclusion-matters) - Show submenu for Get Involved Get Involved - [Fatherhood Programs](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/programs-and-resources) - [Train Your Staff](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/staff-training) - [State, County, and City Agency Services](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/collaborative-services) Open main navigation Close main navigation - Show submenu for Get Informed Get Informed - [How To Build Strong Families](https://www.fatherhood.org/build-strong-families) - [Why Father Inclusion Matters](https://www.fatherhood.org/why-father-inclusion-matters) - [Father Stats & Infographics](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-absence-statistic) - Show submenu for Get Involved Get Involved - [Fatherhood Programs](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/programs-and-resources) - [Train Your Staff](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/staff-training) - [State, County, and City Agency Services](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/collaborative-services) - Show submenu for Get Started Get Started - [Find Your Stage of Father Inclusion](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-inclusion) - [How Father Friendly Is Your Organization?](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-friendly) - [Get In Touch](https://www.fatherhood.org/get-started) [Store](https://store.fatherhood.org/?hsLang=en) [Get In Touch](https://www.fatherhood.org/get-started) [Store](https://store.fatherhood.org/?hsLang=en) Show submenu for Get Started Get Started - [Fatherhood Data & Statistics](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-absence-statistic) - [How Father Friendly is Your Organization?](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-friendly) - [Other Free Resources](https://www.fatherhood.org/nfi-free-resources) - [Talk With us to Get Started](https://www.fatherhood.org/get-started) National Fatherhood Initiative Blog / [Latest Articles](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood) [NFI-Specific Programs & Resources](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/nfi-specific-programs-resources) # How to Choose the Best Tools for Your Fatherhood Program 3 min read ![Melissa Byers](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/melissa_circle_icon.png?width=100&height=100&name=melissa_circle_icon.png) [** Melissa Byers ** ](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/author/melissa-byers) Melissa is the Chief Marketing Officer at National Fatherhood Initiative® (NFI). Melissa oversees the organization's marketing, communications, graphic design, and product fulfillment functions. People sometimes ask how NFI came to be the nations's leading provider of [programs and resources for dads](https://www.fatherhood.org/keeping-fathers-interested-in-fatherhood-program). Well, it all stems from our long history of providing the latest research on the affects on children and society as a result father absence, and the benefits of father involvement. It wasn't good enough for us to simply state the research and facts. We needed to take action on those facts at a national level to work to reverse the nation's trend of father absence. So in 2001, we began building an extensive portfolio of high quality fatherhood skill-building resources, curricula, and training (think: tools) to equip organizations around the country to help men be the best dads they could be. We now have over 100. Whoa. So how do I select the best NFI tools and resources for my organization, you say? I'm glad you asked. ![fatherhood_tools.jpg](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/fatherhood_tools.jpg?width=575&name=fatherhood_tools.jpg "fatherhood_tools.jpg")   NFI resources offer you the ability to customize programs to engage fathers in a way that is unique to your organization and setting. Did you catch that - customize? We feel that it's VERY important that you find the best combination of tools and resources for the dads you serve. After you have determined which type of fathers you will target , your next step is to select the fatherhood skill-building resources that best fit your needs. NFI has resources and programs to help you serve fathers of all ages, races, religion, and demographic.  Resources for new dads? Check. Non-custodial dads? Check. Single Dads? Check. Married Dads? Check. Teen Dads? Check. You get the idea. The great news is that fatherhood doesn't have a shape, size, or color. There are general fatherhood skills that fathers of any kind can learn, and their children will benefit. NFI uses “intensity levels” to help you understand the amount of staff involvement and monetary investment needed to offer our various resources. You decide on your strategy – NFI provides you with an approach and tools to create a cohesive, effective fatherhood plan. - **Low Intensity Resources:** NFI fatherhood skill-building resources that require minimal staff time and monetary investment, and are easily incorporated into your other programs and services, such as [Brochures](https://store.fatherhood.org/english-spanish-brochures/), [Tip Cards](https://store.fatherhood.org/english-spanish-tip-cards/), [Pocket Guides](https://store.fatherhood.org/pocket-guides-pocketbooks/), and [Posters](https://store.fatherhood.org/posters/).  - **Medium Intensity Resources:** Fatherhood skill-building workshops and resources that require moderate staff involvement and monetary investment, and are generally shorter in delivery length, such as the [InsideOut Dad® Guide to Family Ties](https://store.fatherhood.org/insideout-dad-guide-to-family-ties/), and [FatherTopics™ Booster Sessions](https://store.fatherhood.org/fathertopics-workshops/).  - **High Intensity Resources:** Group-based programs that require the highest level of staff time and monetary investment, and run for 8-12 weeks, such as [24/7 Dad® A.M. and P.M.](https://store.fatherhood.org/24-7-dad-programs/), [InsideOut Dad®](https://store.fatherhood.org/insideout-dad-programs/), and [Understanding Dad™](https://store.fatherhood.org/understanding-dad-an-awareness-program-for-moms/)(for moms). **Here are a few ways you can learn about our tools and resources to find the best ones for you:** 1. Watch [this on-demand webinar](https://www.fatherhood.org/free-webinar-nfi-programs) hosted by NFI President Christopher Brown which covers all you want (or need!) to know about NFI resources. 2. Visit and browse [www.fathersource.org](https://www.fathersource.org). 3. [Browse our printed catalog online](https://store.fatherhood.org/browse-catalog/), or [request a catalog to be mailed to you](https://www.fatherhood.org/2017-spring-catalog-request). 4. [Call us](https://store.fatherhood.org/contact-us/)! Yes, really. We're here to help and consult with you on what you're looking to accomplish, with whom, and which resources will help. And with that, let me say a BIG THANK YOU for all that you do for fathers and families. We couldn't achieve our mission without you.   [![Direct-Service-Fatherhood-Program-eBook-050114-1](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hub/135704/file-743730476.jpg?width=250&name=file-743730476.jpg)](https://www.fatherhood.org/start-fatherhood-program-ebook)  ### Download the full eBook [How to Start a Direct Service Fatherhood Program](https://www.fatherhood.org/start-fatherhood-program-ebook) for free! [![learn more](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/135704/672ce7f2-6f4c-4b55-a87c-0502cc92b5f5.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/135704/672ce7f2-6f4c-4b55-a87c-0502cc92b5f5)   Date Published: 05/11/2017 Last Updated: 11/10/2021 ## Learn How to Build a Fatherhood Program That Works Download this free guide for a proven 7-step roadmap—from making the case and securing funding for your program, to launching and measuring real results! [Get The Guide Now!](https://www.fatherhood.org/starting-a-fatherhood-program) ![7-steps-starting-a-fatherhood_program](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/7-steps-starting-a-fatherhood_program.png?width=700&height=700&name=7-steps-starting-a-fatherhood_program.png) [ Previous ](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/kids-are-incarcerations-collateral-victims-0) [ Next ](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/eva-grace-and-the-most-gut-wrenching-fatherhood-story-ever) ## Related Articles ### [Five Leadership Practices That Build Father-Inclusive Organizations Image created with GPT Image 2. Creating a father-inclusive organization doesn't happen through a new but isolated fatherhood program, staff training on how to include fathers, or ... Read More](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/five-leadership-practices-that-build-father-inclusive-organizations) ### [Beyond Graduation: Keeping Fathers Connected Image created with GPT Image 2. Many organizations do a good job recruiting fathers and helping them complete a fatherhood program. But what happens after the program ends? How do ... Read More](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/beyond-graduation-keeping-fathers-connected) ### [Funding A Father-Inclusive Effort For Non-Governmental Organizations Image created with GPT Image 2. Many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) struggle to identify funding sources for fatherhood initiatives and programs. After all, beyond the ... Read More](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/funding-a-father-inclusive-effort-for-non-governmental-organizations) ### Explore Topics [NFI-Specific Programs & Resources](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/nfi-specific-programs-resources) [Tips & Tricks](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/tips-tricks) [General Fatherhood Program Resources](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/general-fatherhood-program-resources) [General Fatherhood Research & Studies](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/general-fatherhood-research-studies) [Success Stories](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/success-stories) [NFI News & Updates](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/nfi-news-updates) [Program Recruitment & Retention](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/program-recruitment-retention) [Research on NFI Programs & Resources](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/research-on-nfi-programs-resources) [Fundraising](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/fundraising) [All Posts](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/all) ### Subscribe to Championing Fatherhood ![Laptop with NFI store website opened](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/Laptop%20with%20NFI%20store%20website%20opened.png?width=279&height=167&name=Laptop%20with%20NFI%20store%20website%20opened.png) ### Get the Father Engagement Resources You Need [ Visit Online Store ](https://cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/click?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKw4WaOo8902iPmpW%2ByUsyBSKuq3qkzqNyXpzwPOccE0AXP2KES9oXgU9nIB8fuwW%2BqIn%2Fks1zUl4Xat3EfgSWc9L3SpStWlNlgOYxw5gMRlbHlSTv5NllcFgvU6lYkSZwB5VyC1gksPebRm5z%2FxU8k1Flp%2FIqV%2FKhmFjDSTcs%3D&portalId=135704) [![NFI_logo_blue_left (1) 1 (1)](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201%20(1).png?width=148&height=88&name=NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201%20(1).png) ](https://www.fatherhood.org) [![Facebook](https://www.fatherhood.org/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/Facebook.svg) ](https://www.facebook.com/nationalfatherhoodinitiative/) [![LinkedIn](https://www.fatherhood.org/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/LinkedIn.svg) ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-fatherhood-initiative) [![candid-seal-platinum-main](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/email/candid-seal-platinum-main.png?width=100&height=100&name=candid-seal-platinum-main.png) ](https://www.fatherhood.org) About - [Our Mission](https://www.fatherhood.org/our-mission) - [Our Impact](https://www.fatherhood.org/our-impact) - [Our History](https://www.fatherhood.org/history) - [Our Board & Staff](https://www.fatherhood.org/leadership) - [Contact Us](https://www.fatherhood.org/contact-us) Train Your Staff - [Program Facilitator Training](https://www.fatherhoodpractitioners.org/collections/core-programs) - [Earn Your Certificates](https://www.fatherhoodpractitioners.org/collections/certificates) - [Live Group Training](https://www.fatherhood.org/training-institute) Fatherhood Programs - [24:7 Dad®](https://store.fatherhood.org/shop-by-program/24-7-dad/) - [ProFathering15™](https://store.fatherhood.org/profathering15) - [24:7 Dad Key Behaviors™ Workshop](https://store.fatherhood.org/247-dad-key-behaviors-workshop-facilitators-kit/) - [InsideOut Dad®](https://store.fatherhood.org/insideout-dad-facilitators-kit/) - [Understanding Dad™](https://store.fatherhood.org/understanding-dad-facilitators-kit/) - [Co-Parenting Program Bundle](https://store.fatherhood.org/co-parenting-group-based-facilitators-bundle/) Fatherhood Data - [Free Data & Infographics](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-absence-statistic) - [Father Facts™ 9 Publication](https://store.fatherhood.org/father-facts-ninth-edition/) - [Father Facts Poster Sets](https://store.fatherhood.org/posters) - [Father Involvement Brochures](https://store.fatherhood.org/brochures) Free Resources - [Father Friendly Check-Up™](https://www.fatherhood.org/ffcu) - [Fatherhood Program Selection Tool](https://www.fatherhood.org/program-selector) - [Championing Fatherhood Blog](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood) - [Help Center](https://help.fatherhood.org/) - [**FatherSource™ Store**](https://store.fatherhood.org/) --- © 2026 National Fatherhood Initiative®. 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