501(c)(3) Nonprofit — Est. 2022

Supporting children
growing up
without fathers.

A 501(c)(3) built to guide the next generation of fatherless children.

0
Youth
Served
0
Scholarships
Awarded
0
Active
Mentors
0
Cities
Reached
A child putting on a Dudes For Dads cap with a mentor smiling behind them
Federally Recognized 501(c)(3)
🏆 Arlington Community Foundation Partner
🎓 Scholarship Programs Active
🤝 Community-Led & Volunteer-Driven
📍 Serving 5 Cities Nationwide
Dudes For Dads community gathering in Central Park
💙
Fueled by Dads' lessons of service
Built by those who knew loss firsthand
Our Inspiration

Built from loss.
Built to last.

Dudes For Dads is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit built by a group of friends who either lost their father or never had one.

  • Fueled by our Dads' lessons of service and compassion, we guide children growing up without a father.
  • We support through educational programs, athletic opportunities, and personal development initiatives.
  • Dudes For Dads has raised over $350k to directly support programs that change the trajectory of a child's life.
Our Mission & History →
Our Mission

To support children who have lost a father figure through academics, athletics, and grief support.

At Dudes For Dads, we believe in the power of compassion, the strength of community, and the joy of shared memories.

Our Story

We are a group of friends who have been shaped by the love, wisdom, and sometimes the absence of our fathers. Our journey began with a shared loss, a common void, and a collective resolve to turn our personal pain into a beacon of hope for others.

Our organization is a tribute to Steven Goodwin, Ben Gieseman, Alberto Panqueva, David Miller, Bill Stokes, and countless others who have inspired us to be the men we are today. Their spirit lives on in the work we do, the lives we touch, and the community we build.
Our Milestones

Tangible impact, year after year.

Since our inception, we've worked to fill the void left by the loss of a father figure. Here are a few of our proud moments.

2022
March
The founding team was created.
April
Partnered with Big Brother Big Sister of the National Capital Area — they've served at-risk youth through comprehensive mentoring relationships in DC, MD, and VA since 1949. We raised $5K and used the funds to launch Dudes For Dads as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
August
Organized a sports equipment drive in Arlington, VA, donating to Project Playtime in DC. We collected over 350 pieces of sports equipment — cleats, flag football flags, soccer goals — all donated to a summer camp for homeless children.
October
Established a continual partnership with the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity at the University of Miami. Our first fundraiser broke their philanthropy fundraising record!
2023
March
Partnered with the Home Team Organization at the Gibson-Bethel Community Center in South Miami. With 40 volunteers, we organized over 50 care packages with school clothing for community center students.
Fall
Funded a flag football team in the Michigan Youth Sports Initiative for students who couldn't otherwise afford to join leagues.
2024
Spring
Established an Annual $6,000 scholarship with the Arlington, Virginia Community Foundation to support a graduating high school senior in their college pursuit.
Spring
Donated 200 backpacks full of hygiene products to students in need in the Miami area.
Fall
Both Michigan Youth Sports Initiative flag football teams made it to the quarterfinals in their playoffs.
Fall
Partnered with The Bowery Mission to host a Winter Clothing Drive at the Google NYC office. Together we collected over 50 articles of clothing for homeless people around New York.
2025
Spring
The NYC Gala team hosted the inaugural Dudes For Dads Spring Gala in New York City — over 400 attendees and fundraised over $130,000.
Spring
Gifted our 2nd annual scholarship to a graduating high school senior in Arlington, VA.
Summer
Launched a NYC Young Professionals Board with 30+ volunteers to help create volunteer programs, build community in NYC, and plan fundraising events.
Fall
The NYC Young Professionals Board hosted the 2nd Annual Fall Kickoff Fundraiser.
2026
Spring
Hosted our 2nd Annual Gala in New York, NY500 attendees and $175,000 raised in a single night, building on the momentum of our inaugural event.
Spring
Expanded our scholarship program to three $10,000 scholarships across NYC, DC, and Miami — supporting graduating high school seniors in each of our largest chapters.
Founding Board

The Dudes behind the mission.

Bound by a shared experience and a desire to give back, the Dudes For Dads Founding Board is made up of friends from Arlington, VA and the University of Miami. They power our mission and vision in some pretty amazing ways.

Board
Dustin Goodwin, President & Executive Director
Dustin Goodwin
President & Executive Director
Board
Tomas Panqueva, Vice President
Tomas Panqueva
Vice President
Board
Max Gieseman, Fundraising Director
Max Gieseman
Fundraising Director
Board
Zack McCoskrie, Director of Growth
Zack McCoskrie
Director of Growth
Board
Spencer Goodwin, Program Coordinator
Spencer Goodwin
Program Coordinator
Board
Han Miller, Special Events Coordinator
Han Miller
Special Events Coordinator
Board
Will Stokes, Campaigns Coordinator
Will Stokes
Campaigns Coordinator
Board
Jack Lahar, Grants Director
Jack Lahar
Grants Director
How We Help

Three pillars.
One mission.

Committed to helping our community through athletics, academics, and personal development.

Sports mentorship
Pillar 01
Athletics
Sports teach valuable lessons in teamwork, discipline, and perseverance — the same qualities that fuel academic achievement. We sponsor sports teams across the country, fostering community and helping young athletes thrive.
350+
Pieces of sports equipment donated
Learn more →
Scholarship presentation
Pillar 02
Academics
Education is the great equalizer. We award three $10,000 scholarships each year in NYC, DC, and Miami — and the NYC Student Sponsors Program connects mentors with students across the five boroughs.
3 × $10K
Annual scholarships in NYC, DC, Miami
Learn more →
Mentorship in action
Pillar 03
Personal Development
One-on-one mentorship, guidance, and grief support — bridging the gap left by the absence of a father figure. We walk alongside young people, offering encouragement and a safe space to heal.
Learn more →
📍 New York City
NYC Young Professionals Board team at the 2025 Gala
NYC Chapter

NYC Young
Professionals Board.

Launched in summer 2025, our NYC chapter unites young professionals across the city to build community, plan fundraising events, and create volunteer programs that directly support our mission.

30+
Board Members
$175K
Raised at 2026 Gala
10+
Volunteer Events in 2025
  • Hosted the 2nd Annual Gala in 2026 — over 500 attendees and $175,000 raised in a single night.
  • Co-hosted a Winter Clothing Drive with The Bowery Mission at the Google NYC office, collecting 50+ articles for those experiencing homelessness.
  • Partnered with the Student Sponsors Program to deliver a $10,000 scholarship.
Follow @dudesfordads → Join the NYC Board
Miami Chapter

University of Miami
Miller School of Medicine.

Our Miami chapter began in 2022 with a continual partnership at the University of Miami and has since expanded to include the Miller School of Medicine — driving scholarships, care packages, and community outreach across South Florida.

200+
Backpacks Donated
50+
Care Packages
40+
Active Volunteers
  • Established a continual partnership with Pi Kappa Alpha at UMiami — our first fundraiser broke their philanthropy record.
  • Donated 200 backpacks filled with hygiene products to students in need across the Miami area.
  • Partnered with the Home Team Organization at the Gibson-Bethel Community Center to organize 50+ care packages with school clothing.
Follow @dudesfordads → Join the Miami Chapter
📍 Miami, FL
Miami chapter at the Miami Marathon
Inside Pillar 02 — Academics

The Dudes For Dads
$10,000 Scholarship.

Each year, we award three $10,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors in NYC, DC, and Miami. Helping the next generation of students take the next step.

Jenna Passanisi receives a $10,000 Dudes For Dads scholarship
2026 Recipient
$10,000 Scholarship · NYC

Meet Jenna.

Jenna joined a growing list of Dudes For Dads scholarship recipients in 2026, a graduating senior awarded our $10,000 scholarship in partnership with the Student Sponsors Program.

Through the Student Sponsors Program, we connect with high-achieving students across New York City's five boroughs and support them through a critical transition point in their education.

Award$10,000
LocationNew York, NY
PartnerStudent Sponsors
Three Cities

Three scholarships. One mission.

We award $30,000 total per year across three cities — ensuring that fatherless students in each of our core chapters have a path forward.

📍
$10,000
New York, NY
In partnership with the Student Sponsors Program
Awarded to a graduating high school senior selected by the NYC Young Professionals Board and Student Sponsors Program each spring.
📍
$10,000
Washington, DC
In partnership with the Arlington Community Foundation
Our longest-running scholarship, awarded annually to a graduating senior in the Arlington, VA area since 2024.
📍
$10,000
Miami, FL
In partnership with local Miami community partners
Launched in 2026 as part of our expansion, supporting a graduating senior in South Florida each year.
Know a student who qualifies?
Applications open each spring. Reach out to learn more about eligibility and the application process.
Contact Us About Applications →
Inside Pillar 03

You're not alone.

We understand how tough it can be to navigate life without a father figure. That's why we've built a personal development program — and a mentorship community — just for you.

Why Mentorship

More than a family member — a guide, friend, and role model.

When you lose a father, you lose more than a family member. You lose a guide, a friend, a role model. Our mentors are here to help fill that void — to guide you, support you, and remind you that you're not alone.

Mentorship Matters

Someone who's walked in your shoes.

Our program isn't just about having someone to talk to (though that's a big part of it). It's about making sure you have someone who's there for you — someone who's walked in your shoes and can guide you through the ups and downs.

What Mentorship Looks Like

Every person is unique.
So is every mentorship.

We tailor our program to fit your needs. Here's a peek at what you can expect from the Dudes For Dads mentorship community.

💬
One-on-One Chats
Regular, supportive conversations with your mentor — built around what you need, when you need it.
🤝
Group Activities
Fun outings with other mentees and their mentors. Think of it as a big, supportive family.
🎯
Life Skills
Guidance on everything from homework to hobbies. If you're struggling with something, your mentor is there to help.
Ready to join?
If you're ready to take the next step, we're here to welcome you with open arms. At Dudes For Dads, you're never alone — we're here for you, every step of the way.
Contact Us →
Scholarship recipient
Our Impact

Real change.
Real lives.

From scholarships to sports to grief support — every dollar directly builds a brighter future for fatherless children across the country.

0
Youth Served
0
Scholarships Awarded
0
Active Mentors
0
Cities Reached
Get Involved

Making a difference
starts here.

Please consider lending your support by donating, volunteering, or hosting a fundraiser.

DFD Gala
💛
Make a Donation
Give young children the chance to thrive. Your donation fuels positive change in the lives of fatherless children across the country.
Give Today →
Volunteer
🤝
Volunteer With Us
Share your time and skills as a mentor, event helper, or coach. It takes passionate people like you to build a positive future for these kids.
Sign Up →
Host a Fundraiser
🏛️
Host a Fundraiser
Register your organization, host a corporate event, or partner with us to ensure every fatherless child has the support they deserve.
Raise Funds →
Partner With Us
Register your organization, host a corporate event, or become a program partner.
Become a Partner →
More Ways to Support

Beyond a one-time gift.

🔁
Monthly Giving
Become a sustaining donor. Recurring gifts let us plan ahead and grow our programs year-round.
🏢
Employer Matching
Many companies match employee donations. Double your impact by checking with your employer.
🎁
Tribute Gifts
Honor a father, mentor, or loved one. We'll send a personalized acknowledgment to your recipient.
📜
Stocks & DAFs
Donate appreciated securities or recommend a grant from your donor-advised fund. Contact us for details.
2022
Founded
100%
Tax-Deductible
501(c)(3)
Federally Recognized
5
Cities Served
Dudes For Dads Gala
Support the Mission

Every child deserves a chance
to thrive.

Please consider supporting Dudes For Dads. Your generosity provides educational programs, athletic opportunities, and personal development to children who need it most.