Fathers' groups, including national campaign group Fathers Direct, are among more than 130 voluntary organisations to benefit from 16m in grants.
Children North East was awarded more than 200,000 to establish a regional resource centre for fathers in Durham.
This will offer support and advice to dads and will allow the charity to run outreach projects, contribute to policy documents, and work to boost male and father-friendly services.
Tony Adams, Children North East's acting director, said the cash was part of a major shift in government thinking.
Roger Olley, project manager for Children North East's Fathers Plus project, added: "We're tickled pink. It is recognition of the importance of fathers."
The grant awards follow the fund's launch in May with cash targeted at groups that work with fathers, black and ethnic minority families, and families living with disability, bereavement, addiction, mental health problems and conflict.
More than 10m will go to large organisations to boost parenting support at a strategic level.
Fathers Direct has been awarded more than 300,000 to highlight the role of fathers among other organisations that work with parents.
