About Dads Figure It Out Foundation
Dads Figure It Out Foundation (“DFIO Foundation”) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to recognizing, uplifting, and encouraging fathers through meaningful moments of appreciation, storytelling, and community. We exist to remind dads that their efforts matter — especially the quiet, everyday ways they provide, lead, support, and show up for their families. Through public recognitions, community engagement, and a growing network of dads and supporters, DFIO helps fathers feel seen, valued, and encouraged while helping build stronger families and communities in the process.
DFIO is a Tampa-based nonprofit recognizing, supporting, and uplifting dads and families through storytelling, partnerships, and meaningful experiences. Four core programs. One mission.
Real recognition. Real reach. Real momentum.
Our Mission
To celebrate and support fathers who strengthen their families and communities — one recognition, one story, and one connection at a time.
We believe many dads carry responsibility quietly and often without acknowledgment. DFIO was created to make sure fathers know their impact is noticed. By highlighting their stories, honoring their efforts, and creating opportunities for encouragement and connection, we aim to strengthen the role of fathers in homes, neighborhoods, and communities across the country.
What we do
DFIO operates through four core programs that work together to recognize fathers, share their stories, connect them to community, and create meaningful experiences alongside their families. Four core programs. One mission.
Dad Recognitions
We spotlight dads nominated by family, friends, and community. Each selected dad receives a DFIO recognition package and a public spotlight shared with permission — designed to remind a dad that what he does matters.
Dad Series
Real dads sharing what “figuring it out” means to them through short, honest video stories. The Dad Series turns lived experience into encouragement other fathers can carry into their own homes.
DFIO Support Network
A growing network of trusted organizations, creators, podcasts, experiences, and community voices that help support dads and families — extending support beyond a single recognition moment.
Game Day Experience
Creating meaningful game day memories for deserving families through donated tickets, local sponsorships, and community partners. Currently piloting in Tampa Bay and Miami.
Our core values
Recognition
We believe fathers deserve to be acknowledged for the everyday sacrifices, leadership, consistency, and love they pour into their families. We intentionally create moments that help dads feel seen, appreciated, and valued.
Community
We believe encouragement grows stronger when it is shared. DFIO brings together families, supporters, local businesses, and dads themselves to create a community where fathers are uplifted, supported, and reminded they do not have to carry everything alone.
Dignity
We honor each dad’s story with care and respect. We share stories thoughtfully, protect privacy, seek consent, and aim to represent every father in a way that preserves his dignity, reflects his family’s wishes, and centers encouragement over exposure.
Why DFIO is different
DFIO is built around storytelling, recognition, and partnership rather than traditional direct services — a model that scales naturally and keeps the focus on fathers themselves.
Storytelling-first
Real dads. Real stories. Real moments. We lead with authentic narratives that resonate with everyday fathers, not corporate messaging.
Recognition-first
Before programs or services, we make sure dads feel seen. Public recognition is the foundation everything else builds on.
Community partnerships
We collaborate with creators, local businesses, podcasts, athletes, and community organizations rather than competing for the same space — partnerships amplify impact.
National reach, local roots
Tampa-based with a growing nationwide community. Our digital-first approach lets a single recognition story reach families in every state.
Built with the community, for the community
DFIO’s impact is shaped by the people who show up alongside us — recognized dads, family members, content creators, podcast hosts, local businesses, community-based nonprofits, and supporters across the country. Every story we share and every partnership we build reflects a community working together to recognize fatherhood.
Leadership & Board
Miguel DeLeon Jr.
Miguel DeLeon Jr brings over 25 years of experience in building systems and user experiences at his current company, where he has dedicated his career to improving how people connect with technology. Inspired by the #dadssupportingdads movement, he founded Dads Figure It Out™ (DFIO) believing that even small recognitions can make a big difference.
As a father for more than 27 years, Miguel understands firsthand the daily challenges dads face while striving to provide, nurture, and lead their families. Through DFIO, he aims to create meaningful support for dads — helping in small ways that spark big impacts within families and communities.
Michael Goldmann
Michael (Mike) Goldmann is an accomplished CFO with more than 25 years in financial leadership, corporate strategy, and organizational growth. He has guided companies through complex transformations, mergers, and operational realignments, consistently driving profitability and sustainable performance.
Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Mike serves as Treasurer of the DFIO Foundation, focused on building a sustainable financial framework to expand the foundation’s reach and long-term impact.
Mike has been a father of two for over 22 years and a competitive girls’ fastpitch softball coach for more than a decade, shaping his philosophy of leadership — emphasizing teamwork, mentorship, and integrity.
Ashley Olson
Ashley graduated from the University of South Florida in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and minor in International Relations. For the past two years, she has worked as an Admission Evaluator, where she enjoys supporting students on their path to higher education. Newly married in 2025, she brings the same care and dedication she values in her personal life to her professional and volunteer roles.
She believes that simple recognition can make a huge difference as it helps people feel seen, heard, and appreciated amid the hustle and bustle of everyday life — a philosophy that guides her approach to teamwork and community service within the organization.
We publish brief bios and photos as they are finalized. For governance documents or board inquiries, contact info@dadsfigureitout.org.
Legal & Tax Status
| Federal Tax-Exempt Status | IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity |
| EIN | 39-4653817 |
| Public Charity Classification | IRC 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) — Publicly Supported Charity |
| IRS Determination Date | October 16, 2025 |
| Effective Date of Exemption | October 1, 2025 |
| Fiscal Year End | December 31 |
| Donation Deductibility | Contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law (IRC §170). Qualified for bequests, devises, transfers, or gifts under IRC §§2055, 2106, 2522. |
| Verification | IRS determination letter available upon request. You may also search our EIN on the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search (TEOS). |
Be part of the story
Help us recognize fathers making a difference, strengthen the DFIO Dads network, and continue building a community where dads feel seen, encouraged, and appreciated. You can support the mission or nominate a dad.