F.O.K.U.S. has grown to have two chapters, one based in Michigan and another based in New York City.  As we expand and grow, we continue to need people’s support in various forms. From the community's attendance and energy at F.O.K.U.S.’ various functions all the way to their financial support allow us to continue to provide enriching programming for the community.

The financial support that you provide allows us to keep the dreams of artists alive by providing stages for them to showcase their talents and increase their audience. Your support, regardless of size, has a vital impact on F.O.K.U.S. and the community. Your support allows us to continue bringing people together and taking diversity to another level all the while enriching peoples' lives with art and all the beauty that comes with the arts.

F.O.K.U.S. is a 501(c)3 organization and you may be able to deduct donations from your personal income taxes. Consult with your tax advisor or review the IRS regulations that apply to your situation to determine whether or not a deduction is allowed.

You can use the service below to make secure electronic donations by clicking on the logos:

Thank you for supporting the arts and the valuable dreams of artists.

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F.O.K.U.S. set out in 2003 to bring people together and highlight how valuable the arts are in life. Our first year was very difficult but a great learning experience for the initial group of 5. We spent most of 2003 dominant in the campus' eyes but quietly we were learning and getting better with the plan to stamp University of Michigan's campus with a huge F.O.K.U.S. eye. In very little time we did so with just 5 dedicated people and support from a handful of others in that first year.

We gave people art in all shapes and sizes and even opened up peoples' eyes to a new understanding of what falls within the definition of art. F.O.K.U.S.' journey introduced us to a lot of great people and organizations that we partnered with to produce events. Additionally, our journey as a family enabled members of F.O.K.U.S. to work on various individual projects and serve as key members of various groups and on various boards.

Our dominant year introduced us to one of the biggest obstacles we have faced and continue to face - the fact that successfully produced and executed programs depend on money to the point that they get cancelled if we do not have the financial capacity. Luckily, we have been able to offset this financial burden through the generosity of our sponsors including individuals, departments, groups and organizations. These sponsors are ultimately members of the same audience that we serve through our various events, dialogues and workshops.

We aim to make all of our events free or at a minimal cost to ensure that everyone has access to enjoy, learn from and appreciate the arts and artists.

As we grow and get stronger, we continue to need your support in various forms. From attendance at our events to finanical support, you continue to keep the arts alive and put smiles on artists faces.

For those of you with young family members, you experience the passion of a young artist as children are born artists. I am sure everyone can reflect on that drawing that was proudly displayed within your home or school and the feeling it gave you. Now imagine those same children as young adults who no longer have the opportunity to display their talents. These artists will ultimately turn off the studio light and throw out their portfolio, never to try art again and bring satisfaction to themselves and others.

With your help we can provide the art shows and events so these artists continue their works in the future. Also, your support allows us to bring together people as they enjoy discussions with various artists and opportunities to witness the next great movement.

On behalf of all members of F.O.K.U.S., I thank you in advance for your support.

Atiba Edwards, Co-founder of F.O.K.U.S.