Help FOCUS Grow: Support the FOCUS Fund

Think about it for a moment.  Just twelve years ago, FOCUS was only an idea.  Today, the bold hope which inspired this apostolate burns in the hearts of thousands and thousands of college students, and even more young graduates.  FOCUS’ growth – and the fruits of our work on campus – have been truly incredible.

In our first decade, we expanded an average of more than 20% each year, and still could not keep pace with the overwhelming number of enthusiastic inquiries from colleges, campus pastors, and dioceses interested in securing a FOCUS missionary team.   During this time, we checked our bearings, tested our mettle, and proved that the FOCUS model works not just on one campus, but across the country.

Now, the success of our Lord’s work requires us to boldly press forward, dramatically expanding our already successful mission.  We hope to nearly double the number of FOCUS campuses, growing into all 50 states to more than 100 campuses.

The challenge to FOCUS is that the number of trained missionaries and student leaders must increase to meet our expansion.  To excel in this growth, I am committed to maintaining very high and consistent standards in training and program development.  To do so, I turn to you and request your support.

This year’s FOCUS Fund goal is to raise $400,000 by the time the universities we serve begin their 2011 fall semester in early September.  This goal will help ensure this year keeps us on track to achieve our growth plan.  This goal represents the cost of providing the training and tools our missionaries need to carry out their important work.  Here are a few items gifts to the FOCUS Fund will support:

• New Staff Training - $300,000
  To provide five weeks of intensive training for new and veteran missionaries.
• Curriculum and Campus Budgets - $200,000
  To develop, enhance and distribute our student-focused outreach materials, Bible studies and mentoring program, and to supply each campus team with funding for local events and outreach.
• Missions and Events - $200,000
  To help lead more than 14 missions to serve the poor in the US and internationally, and host four conferences across the nation for as many as 4,000 students to be inspired in their faith at a dynamic setting along-side hundreds and hundreds of their peers.
• Varsity Catholic - $125,000
  To grow our outreach program dedicated to collegiate athletes to develop their character and faith and equip them with the tools needed to be effective leaders on their team and in their community.

Your gift—large or small—will make an impact in the lives of young people and the future of our Church and society!  It is my hope you will send a tax-deductible contribution of $25, $50, $100, or even $250, if you can.  FOCUS will use your gift to help young people across the nation build and strengthen a relationship with Jesus Christ that will carry them throughout their lives

And, please keep us in your prayers.  You will be in ours.

             Sincerely in Christ,

    Curtis A. Martin                
    President and Founder