FOCUS Facilitates, Educates, and Celebrates Civic Engagement!
What is FOCUS Greater Syracuse?
FOCUS Greater Syracuse, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit civic engagement organization serving Onondaga County! For 28 years, we have connected everyday people with local government, organizations, and businesses, building relationships that lead to meaningful civic action and a stronger community!
FOCUS’ Programs
| FOCUS Forums FOCUS Forums are free, public conversations where everyday people and local experts dig into the issues shaping life in Onondaga County, starting with root causes and moving toward real solutions, resources, and civic action! Every forum includes a moderated Q&A, because you are not just the audience. You are the reason we are here! Citizens Academy Citizens Academy is an 11-week, behind-the-scenes program that gives selected participants an insider look at how Onondaga County and the City of Syracuse actually work! Through private tours, expert panels, and direct Q&A with decision-makers across topics like public safety, health, environment, economic development, and more, participants leave with a deeper understanding of their community and the connections to do something with what they’ve learned. Seats are limited, admission is competitive, and there is nothing else like it anywhere else! Wisdom Keeper Celebration Wisdom Keeper is FOCUS’ signature annual fundraiser! Each fall, leaders, professionals, and community members from all walks of life come together for a lively, welcoming evening filled with optimism, connection, and sincere appreciation! The highlight of every Wisdom Keeper is the honoring of individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, continuous care, and a clear vision for the future of Central New York! Every honoree is recognized with a plaque in the Wisdom Keeper Garden, a growing tribute to the remarkable people who shape our community! Research, Reports, & Initiatives Over the years, FOCUS has conducted research and produced reports that have informed planning and decision-making across Onondaga County, from public health and aging to environmental issues and local government structure. FOCUS continues to publish updates to our Patterns of Government, a detailed guide to the structure, services, funding, and functions of local government in Onondaga County, and partners with the CNY Community Foundation on the Life Needs Assessment, a community survey that helps shape FOCUS Forum topics, programs, and partnerships. |
FOCUS’ 25+ Year History
| “Forging Our Community’s United Strength” FOCUS Greater Syracuse, Inc. was founded in 1998 by Charlotte “Chuckie” Holstein and Dr. Judith Mower, alongside a group of Onondaga County residents who believed that the people who live and work in a community should have a real voice in shaping it. What began as a grassroots visioning initiative, one of the first of its kind in the region to center the ideas of everyday people rather than those in positions of power, laid the foundation for something that has grown far beyond its origins. Over nearly three decades, FOCUS has evolved from a community dreaming exercise into one of Onondaga County’s most trusted civic engagement organizations. Today, FOCUS connects everyday people with local decision-makers through public forums and programs, including Citizens Academy, the only program of its kind in the world! We are proud of where we started, and we are proud of where we are going! |
FOCUS’ Awards
Executive Director of the Year Award from the CNY Business Journal & BizEventz at the 2023 Nonprofit Awards.
The Rhea Eckel Clark Citizenship Award for FOCUS’ active role in promoting cooperation among citizens, agencies, & local elected officials. The CNY Regional & Development Planning Board recognized the hundreds of FOCUS volunteers who continually strive to make CNY a better place.
International University & Professional Continuing Education Association Award for creating the Citizens Academy.
National Purpose Prize Award from the Franklin Templeton Foundation, Atlantic Philanthropies, & Civic Ventures.
JCPenney Golden Rule Award for exceptional citizen engagement & volunteer service.
Syracuse Rotary Award for citizen engagement & volunteer service.
FOCUS Greater Syracuse, Inc. is an independent, 501(c)(3) organization that thrives with the support of our community. Your charitable contributions, grants, and sponsorships help us tap citizen creativity to bring about change in Central New York!
