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If you are a US taxpayer, you can support the Cathedral tax efficiently by donating to the Friends of Canterbury Cathedral in the US (FOCCUS).
The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral in the US (FOCCUS) is an independent 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organisation with its own directors and office based in New York City.
If you live in the US or are an American citizen, we invite you to deepen your connection with the Cathedral by joining FOCCUS. FOCCUS offers Americans the opportunity to play a meaningful role in supporting the life of the Cathedral in all its diverse aims. The Cathedral is a centre for pilgrimage, communion and learning, and looks after historic fabric that covers more than 1,400 years of building and craftsmanship.
FOCCUS is part of a global network of Friends and donors who are dedicated to supporting this incredible place, and we hope you will join FOCCUS and become part of the worldwide Cathedral family. We also hope that you will be inspired to visit Canterbury and we look forward to welcoming you.
Why join?
History of The Friends
The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral was founded in 1927 by the then Dean of Canterbury, George Bell. The organization was the first of its kind in the world.
In 1928 Miss Margaret Babington joined Dean Bell as Steward. A redoubtable woman of enormous energy and tremendous vision, she made a huge contribution to the success of the Friends. She staged plays and concerts and enticed illustrious people such as John Masefield, Sir Adrian Boult, Gustav Holst, Dorothy L. Sayers and Dame Myra Hess to the Cathedral. Rudyard Kipling and George Bernard Shaw became enthusiastic members.
Margaret Babington, the energy behind the Friends when it started, handed over her baton to many other stewards and executive secretaries, all of whom have put their own stamp on the efforts of the Friends, and made it the successful charity and membership organisation it is today.
Over the years The Friends have given the equivalent of more than £15 million towards various projects to enhance and preserve Canterbury Cathedral.
Our President is The Lord Archbishop of Canterbury. Prior to her death, Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was our First Friend on the Roll, and the former Prince of Wales was our Patron.
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