Association of the Friends of Persian Culture

The Association of the Friends of Persian Culture, based in Evanston, IL, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving Persian arts, literature, and cultural heritage. Established in 1991 by The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States, the Association has grown to become a vital resource for cultural education and artistic expression in the Evanston community and beyond.

The organization serves as a cultural hub offering diverse programming and resources that celebrate Persian traditions, literature, and artistic achievements. Through its comprehensive offerings, the Association provides community members with opportunities to engage with Persian culture in meaningful and enriching ways. The organization maintains an on-site bookstore featuring Persian literature, cultural materials, and gift items that support its mission while making authentic cultural resources accessible to the broader community.

Funding for the Association's programs and initiatives comes from multiple sources, including registration fees for events and programs, tax-deductible individual contributions, and revenue generated through bookstore sales. This diverse funding model enables the organization to sustain its operations while maintaining its commitment to making Persian cultural programming available and affordable for Evanston residents and visitors. The Association's structure and financial practices reflect its dedication to transparency and responsible stewardship as a nonprofit cultural institution serving the greater Chicagoland area.