About Us

The Nigerian Foundation of Michigan, (NFOM), formerly the Association of Nigerians in Michigan, is a non-profit 501©(3) organization that provides a broad range of cultural, social, educational and other ancillary support services to the Nigerian and American communities in the state of Michigan.

The Foundation was born in 1985 by a few Nigerians in the aftermath of a tragic and untimely death by gunshot of a Nigerian student cab driver in Highland Park, Michigan, primarily as a support group to the immediate family of the victim. The Association later evolved into The Nigerian Foundation of Michigan, and consequently attained its nonprofit status from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). 

The Nigerian Foundation of Michigan operates exclusively for charitable, and educational purposes, including such purposes, related to making contributions to other organizations that qualify as Tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the internal Revenue Service Tax Code (or corresponding provision of any future IRS tax code).

The Foundation makes donations, provides services to the poor and the needy; and organizes relief assistance to natural disaster victims. The educational and cultural aspects of the Foundations’ goals are implemented through organizing and hosting educational/cultural workshops for the general public. The Foundation also engages in promoting and enhancing the prevention of substance abuse within its community as well as sponsoring civic responsibilities including contributions to the common good of society amongst its youths. The Foundation believes that the essence of positive self-image, enhanced self-esteem and attainment of higher academic standards in youths can only be achieved by establishing a strong and cohesive community that propagates positive future outlook for its youth.

Membership and participation in the Nigerian Foundation programs and activities are open to the general public, and is automatic for all Nigerians and friends of Nigeria that accept the objectives or purposes of the organization without bias.  Membership is also open to non-residents of Michigan.  There are over 5000 Nigerians, and over 10,000 Africans residing in the metropolitan Detroit area.  It has been estimated that about five of every ten African-Americans in the United States could possibly trace their roots back to Nigeria. Thus, The Nigerian Foundation of Michigan feels and shares in the commitment and responsibility for a broader spectrum of cultural awareness, as well as educational enhancement within the community.