FAI has six areas of concentration to achieve the above mission. It seeks to strengthen and advance organizational and individual initiatives in folk music and dance through education, networking, advocacy, professional and field development, and consumer development.

1. Education – To increase understanding of the rich variety, artistic value, cultural and historical significance, and continuing relevance of folk music and dance among educators, media, and the general public.
2. Networking – To provide a bridge to and from folk music and dance organizations and needed resources, and to help those organizations link with their constituencies.
3. Advocacy – To influence decision makers and resource providers on the national, state, provincial, and local levels, ensuring the growth of folk music and dance.
4. Field Development – To support and encourage the development of new and existing grassroots folk music and dance organizations.
5. Professional Development – To strengthen the effectiveness of folk music and dance organizations by providing professional development opportunities.
6. Consumer Development – To build a stronger consumer base by identifying and involving current and potential folk music consumers and players through programs, marketing, and outreach.