"[2] One of a handful of independent folk and traditional arts nonprofits nationwide, the organization is widely regarded as a powerful instrument for socially conscious and anti-racist activism and serves as a model for sustaining living cultural heritage in the fields of applied folklore, ethnomusicology, and anthropology.
[3] It seeks to foster growth in communities through access to grant funding and artistic venues, but also material and social infrastructure in defense against gentrification and through cultivating positive inter-communal relationships.
[4] PFP conducts field research into community-based arts, history, and culture, and maintains one of the largest archives on regional folklore in the city of Philadelphia, holding over 75,000 items and documents.
The Philadelphia Folklore Project regularly schedules and holds events meant to foster cultural awareness and education across a diverse set of communities in the region.
[14] It has advocated for and frequently raised money to help diverse and low-income communities, including co-founding the Folk Arts-Cultural Treasures Charter School alongside Asian Americans United.
[16] In addition to these, PFP hosts communal seminars discussing issues facing many communities today, regarding topics such as cultural erasure, appropriation, and inclusion.