Fact Sheet

What is the WNY Women's Foundation?

We believe that when women and girls are self-sufficient, entire communities are made stronger. In order to make systemic change, we raise money and makes grants to local community programs which exemplify this belief.

The Foundation is a member of the Women's Funding Network, an organization of over 135 Women's Funds across the globe, representing over $450 million in assets.

 

Why was the WNY Women's Foundation established?

Buffalo has the 3rd highest poverty rate of any large city with 30% of families living in poverty. Women are the heads of household in nearly two thirds of these families.  By giving women tools and providing opportunities to become economically self-sufficient, we can decrease poverty in Western New York.

While working with existing community service providers and conducting careful research, the Foundation focuses its support in areas of the greatest need to ensure a coordinated effort aimed at benefiting women and girls.

 

What types of programs does the WNY Women's Foundation support?

The Foundation works to Fund innovative programs that provide systematic change within these three focus areas based on the Pathways to Progress report:

1.) Affordable, accessible, quality childcare

2) Family sustaining jobs for women and their families

3) Excellence in out-of-school time programs.

 

Why give to the WNY Women's Foundation?

We conduct careful research and work with community organizations to focus our support in the areas of greatest need and where the outcomes will be sustainable.  Your gift to the Fund will have measurable impact on a community-wide basis and beyond.

 

What has been raised to date?

The WNY Women's Foundation have raised over $2.4 million and are continuing to work to further build our endowment and to make grants to important programs for women and girls.  Also, in just seven years, the Fund has provided over $480,000 to programs that are making a real and lasting difference in the lives of women and girls in our community.

 

How can I help?

1. Educate yourself on the issues impacting the girls and women of WNY.

2. Contribute financially to one of our focus areas.

3. Volunteer for one of our committees.

 

Your help and support are critical to the success of the Foundation. For more information contact our office today at 716-887-2621.