ABOUT US

Buffalo, NY

Our Vision

A culture of possibility where all women achieve their fullest potential, leading to a vibrant, inclusive Western New York community.

Our Mission

The WNY Women's Foundation creates opportunities for each woman to learn, earn, lead, and thrive.

Our History

In 1999, the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County and the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo recognized that there was not enough funding or focus on the unique needs of women and girls in our region. Together, with a group of diverse women, they created the WNY Women's Fund. They defined a shared vision by establishing a modest endowment fund to support programs specifically geared towards women and girls.

An expansive group of leaders and supporters worked tirelessly to grow the WNY Women's Fund into a self-sustaining, independent organization. Nearly two decades later the WNY Women's Foundation is a separate 501(c)3, nonprofit organization continually expanding efforts to make Western New York a great place for women and girls to live, work, and grow through women empowerment programs.

WNY Women's Foundation Timeline