WNY Women's Foundation

About Us

ABOUT US
Buffalo, NY
Grounded in data, the WNY Women's Foundation drives economic solutions to advance gender equity and move WNY forward. We believe that collaboratively tackling issues that women struggle with is the best way to catalyze change in our community. Located in Buffalo, NY, the WNY Women's Foundation bases its work on four pillars which include advocacy, voice, leadership, and economic empowerment creating opportunities for each woman to thrive

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 transforms systems, culture, and policy to create opportunities for each woman to 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.