History 

In 1999, the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County and the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo each recognized that the needs of women and the unique philanthropic characteristics of women presented an opportunity in our region.  Both organizations were already deeply committed to the issues of women and girls but felt there was an opportunity for more to be done.  At that time less than 10% of grant dollars were spent on issues affecting women and girls specifically.

Together with a group of women community leaders they created the WNY Women's Fund.  The women set out to deepen their understanding and knowledge of issues affecting women and girls. They defined a shared vision and goals establishing an endowment fund to ensure support for programs to reach these goals. 

Since 2001, the Fund has awarded $ 300,000 and has raised $ 1.7 million in endowment gifts, operational support and program funds.  Our dedication to improving the lives of women and girls by focusing on the most pressing issues affecting our community has never been stronger.