Discover Non-Profit Organizations in Buffalo, NY dedicated to supporting and empowering your community. Our directory features organizations committed to addressing the unique needs and challenges of the community through advocacy, programs, and services.
Founded in 1938 with the Buffalo Chapter established in 1950, the Accounting & Financial Women's Alliance has supported women in accounting and finance for over six decades in the Buffalo, NY area. The organization's mission centers on enabling women in all accounting and related fields to achieve their full personal, professional, and economic potential while contributing to the future development of their profession. For members throughout Buffalo and beyond, the chapter creates a supportive community of accomplished professionals who understand the unique experiences and challenges women face in the accounting and finance industry. The organization has evolved significantly alongside the profession, remaining ahead of the curve in supporting women's advancement and professional growth. Members benefit from meaningful peer connections, educational opportunities, and mentorship from influential professionals who are committed to collective success. The chapter's December charity event demonstrates its community commitment, raising funds annually for organizations supporting women and children. Through monthly gatherings, professional development initiatives, and a strong emphasis on building both technical expertise and leadership capabilities, the Buffalo Chapter continues its legacy of helping women achieve sustainable, rewarding careers in accounting and finance.
Based in Buffalo, NY, the Western New York Chapter of the Women's Bar Association of the State of New York represents a community of over 400 dedicated legal professionals committed to advancing women in both the legal profession and society. For more than 30 years, this chapter has been an integral part of the region's professional landscape, supporting qualified women in attaining leadership positions across government, law firms, and business.
As a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit professional association, WBASNY's Western New York Chapter operates on the belief that genuine advancement requires all voices and views to be heard on matters important to the profession and community. The organization recognizes that challenges remain—women remain underrepresented among equity partners at law firms, in the judiciary, and in high-profile public positions—and works to address these systemic issues through coordinated action and collective advocacy.
The Chapter cultivates professional and personal growth through meaningful networking events, educational programs, and strategic collaborations with like-minded organizations. Members engage with sister chapters across New York State to effect change on matters of statewide, national, and international significance. Over four decades, WBASNY has supported many of New York's most distinguished female leaders and contributed to notable advancements throughout the state. The organization invites legal professionals in the Buffalo area to join in the pursuit of justice and equality for all.
Since its establishment in 1999, the WNY Women's Foundation has been a driving force for women's empowerment in Buffalo and throughout Western New York. Born from a collaborative vision between the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County and the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, the organization recognized a critical gap in funding and attention to the unique needs of women and girls in the region. What began as a modest endowment fund has evolved into a thriving independent nonprofit that serves as a catalyst for systemic change. The Foundation's mission is rooted in creating a culture of possibility where all women achieve their fullest potential, leading to a vibrant and inclusive Western New York community. Operating with an intersectional feminist lens, the organization stands firmly against injustice, inequality, and racism while championing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its work. The WNY Women's Foundation brings together diverse voices and perspectives to strengthen its impact and effectiveness. Today, nearly 25 years after its founding, the organization continues expanding its reach and influence through advocacy, investments, and strategic initiatives that amplify women's voices, advance leadership development, and support economic opportunity. Rooted in Buffalo's commitment to social progress, the Foundation remains dedicated to ensuring women and girls have the resources, support, and opportunities to thrive.
Rooted in the Buffalo, NY community since its founding, the Hispanic Heritage Council of Western New York Inc. exists to preserve and celebrate the legacy of Hispanic Americans who have called Western New York home for generations. The organization honors the journey of early Hispanic arrivals from Central and South America, Mexico, Spain, and the Caribbean who came seeking the American Dream, working in fields, factories, rail yards, and steel plants while building better lives for their families. Today, the Council continues this tradition of recognizing achievement and contribution by highlighting contemporary Hispanic professionals who excel in every sector of society across Western New York. Through community-centered programs like the Casimiro D. Rodriguez Sr. Legacy Fund and the groundbreaking Hispanic Heritage Cultural Institute under development in Buffalo, the organization is creating spaces where the entire community can meet, learn, and celebrate together. The Council's commitment extends to amplifying community voices through partnerships with local institutions, supporting educational initiatives, and raising awareness about issues affecting Hispanic families. By documenting oral histories through projects like the Bracero Oral History Project and maintaining active engagement with the broader Buffalo community, the Hispanic Heritage Council of Western New York Inc. ensures that past, present, and future contributions of Hispanic Americans remain visible, valued, and inspiring for generations to come.
Rooted in Buffalo, NY's rich Polish American heritage, the Polish American Congress, Western New York Division, Inc. represents a vital community institution dedicated to preserving and advancing the interests of Polish Americans in the region. Founded in 1944, the organization emerged from a deep commitment to honoring the dignity, contributions, and values of the Polish American community while fostering meaningful civic engagement. As part of a national organization representing at least 10 million Americans of Polish descent and origin, the Western New York Division maintains strong connections to broader Polish American movements while remaining firmly grounded in local community needs. The Congress brings together fraternal organizations, educational institutions, veteran groups, religious bodies, cultural associations, and business leaders, creating a comprehensive network that reflects the diversity and strength of Polish American life. The organization's mission centers on fundamental values including respect for labor and fair compensation, the importance of strong family structures, educational excellence, patriotic devotion to American democracy, and commitment to immigration policies that reflect America's best traditions. By serving as an umbrella organization in Buffalo, the Polish American Congress provides a unified platform for diverse Polish American voices and interests. The division embodies a multigenerational commitment to maintaining cultural identity while fully participating in American civic life, ensuring that Polish American perspectives and contributions remain recognized and valued in Western New York.
Since 1986, PFLAG Buffalo-Niagara has been a cornerstone of support and advocacy in Western New York, serving as a local chapter of the national PFLAG movement. The organization was built on a foundation of loving families united with LGBTQ+ people and allies, working together to create a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed. PFLAG Buffalo-Niagara envisions a society that embraces everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. The organization's mission extends beyond support meetings to include community education and advocacy work, speaking up for LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance throughout Buffalo and the Niagara region. What sets PFLAG Buffalo-Niagara apart is their unconditional commitment—support is available to all without mandatory membership requirements. The organization recognizes that acceptance journeys are deeply personal and offers flexible pathways for engagement, from sharing meetings to helpline support to community events. By uniting families, friends, and LGBTQ+ individuals, PFLAG Buffalo-Niagara continues to advocate until all hearts and minds respect and affirm LGBTQ+ people, creating lasting change in Western New York.
Rooted in Buffalo's rich Irish-American heritage, the United Irish American Association is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the profound contributions of Irish people to the community and nation. Based in Buffalo, NY, the UIAA's core mission centers on conducting a great family-friendly, religious, patriotic, and civic event that honors Saint Patrick while showcasing Irish cultural pride and historical significance. The organization has established itself as a vital community institution, bringing together families, religious leaders, and civic participants in an annual celebration that reflects both spiritual values and patriotic commitment. The UIAA's work extends beyond the parade itself—the organization maintains deep connections to Buffalo's Irish-American families and their stories of immigration, perseverance, and community building. Through its leadership and community partnerships, the UIAA ensures that Irish-American contributions to Western New York are recognized and celebrated for future generations. The organization welcomes community members who wish to participate, whether as marchers, supporters, or sponsors, creating an inclusive celebration that strengthens the bonds between Buffalo's diverse neighborhoods and honors the legacy of Irish pioneers who helped shape the city's character and values.
Since its founding in 1970 by St. Patrick's GAA and the Knights of Equity, the Buffalo Irish Center has evolved into the cultural heart of the Irish-American community throughout Buffalo and Western New York. This vibrant gathering place brings together over a dozen non-profit Irish-American organizations, each dedicated to preserving and celebrating distinct aspects of Irish heritage and culture. The Center's mission centers on creating a shared community space where Irish traditions can be fostered, celebrated, and shared with both those of Irish descent and individuals eager to learn about Irish heritage. Far more than a traditional social venue, the Buffalo Irish Center has grown into one of the region's most richly diverse cultural and ethnic institutions, operating continuously throughout the year as a testament to the community's commitment to preserving Irish traditions. The organization actively welcomes volunteers, members, and supporters from all backgrounds, embodying a philosophy of inclusivity while maintaining its core dedication to Irish cultural preservation. By supporting the Buffalo Irish Center through membership, event hosting, dining, volunteering, or donations, community members help sustain Irish traditions and cultural programs that have defined Western New York's South Buffalo neighborhood for over five decades.
For over 80 years, the Polish Arts Club of Buffalo has served as a vital cultural institution dedicated to preserving and sharing Polish heritage with the Western New York community. Founded in 1945 through the vision of Mrs. John Frost, Sophie Schoen, Sophie Czech, Mrs. Francis Schuncke, and Walter Orzelski, the organization was inspired by a transformative lecture encouraging Americans to embrace Polish culture and history. The Club's commitment to excellence has remained steadfast, guided by the artistic vision of its founding President, Eugene Dyczkowski, and enriched by the intellectual contributions of notable leaders like Aleksander Janta-Polczynski. Today, this Buffalo-based organization continues its mission by providing the public with meaningful opportunities to savor Poland's cultural richness while honoring the heritage and contributions of Polish-Americans. With a membership base of approximately 200 individuals united by their appreciation for Polish culture, the Club creates welcoming spaces for community connection and cultural celebration. From intimate readings and lectures to festive holiday concerts and craft shows held at various Greater Buffalo venues, every event remains open and cordially invites the general public to participate. The Polish Arts Club of Buffalo represents more than an organization—it embodies a living bridge between generations and cultures, ensuring that Polish traditions, values, and achievements continue to resonate throughout Western New York for generations to come.
Based in Buffalo, NY, the Federation of Italian-American Societies of Western New York represents a deep-rooted commitment to celebrating Italian heritage and strengthening community bonds. Since its establishment in 1907, this organization has served as a cornerstone of the Italian-American community in Western New York, dedicated to preserving cultural traditions and honoring the accomplishments of Italian-Americans who have shaped the region. The Federation believes in the power of cultural understanding and actively works to foster appreciation for Italian contributions to local civic, educational, and cultural life. By connecting Italian-American families and individuals with meaningful community engagement opportunities, the organization creates spaces where culture, history, and shared values come together. The Federation's approach is rooted in the conviction that understanding and celebrating diverse heritages strengthens the entire Buffalo community. Through their ongoing efforts to support local events and initiatives, the Federation of Italian-American Societies of Western New York demonstrates a genuine commitment to building bridges between generations and cultures, ensuring that Italian-American voices and contributions continue to enrich the social and cultural landscape of Western New York.