Buffalo Chapter

Fifty Fabulous Women Giving Circle (FFWGC) Buffalo Chapter is a community of philanthropic women who combine their financial strength to improve the lives of women and children in Western New York. As an all-volunteer organization with no overhead, 100% of member contributions go directly to programs that align with our mission.  

FFWGC Buffalo Chapter members meet four times per year to pool resources, hear presentations from finalist organizations, and select the organization that will receive grant funding.

 Join Jennie’s Circle

A new Buffalo Chapter giving circle focused on mental health, Jennie’s Circle is focused on the struggles that children, teens, men, and women face in our increasingly frantic world. Click below to learn more and join.

2024 Meeting Dates

Virtual attendance options are available as noted. Information will be sent via email prior to each meeting. In-person attendance is strongly encouraged to defray cost of venues.

  • March

    Grant Deadline:
    March 1

    Meeting:
    March 12 at 5:30 p.m.
    Networking to follow
    The Richardson Hotel
    444 Forest Avenue
    Buffalo, NY 14213

    Virtual attendance option

  • May

    Grant Deadline:
    May 3

    Meeting:
    May 14 at 5:30 p.m.
    Networking to follow
    Jazzboline
    5010 Main Street
    Amherst, NY 14226

    Virtual attendance option

  • September

    Grant Deadline:
    September 6

    Meeting:
    September 17 at 5:30 p.m.
    Networking to follow
    United Way
    742 Delaware Avenue
    Buffalo, NY 14209

  • November

    Grant Deadline:
    November 1

    Meeting:
    November 12 at 5:30 p.m.
    Networking to follow
    Evans Bank
    6460 Main Street
    Williamsville, NY 14221

    Virtual attendance option

Standing Committees

  • Grantmaking

    This committee uses a rigorous, three-phase review process, including site visits, to vet grant applicants. Members review proposals with final recommendations being made to the full Giving Circle membership for ratification.

  • Partnering

    This committee conducts periodic follow-up and evaluation throughout the year, engaging grantees in an informal assessment of progress toward grant goals and objectives. Grantees complete a year-end evaluation of grant outcomes.

  • Communications

    This committee is responsible for the content of media releases, our website, our social media profiles, and other FFWGC literature.

  • Membership

    This committee is responsible for the recruitment and retention of members. They maintain ongoing contact with members, creating and maintaining open lines of communication.

Grant Eligibility Guidelines

In order to be eligible for a grant from FFWGC Buffalo Chapter, your organization must:

​Be a registered 501(c)3

Have an annual operating budget below $1 million

Be based in and providing services within the 8 counties of Western New York

Promote the well being of women and children in Western New York 

Please note that we prefer to support grassroots organizations!

Apply for a Grant

If you meet our grant criteria, fill out the form below to be considered. Please note that you must be available to make a 5-minute presentation to the Giving Circle. Only complete applications will be considered. We look forward to considering your application!

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