Our Work

Empowerment Programs, Grant Making, and Community Impact

For more than three decades, the Women’s Foundation of Genesee Valley (WFGV) has been a catalyst for advancing economic self-sufficiency, leadership, and opportunity for women and girls across the Greater Rochester Area. Each year, WFGV directly serves more than 600+ women and girls through dynamic programs, professional development sessions, mentorship experiences, and youth leadership opportunities. Indirectly, our reach extends to over 5,000 community members through our advocacy work, awareness campaigns, and collaborative partnerships that strengthen the ecosystem of support for women and girls.

WFGV operates through two vital arms that work in harmony to achieve lasting impact. The first arm is our programmatic and community engagement division, which is powered entirely through fundraising. Through this arm, we design and deliver experiences that amplify the voices of women, equip them with tools for professional and personal growth, and cultivate a network of empowerment that uplifts generations. Signature initiatives include the Power Her Forward Girls Conference, the Girls Leadership Committee, Law Enforcement Days, 1:1 Coaching, Career Exploration Field Trips, and tailored programming for girls with intellectual disabilities.

All for girls between the ages of 12-19. We also offer professional development opportunities for adult women focused on entrepreneurship, business fundraising, brand building, and professional etiquette. Each experience is designed to spark confidence, strengthen skills, and inspire lasting change. Together, these programs create a ripple effect that advances fairness, economic mobility, and community transformation.

The second arm is our grantmaking endowment, which is permanently designated for providing grants to nonprofits that align with our mission. Each year, our grantmaking efforts directly impact more than 20,000 women and girls in the Greater Rochester Area, including families and community members who gain from stronger, more accessible systems of support. This managed endowment is solely dedicated to grantmaking, ensuring that funds entrusted to us continue to strengthen the region’s nonprofit network for generations to come.