Be a Dreammaker
Dreammakers is a circle composed of dynamic recurring donors who are determined to create a more equitable Western New York. Dreammakers allow WEDI to efficiently forecast and budget to maximize impact. Become a Dreammaker here.
"WEDI's mission is important to me, and a great way to show that something is important to you is to vote for it with your dollars."
"I consider my monthly donation a vote for the WNY that I want to see, one where business owners from all economic backgrounds are able to get the financial and educational resources to make their dreams a reality, one where kids from all walks of life have equal access to quality education and the support that they need to succeed." - Emily Oaks, Dreammaker
When you donate to WEDI programs or our capital campaign for a new and expanded Bazaar, you join a wonderful community of generous and purposeful individuals just like you.
Now, more than ever, it is vital for Western New Yorkers to succeed and thrive in a culturally inclusive community.
Ways to Donate to Programs and to the Capital Campaign
Online with a Credit or Debit Card
To make a gift to support our capital campaign "Building Community, Building Opportunity, Building the New West Side Bazaar" CLICK HERE.
To make a gift to help our West Side Bazaar entrepreneurs recover from the traumatic fire on September 20 CLICK HERE.
To Make a gift to our annual fund for programming in Education and Economic Development CLICK HERE.
Checks
Checks
Checks
Mail a check to the WEDI at P.O. Box 99, Buffalo, NY 14213. Indicate in the memo line if you intend it to be for the capital campaign or the annual fund for programming. Checks must be postmarked by 12/31/2023 to be counted for this tax year.
ACH Direct Bank Transfers
Contact Finance & Administration Coordinator Dan Conneely for ACH information.
Extraordinary Giving for Ordinary People
What impact would you like to leave in the world? Naming Westminster Economic Development Initiative as a beneficiary of your retirement plan, IRA, life insurance policy, or bank or brokerage account is a generous way to make a legacy gift and ensure equity for all Western New Yorkers. If you would like to make a gift of stock or mutual funds please download stock transfer instructions here. Please contact Finance Coordinator Dan Conneely with questions at 716-393-4088.
Donor Advised Funds
A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a charitable giving program that allows you to combine the most favorable tax benefits with the flexibility to support your favorite causes. If you have a donor-advised fund, DAF Direct enables you to recommend grants to this nonprofit directly from your DAF (as long as your DAF's sponsoring organization is participating). Contact your financial advisor or our office for more information. Our EIN or federal tax ID number is 20-4230463.
Matching Gifts
If your company makes matching gifts, you can double the impact of your contribution to WEDI. Contact Development Coordinator Elizabeth Lovria at (716) 507-8276 to learn more.
Shop!
You can support WEDI by shopping at iGive. Login into your account, choose Westminster Economic Development Initiative as your charity choice, and shop away. You still have the same variety of products and online shopping convenience as any customer, but a portion of your purchase will then be donated to WEDI at no cost to you.
Organizational Fundraising
We love it when community members fundraise for our cause! Please reach out to Development Coordinator Elizabeth Lovria or by calling 716-507-8276 so we can support you in your campaign.
Facebook Fundraising
Hosting a Facebook fundraiser is easy and fun to do! Login to your Facebook account and on the left, click fundraisers, and then raise money. Click Nonprofit and scroll down to select or type Westminster Economic Development Initiative (WEDI) in the search bar. On the left-hand side, enter the goal amount of money you want to raise and click create to share on your Facebook page. You can learn more here. You can also start a campaign with the social media tools that are offered immediately after you donate.
Questions?
Call our office at 716-393-4088 or email Director of External Relations Erin Kelly or Development Coordinator Elizabeth Lovria or Capital Campaign Manager Laura Munson.