Buffalo Funk Fest Foundation
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The Buffalo Funk Fest Foundation Inc. mission is to produce promote and provide sustainability for Buffalo Funk Fest Weekend and Jefferson Avenue Friday Night Live through partnerships that benefit the City of Buffalo residents. Buffalo Funk Fest and Jefferson Avenue Friday Night Live are free and open to the public events that enhance our arts and culture through live entertainment from national and local artists. We support community pride by providing information and resources that encourage engagement while fostering relationships with businesses to build economic growth and improve the quality of life in Buffalos disadvantaged neighborhoods
- Income
- $148,600
- Spending
- $156,469
- Reserves
- 1.7 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 99%
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (3)
- $92,570 spent. The mission of the Buffalo Funk Fest Foundation Inc. is to organize promote and ensure the sustainability of Buffalo Funk Fest Weekend and Jefferson Avenue Friday Night Live. These events open to the public free of charge aim to enrich the arts and culture scene by showcasing live performances by both national and local artists. We strive to cultivate community pride by offering information and resources that promote involvement as well as by establishing partnerships with businesses to stimulate economic development and enhance the standard of living in underprivileged areas of Buffalo. The estimated attendance for Buffalo Funk Fest over the three-day period exceeds 10,000 participants.
- $44,013 spent. Jefferson Avenue Friday Night Live is a summer series community-driven initiative providing a vibrant free and accessible space for families and individuals to gather celebrate and connect with their neighbors. This series aims to promote healing and joy following the May 14th Tops massacre offering critical social services cultural exchange entertainment and community solidarity. It is founded on the belief that community ownership and participation are essential for fostering healing boosting local economies and creating inclusive spaces for all to thrive. Since its start Friday Night Live has successfully united people of all ages and backgrounds offering social services entertainment music food and community support. It serves as a welcoming free event for Buffalos Black community and beyond emphasizing a safe and inclusive environment for healing and connection. The success of Friday Night Live is owed to its grassroots approach. Local artists musicians food vendors and organizations collaborate to showcase the diverse cultures and talents within our community. The series nurtures a sense of ownership and empowerment with those involved in organizing the event also benefiting from it. This event spans one city block with an estimated weekly attendance averaging 1500 people per week over 9 weeks in the summer.
- $6,427 spent. Our Christmas in the Community Party is free and open to the public providing entertainment vendors community resources and engagement. Families enjoy interactive activities that encourage giving back to the community during the holiday season. The estimated attendance is 600.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending May 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since May 2022.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated November 4, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.