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THE BUFFALO CLUB

BUFFALO, NY · EIN 160365760 · Form 990 · FY2024 · Medium ($1M-$10M) · thebuffaloclub.org
revenue
$9.4M
expenses
$8.8M
net assets
$9.5M
employees
168
volunteers
21
mission · from form 990

TO PROMOTE SOCIAL INTERACTION AMONG ITS MEMBERS, AND PROVIDE THE CONVENIENCES OF A CLUBHOUSE.

profile · synthesized from sources

The Buffalo Club is a private social club founded in 1867 in Buffalo, New York, originally established by Millard Fillmore and other prominent civic leaders. It provides a historic clubhouse for members to engage in social interaction, dining, wellness, and cultural activities. The club emphasizes tradition, community, and preservation of its 150-year-old building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

named programs · 5 · from sources

What they call their work

Buffalo Club Preservation Foundation
501(c)(3) foundation established to raise funds for the preservation and restoration of the historic 388 Delaware Avenue clubhouse.
Culinary Program
High-end dining experience led by Executive Chef Kevin Sippel, featuring locally and internationally sourced ingredients and customizable menus including 20-course tastings.
Event Hosting & Catering
Hosts private events such as weddings, birthdays, and corporate gatherings for up to 220 guests, with full-service catering and dedicated event management.
Fitness & Wellness Center
State-of-the-art fitness center with cardiovascular and strength training equipment, squash program, saltwater lap pool, and access to physical therapy.
Spa 388
Luxury wellness facility offering massage, facials, nail care, salon and barber services, and private spa days for members and guests.
activities · 8 groups

What they do

  • Reciprocal Club Access Program 1 activity
    • Facilitate reciprocal club access
      Grants members access to a network of elite private clubs in major cities such as New York, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tokyo.
  • Historic Preservation Support Grants 1 activity
    • Fund preservation projects through endowment
      Manages and grows an endowment to finance historic preservation initiatives at the Buffalo Club building, with projects recommended by Club leadership and approved by the Foundation Board.
  • Guest Lodging for Members and Affiliates 1 activity
    • Offer overnight accommodations
      Provides lodging for members and guests in four hotel rooms located within the Club’s historic building.
  • Event Venue Rental Services 1 activity
    • Operate event spaces for private functions
      Provides event facilities that accommodate up to 250 guests for weddings, milestone birthdays, business meetings, and other private celebrations.
  • Local History Preservation and Education 1 activity
    • Preserve and share Club history
      Maintains and promotes the historical legacy of the Buffalo Club through preservation and sharing of artifacts, stories, and founding figures.
  • Private Club Dining Services 1 activity
    • Provide high-end culinary experiences
      Prepares and serves customized gourmet meals featuring globally sourced ingredients, including a 20-course tasting menu, for members and guests.
  • Member-Focused Fitness and Wellness Facilities 1 activity
    • Provide wellness and spa services
      Offers a comprehensive range of wellness services including massage, body treatments, facials, manicures, pedicures, hair care, and access to a relaxation room, as well as a fitness center, salt water lap pool, and squash program.
  • Historic Building Restoration and Preservation 1 activity
    • Support capital repairs through fundraising
      Raises funds from membership and community sources to support essential capital repairs on the historic Buffalo Club building.
financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$9.38M
Contributions & grants$210K2%
Program service revenue$6.78M72%
Investment income$51K1%
Other revenue$2.34M
expenses
Total expenses$8.84M
Program expenses
Admin / overhead
Fundraising
Salaries & benefits$5.46M
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$15.89M
Cash$399K
Investments$0
Liabilities$6.35M
Net assets$9.55M
Liquid reserves0.5 mo
4 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +8.3%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024

Who runs it

paid leadership · 3
NameTitleHours/wkCompensation
MATTHEW WERTH GENERAL MANAGER 40 $251K
KEVIN SIPPEL EXECUTIVE CHEF 40 $205K
KEVIN PINKERT DIRECTOR OF FINANCE 40 $186K
board members · 21
  • AMY HABIB-RITTLING — PRESIDENT
  • CRAIG A HARRIS — DIRECTOR
  • DARLENE JERGE — DIRECTOR
  • DAVID D'ARATA — DIRECTOR
  • JAMES S NOWAK — DIRECTOR
  • JOSEPH M ANAIN — THIRD VICE PRESIDENT
  • JOSEPH V SAFFIRE — DIRECTOR
  • JOURDAN L H STEVENSON — DIRECTOR
  • KEVIN B QUINN — DIRECTOR
  • KEVIN J CROSS — DIRECTOR
  • LISA FELGEMACHER — DIRECTOR
  • LYNNE MARIE FINN — DIRECTOR
  • MICHAEL J MONTANTE — FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
  • MICHAEL SZYMONIAK JR — SECRETARY
  • NICOLE GAVIGAN — ASSISTANT SECRETARY
  • RAVI K DESAI — DIRECTOR
  • RICKY P LUTHRA — DIRECTOR
  • ROCCO N DIINA — TREASURER
  • STEVEN J CARMINA — DIRECTOR
  • THOMAS D WISCHERATH — SECOND VICE PRESIDENT
  • YVONNE MINOR-RAGAN — DIRECTOR
relationships · 4

Who they work with

  • Buffalo Philharmonic Partner — Located nearby, supporting cultural engagement opportunities for members.
  • Internal Revenue Service Government — Recognized the Buffalo Club Foundation as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
  • KeyBank Center Partner — Located near The Buffalo Club, providing convenient access to sports and entertainment events.
  • Shea’s Performing Arts Center Partner — Located in close proximity to The Buffalo Club, enhancing downtown cultural access for members.
strategies · 3

How they approach the work

Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.

  • Endowment for Institutional Autonomy
    methodology: endowment-based preservation funding
    By using an independently managed endowment, the Club ensures long-term preservation of its historic building and operational independence, because financial and legal autonomy protects its mission across time.
  • Social Connection as Core Function
    methodology: social_connection_hub
    By fostering meaningful social connections among members, the organization strengthens community and belonging, because social ties are foundational to member engagement and retention.
  • Urban Retreat Model
    methodology: urban_retreat_model
    By designing the Club as an urban retreat, it creates a sense of sanctuary and community, because removing members from the pressures of daily urban life fosters deeper connection and well-being.