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FANTASTIC FRIENDS OF WNY INC
DEPEW, NY · EIN 823413187 · Form 990 · FY2024 · NTEE P82 · Human Services · Small ($100K-$1M) · fantasticfriendswny.org
revenue
$241K
expenses
$250K
net assets
$156K
employees
8
program ratio
91%
mission · from form 990

FANTASTIC FRIENDS OF WNY, INC. IS A SOCIAL ORGANIZATION FOR INDIVIDUALS OF ALL AGES WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES.

profile · synthesized from sources

Fantastic Friends of WNY is a nonprofit social organization serving individuals of all ages with developmental, intellectual, and physical disabilities in Western New York. It offers weekly programs and special events focused on social engagement, life skills, and creative expression. The organization operates from a community center in Orchard Park and hosts inclusive activities such as cooking, arts, music therapy, and sports.

irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2021

What they reported doing

  1. #1 primary $3K
    CHRISTMAS EVENT - PROVIDING CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN
  2. #2 $3K
    ALL CENTER EVENTS - VARIOUS SOCIALIZING ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN
named programs · 10 · from sources

What they call their work

Adult Night Out Cooking Classes
Hands-on culinary experience for adults, designed as a date night, friends’ outing, or team-building event, where participants cook and share a meal together.
Arts & Crafts
Hands-on creative program for individuals of all abilities to express themselves through art, improve fine motor skills, and engage socially in a supportive environment.
Baking
Hands-on baking class where participants mix, measure, and decorate treats while learning kitchen skills and building confidence in a supportive group.
Drumfit
Rhythm-based fitness program using drumming on yoga balls to music, enhancing motor skills, coordination, and self-expression in an inclusive setting.
Get Your Game On
Weekly instructor-led sports class promoting physical activity, social-emotional skills, and friendship through structured games and team activities.
Kitchen Life Skills
Interactive cooking program for individuals ages 12+ with varying abilities, teaching measuring, mixing, chopping, and kitchen safety while building confidence and sensory skills.
Line Dancing Night
Instructor-led country line dancing event promoting social engagement, movement, and fun, with snacks and drinks provided.
Movie Night
Instructor-led community event featuring film screenings, animation lessons, and drawing activities, with popcorn and art supplies provided.
Music Enrichment
Board-certified music therapist-led sessions using singing, drumming, and movement to strengthen communication, motor skills, and cognitive focus for individuals of all abilities.
Science Club
Sensory-friendly, hands-on program designed to spark curiosity and creativity in individuals of all abilities through experiments and discovery-based learning.
activities · 2 groups

What they do

  • Inclusive Social & Recreational Events 2 activities
    • Hosts weekly social and skills-building programs for individuals of all abilities
      Operates a center in Orchard Park, NY offering regular weekly programs such as bingo, arts & crafts, dance nights, science & garden clubs, baking, Kitchen Life Skills, sports, and music enrichment to support motor, cognitive, and social-emotional development for individuals of all abilities, including those with developmental, physical, and intellectual special needs.
    • Organizes special events for individuals with special needs and their families
      Plans and hosts special events throughout the year at accessible locations in Western New York, including holiday events, community movie nights, fashion showcases, and themed gatherings, providing social, educational, and recreational experiences for individuals of all abilities while offering respite or social opportunities for parents.
  • Shared Kitchen Incubator for Food Entrepreneurs 1 activity
    • Provides access to and rental of a professional culinary kitchen
      Offers hands-on cooking classes and rents a fully equipped professional kitchen to individuals and organizations, with discounted rates available for nonprofits, supporting social gatherings, team building, and skill development in a professional setting.
financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$241K
Contributions & grants$72K30%
Program service revenue$169K70%
Investment income$00%
Other revenue$120
expenses
Total expenses$250K
Program expenses91%
Admin / overhead6%
Fundraising3%
Salaries & benefits$85K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineFacilities
balance sheet
Total assets$156K
Cash$130K
Investments$0
Liabilities$0
Net assets$156K
Liquid reserves6.2 mo
4 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue -9.9%
relationships · 5

Who they work with

  • The Children's Guild Foundation Funder — Provides support for the Kitchen Life Skills program
  • The Children’s Guild Foundation Partner — Provided a $55,000 donation to fund the construction of a state-of-the-art kitchen facility and has supported the organization over multiple years.
  • TommyCUTS Partner — Partner organization providing haircuts at a joint community event for individuals with special needs.
  • WNY community Partner — Provides support for the Rock the Runway event through participation and donations.
  • WoodMaxx Partner — Presenting sponsor of the Fantastic Friends of WNY Charity Golf Tournament.
strategies · 4

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.

  • Client-Centered Inclusive Programming Model
    methodology: authentic-inclusiveness
    By offering comprehensive social and life-skills programming in inclusive settings, the organization fosters participation and personal development for individuals of all abilities, because authentic inclusiveness promotes dignity, engagement, and community belonging.
  • Community Integration Through Partnerships
    methodology: community_partnership
    By partnering with community-based providers and hosting inclusive public events, the organization increases social inclusion for individuals with special needs, because co-created community experiences reduce stigma and expand access to meaningful participation.
  • Therapeutic Arts Engagement
    methodology: evidence_based_arts_therapy
    By using evidence-based music therapy and community-engaged cooking and arts activities, the organization supports developmental growth and social connection, because structured creative and sensory experiences produce therapeutic and relational outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities.
  • Vocational Readiness Through Life Skills Training
    methodology: life-skills-vocational-training
    By integrating baking and kitchen skills into life-skills programming, the organization builds confidence and vocational readiness, because hands-on, practical training in supportive environments prepares individuals with developmental disabilities for greater independence and employment opportunities.