named programs · 3 · from sources
What they call their work
Learn to Skate
Instructional program for beginners of all ages, teaching foundational skating skills in group and private settings
Lockport Invitational
Annual figure skating competition hosted since 2017 at Cornerstone CFCU Arena in Lockport, NY
Niagara Invitational
Biennial figure skating competition sanctioned by US Figure Skating and Skate Canada, held since 1949
activities · 3 groups
What they do
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Figure Skating Instruction and Development 3 activities
- Organizing figure skating competitions and eventsHosts and organizes figure skating competitions and events, including the biennial Niagara Invitational since 1949, the annual Lockport Invitational since 2017, and previously hosted the US Figure Skating Championships in 1971. The club has a history of organizing combined men's and women's events in School Figures and Free Skating, and continues to participate in and produce skating shows and events.
- Providing figure skating instruction and coachingOffers Learn to Skate classes, private and semi-private lessons, and group coaching for skaters of all ages and skill levels—from beginners to Gold Medal candidates. Coaching supports skaters in advancing through US Figure Skating testing levels and preparing for local, regional, national, and international competitions, including the Empire State Games. Instruction is available at multiple venues in Western New York.
- Supporting competitive skaters and development pathwaysServes as a home club for nationally and internationally competitive skaters, supporting their development through coaching, competition preparation, and advancement in US Figure Skating programs. The club has a historical record of developing prominent skaters, such as the Weigh sisters in the 1930s.
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Youth Sports Conduct Enforcement 1 activity
- Establishing safety, conduct, and governance policiesMaintains a zero-tolerance policy on harassment and abuse, provides behavioral guidelines for skaters and parents, and promotes a safe environment in alignment with US Figure Skating standards. The club enforces formal governance through by-laws and publishes an Ice Etiquette document and comprehensive member guide covering policies and procedures.
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Nonprofit Retail and Merchandise Sales 1 activity
- Operating club communications and member engagementProduces a publication titled "The Inside Edge" for club members and operates an online store selling branded merchandise to support club identity and engagement.
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financials · form 990EZ · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$34K
Contributions & grants$750%
Program service revenue$24K70%
Investment income$2K6%
Other revenue—
expenses
Total expenses$32K
Program expenses—
Admin / overhead—
Fundraising—
Salaries & benefits—
Grants paid out—
balance sheet
Total assets$109K
Cash—
Investments—
Liabilities—
Net assets$109K
3 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +15.0%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
board members · 3
- DAWN AHLERS — LEARN TO SKATE DIRECTOR
- KRISSY GINTY — DIRECTOR
- LINDSAY LESSARD-GLASS — DIRECTOR
relationships · 12
Who they work with
- Cornerstone Arena Partner — Partner venue where the club's figure skating director also holds leadership role
- Glacier Falls Skating Club Partner — Partner club whose member (James Koszuta) competed with a Buffalo Skating Club member in national competitions.
- PSA Network — Professional Skaters Association; Lindsay is a PSA member and CER Certified Coach.
- Professional Skaters Association Network — Professional membership organization for skating coaches
- Sara Miller Partner — Skating coach affiliated with Buffalo Skating Club, providing instruction in freestyle, moves in the field, hockey, power skating, and beginning ice dance.
- Skate Canada Partner — Co-sponsors and sanctions the Niagara Invitational competition with US Figure Skating.
- Skating Club of Boston Partner — Partner club whose member (Sally Schantz) competed with a Buffalo Skating Club member in national championships.
- US Figure Skating Network — Member club of US Figure Skating, the national governing body for the sport.
- US Figure Skating Network — Member organization affiliation for coach and club standards
- US Figure Skating Network — Member organization through which skaters participate in testing and competitions.
- US Figure Skating Partner — Collaborates with US Figure Skating on implementing the SafeSport Program to protect members from misconduct.
- US Figure Skating Partner — Sanctions the Niagara Invitational competition hosted by the club.
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.
- Inclusive Skill Development Through Dual-Track Programmingmethodology: recreational_and_competitive_developmentBy offering both recreational and competitive pathways, the club supports skater development across all skill levels and goals, because a dual focus enables sustained engagement and personal growth for diverse participants.
- Regional Development Through Affiliation and Structured Leadershipmethodology: regional_sports_developmentBy operating as a US Figure Skating-affiliated club with a formal board governance model, the organization advances figure skating in Western New York because institutional alignment and structured leadership enable sustainable program delivery and regional outreach.
- Safe and Respectful Environment via Governance and Conduct Standardsmethodology: safe-sport complianceBy enforcing codes of conduct for skaters and families and aligning with national SafeSport standards, the club fosters a safe, respectful environment because structured behavioral expectations reduce risk and promote positive youth development.