Who We Are
For over 40 years, Lutheran Charities’ primary mission has been to support Western New York communities with kindness, compassion, justice and generosity,
joining people where they are with what they need.
By underwriting grant funding for local agencies throughout the year, Lutheran Charities helps provide education, food, health care, social support and more to
our neediest and underserved neighbors in Western New York.
A generous endowment covering operating costs allows us to channel 100% of donated and contributed funds into community partner programs, each of which is fully vetted and submit quarterly progress reports.
The intersection of synergy that happens when individuals, congregations, businesses and agencies work together is crucial in creating lasting, compassionate social change.
Lutheran Charities is an established, 501c3, human service ministry of the Niagara Frontier Conference of the Upstate New York Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
History & Mission
Caring for and supporting individuals, families and communities by building valuable connections to create synergy and empowerment.
Staff Members
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Lutheran Charities of WNY Announces CEO Departure
Melanie Rushforth to Transition to New Role in Buffalo NY
Williamsville, New York– July 2, 2026 – Lutheran Charities of WNY a diverse funding organization, announces that Melanie Rushforth will step down as Chief Executive Officer. Melanie has served as the organization’s chief executive for four years and elevated the faith-based funder exponentially.
Rushforth has been instrumental in transforming Lutheran Charities into the industry leader it is today. Under her visionary leadership, she has nearly tripled the number of nonprofit organizations supported by grant funding in WNY, created a supportive and collaborative network of programs designed to enhance services in the region, and demonstrated deep and unwavering commitment to the betterment of WNY. Melanie’s compassion and strategic attention to detail is evident every day and shined through in her representation of Lutheran Charities in the larger community.
“Serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Lutheran Charities of WNY has been a privilege and an honor that I do not take lightly. I am proud of the impact that the organization has had on organizations in the area, and I know that our contributions, paired with the thoughtful operations of so many incredible programs, will continue to empower families and improve the lives of people in WNY.”
– Melanie Rushforth
"While we are saddened by Melanie’s departure, we are profoundly grateful for the transformative impact she has had on our organization. She leaves Lutheran Charities better than she found it, and it is now exceptionally well-positioned for its next chapter of growth.”
-Dr. Alan Aquilina, board president for Lutheran Charities of WNY
The board of directors for Lutheran Charities of WNY is committed to thoughtful and careful research, discovery, and search process as they transition into their next phase of operations.
Jessica Lawrence, Office Administrator
info@wnylutherancharities.org
The friendly voice answering our phone is that of Jessica Lawrence, Office Administrator, who joined the team in September 2021. Jessica handles day-to-day operations at our office and plays key roles organizing and managing our fundraising events, and maintaining our social media and website. She also serves as the secretary at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Tonawanda, NY.
For information please contact:
lutheranyouth@wnylutherancharities.org
Board Members
Dr. Alan Aquilina
Ms. Barbara Biegner, Treasurer
Ms. Linda Horton
Mr. John Kinney, Secretary
Rev. Chad Kyler
Mr. John Schultz
Mr. Allan Simmons
Mr. Dan Wilkinson
Rev. Jeff Wilson
Rev. Jeremiah Smith, Dean, Niagara Frontier Conference (ELCA)