The Rochester West Indian Festival Org., Inc. (RWIFO) was founded in November 1983 and was incorporated in June 1989. It gained non-profit status from the Federal government in 1989 and exemption from NY state and local taxes in 1990. It has a 501(c)(3) status.
The organization is comprised of members from different Caribbean islands. The organization is the proud sponsor of Carifest, the Caribbean Festival held annually in the city of Rochester since 1985.