In a move that has stunned the nonprofit community across Upstate New York, Tom Golisano, the renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist, announced a monumental gift of $360 million to 82 nonprofit organizations in Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse. This major financial commitment nearly doubles Golisano’s lifetime giving, which now stands at a staggering $775 million.
The impact of these multiyear awards, which range from $250,000 to $20 million, will be felt across a broad spectrum of causes, including healthcare, education, disability services, and animal welfare. The awards, which are unrestricted, give organizations the freedom to allocate funds as they see fit to best serve their communities. “Running a nonprofit isn’t easy,” Golisano noted. “I hope this unexpected support helps them build on their successes and broaden their impact.”
Golisano, who founded Paychex, has long been a champion for the Upstate New York region, where his business roots are deeply planted. His philanthropic contributions span decades, and many of the organizations receiving awards today have benefited from his generosity in the past. From hospitals and schools to veterans’ services and public broadcasting, this latest round of funding reflects the wide-ranging causes Golisano holds dear.
Among the biggest recipients is the Golisano Foundation itself, which will receive a $52 million boost. This infusion will increase the Foundation’s giving capacity, allowing it to award more grants to both new and current organizations. “The work being done by these nonprofits is impressive, and I’m grateful to be in a position to support them,” Golisano said.
The sheer scale of Golisano’s generosity is remarkable. His $360 million gift follows a $50 million commitment made just three months ago to the University of Rochester Medical Center to establish the Golisano Intellectual and Development Disabilities Institute. This was his largest single donation to date.
The ripple effects of these awards will undoubtedly be felt for years to come. Nonprofits like the Child Advocacy Center of Greater Rochester, Hillside Family of Agencies, and Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center are among the beneficiaries, and they will be able to direct the funds to where they are needed most.
Organizations dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are also among the big winners, with 26 IDD groups receiving a total of $104 million. This includes Best Buddies, AutismUp, and the Arc of Erie County, all of which have long been supported by the Golisano Foundation.
Golisano’s passion for animal welfare is also reflected in his giving. A total of 23 animal rescue and shelter organizations, including Lollypop Farm and the Chemung County Humane Society, will receive a combined $24 million to continue their lifesaving work.
Golisano summed up his philosophy on giving by quoting one of his favorite sayings: “The only wealth you keep is that which you give away.” He credits his success at Paychex and the hard work of its employees for making his philanthropy possible. “I’m beyond grateful that I have the ability to do so,” he added.
With this latest round of donations, Golisano has set a new standard for philanthropy in Upstate New York and beyond. His generosity will leave a lasting mark, empowering nonprofits to continue their crucial work while expanding their reach and impact.
Here’s a breakdown of the organizations receiving funding from Tom Golisano’s $360 million commitment and the amounts they are getting:
Community – 8 Organizations – $25 Million
The Child Advocacy Center of Greater Rochester – $5 Million
Foodlink – $5 Million
Freedom Guide Dogs for the Blind – $2 Million
Hillside Family of Agencies – $5 Million
Lifespan – $2 Million
Medical Motor Service of Rochester & Monroe County – $2 Million
Veterans Outreach Center – $2 Million
WXXI Public Broadcasting – $2 Million
Education – 16 Organizations – $86 Million
Alfred State College – $5 Million
Allendale Columbia School – $5 Million
Aquinas Institute of Rochester – $5 Million
Bishop Kearney High School – $5 Million
Canisius University – $5 Million
The Charles Finney School – $3 Million
Daemen University – $5 Million
The Harley School – $5 Million
Hope Hall School – $3 Million
McQuaid Jesuit High School – $5 Million
Nazareth University – $5 Million
Niagara University – $10 Million
Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women – $5 Million
Roberts Wesleyan University – $5 Million
Rochester Institute of Technology – $10 Million
St. John Fisher University – $5 Million
Health – 9 Organizations – $69 Million
American Cancer Society, Golisano Hope Lodge – $2 Million
American Red Cross – Greater Rochester Chapter – $5 Million
Daystar Kids – $5 Million
Mercy Flight Central – $5 Million
Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center – $10 Million
Oishei Children’s Hospital of Buffalo – $10 Million
Rochester Regional Health – $20 Million
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester, NY – $2 Million
Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital – $10 Million
Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD) – 26 Organizations – $104 Million
Ability Partners (CP Rochester, Rochester Rehab, Happiness House) – $5 Million
Arc Allegany-Steuben – $5 Million
Arc Chemung-Schuyler – $5 Million
Arc Erie County New York – $5 Million
Arc GLOW (Genesee/Livingston/Orleans/Wyoming) – $5 Million
Arc of Monroe County – $5 Million
Arc of Ontario County – $5 Million
Arc of Wayne County – $5 Million
AutismUp – $3 Million
Best Buddies, WNY – $1 Million
Catholic Charities Family and Community Services – $5 Million
CDS Life Transitions – $5 Million
Cobblestone Arts Center – $2 Million
Empowering People’s Independence (EPI) – $5 Million
EquiCenter – $2 Million
Golisano Autism Center – $3 Million
Heritage Christian Services – $5 Million
Holy Childhood – $5 Million
Lifetime Assistance – $5 Million
Mary Cariola Center – (Future Announcement)
Mozaic (Arc of Seneca, Cayuga & Yates Counties) – $5 Million
People, Inc. – $5 Million
Special Olympics New York – $1 Million
Springbrook – $5 Million
Starbridge Services – $2 Million
Summit Center – $5 Million
Animal Welfare – 23 Organizations – $24 Million
Better Together Pet Rescue Center – $250,000
Beverly Animal Shelter – $1 Million
Chautauqua County Humane Society – $1.5 Million
Chemung County Humane Society & SPCA – $1 Million
Finger Lakes SPCA – $1.5 Million
Headed for Furever – $250,000
Hornell Area Humane Society – $1.5 Million
Humane Society of Schuyler County – $1.5 Million
Humane Society of Wayne County – $1.5 Million
Humane Society of Yates County – $1.5 Million
Joyful Rescue – $250,000
Keller’s Kats Rescue – $250,000
Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester – $2 Million
Mr. Grey’s Strays – $250,000
Operation Freedom Ride – $250,000
Pet Adoption Network – $250,000
Pet Pride of New York – $1.5 Million
Rochester Emergency Veterinary Services – $1.5 Million
Rochester HOPE for Pets – $250,000
SPCA in Cattaraugus County – $1.5 Million
SPCA Serving Allegany County – $1.5 Million
SPCA Serving Erie County – $1.5 Million
Wyoming County SPCA – $1.5 Million
Golisano Foundation – $52 Million