Foundation News
July 27, 2020
Round 4 COVID-19 Response Grants Awarded to 10 Organizations in Western New York and Southwest Florida
We are pleased to announce the fourth round of   COVID-19 Response Grants totaling $229,500.

Grants totaling $215,500 have been awarded to six organizations serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Western New York and Southwest Florida.

Four grants totaling $14,000 have been awarded by Bailey and Friends to organizations supporting animal welfare in Western NY and Southwest Florida.

The grants will assist organizations with urgent needs stemming from the coronavirus pandemic. This brings the Foundation's total COVID-19 Response Grant funding to $1,337,300 .

Golisano Foundation grants announced today to organizations dedicated to helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities include:


Bailey and Friends Grants to organizations supporting animal welfare include:


Ann Costello said, "While agencies, clients, and families are growing weary of the COVID-19 restrictions, they certainly understand the importance of maintaining precautions according to NYS guidelines as some programs and activities begin to reopen. Providers continue to do a remarkable job of keeping participants engaged and connected in these challenging times."
New Golisano Medical Oncology Center Opens in Niagara Making Cancer Care
More Accessible
The Golisano Medical Oncology Center at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center was officially dedicated July 16 in a virtual ceremony streamed live on Facebook due to health guidelines. The new Center makes Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center's expertise in such areas as hematology, chemotherapy infusion and the newest cancer treatments, including immunotherapies, readily accessible to those who live and work in Niagara County including those with intellectual disabilities.

The 6,085 square-foot facility was built for $2 million and is located on Memorial’s fourth floor. Construction was supported by a $1.5 million donation from Tom Golisano.
Move to Include Celebrates ADA 30th Anniversary with Special Programming
July 26, 2020, marked the 30th anniversary of President George H. W. Bush’s signing into law the Americans with Disabilities Act.

To commemorate this landmark law, WXXI and the Golisano Foundation are presenting special programming, virtual screenings, and news features. The programming is part of Move to Include, a national initiative founded in Rochester by WXXI and the Golisano Foundation that has been expanded to five other communities – PBS affiliates WFYI (Indianapolis), OPB (Oregon), WGCU (Southwest Florida), WCNY (Syracuse), and Iowa PBS thanks to a grant from Corporation for Public Broadcasting. All six stations will spotlight disability issues and people with differing abilities in their communities through television, radio, news, special events, and social media.
UR One of Only 14 Nationally Designated Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Centers

At a virtual press conference on July 8 announcing the new Center, Ann Costello, Executive Director of the Golisano Foundation said, “This is an important and exciting day for Rochester and more important, for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. This designation is a wonderful accomplishment and comes following years of work by the team at URMC, cementing this region as a national leader in research, education, clinical care, and community outreach. We have always known that we have a rich network of services here for people with IDD, and now others will too. From our work with Special Olympics to improve health outcomes internationally for people with IDD, the URMC has always been one of our most important and key partners. We look forward to continuing to work with their extraordinary team.”
Ann Costello Gives Nazareth College Commencement Address
Foundation Executive Director, Ann Costello, gave the  Nazareth College  commencement address on Saturday, July 18 in a virtual ceremony due to the pandemic. Ann called on students to "become change agents, to move people to action and help build an inclusive society. At a time when our society is being transformed by a virus and social unrest I hope you will seize the opportunity to transform it in a different way and move people to action for the greater good. Nazareth College has provided you with the tools and inspiration to do so."

Ann was also presented with an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters.
News of Note
COVID-19 Complicates Dental Treatment for Patients With Intellectual Disabilities
Dentistry Today
Patients with intellectual disabilities already face complications in finding and getting dental treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic has only made these challenges harder.  Special Olympics   chief health officer Alicia Bazzano, MD, PhD, MPH, shared her insights about these difficulties.

The Golisano Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in the U.S. dedicated to making the world a better place for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Foundation is devoted to opening doors to opportunity, changing negative perceptions and stereotypes, and forging unprecedented partnerships to ensure individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have pathways to personal dignity, independence, and the best possible expression of their abilities and talents throughout their lifetimes. Founded in 1985 by Tom Golisano—entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader, and founder and chairman of Paychex, Inc. —the Foundation “imagines the possibilities,” advocating for families, fighting for their dignity and giving people with IDD the opportunity to thrive in their communities. With more than $45 million in gross assets, it awards about $2 million annually to non-profit organizations in Western New York and Southwest Florida.

Bailey and Friends is a new component of the Golisano Foundation that is dedicated to supporting animal welfare in Western NY and Southwest Florida. With a focus on dogs and cats, Bailey and Friends is committed to working with shelters, rescue groups, veterinary clinics, and other lifesaving programs to promote wellness, ensure safety, and keep pets and families together.