Golisano Foundation Awards $229,500

to 10 Organizations in Western New York and Southwest Florida in 4th Round of COVID-19 Response Grants

$1,337,300 in COVID-19 Grants Have

Been Awarded to Date

Rochester, NY—July 27, 2020 – The Golisano Foundation announced today that it has awarded 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 round of grants 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, Executive Director of the Foundation 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."

About COVID-19 Response Grants

Now through the end of October 2020, the Foundation is redirecting approximately $2 million in grant funding to assist organizations in Western New York and Southwest Florida due to the coronavirus crisis. 

Grants may help cover items such as short-term operating expenses for essential programs, safety net, and specialty services; the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other supplies/equipment; new technology and technical assistance for virtual commuting and telemedicine; cleaning supplies for health and hygiene; efforts to ensure safe distancing in group homes and facilities among others. 

Overview of COVID-19 Response Grants

The grant application process was announced and opened on April 24.

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About 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 (IDD). The Foundation is devoted to opening doors to opportunity, changing negative perceptions and stereotypes, and forging unprecedented partnerships to ensure individuals with IDD have pathways to personal dignity, independence and the best possible expression of their abilities and talents throughout their lifetimes. The Foundation was founded in 1985 by Tom Golisano—entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader, and founder and chairman of Paychex, Inc.— who “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 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.