Golisano Foundation Awards $265,500

to 10 Organizations in 2nd Round of COVID-19 Response Grants

COVID-19 Grants Awarded to Date

Total $691,800

Rochester, NY—May 28, 2020 – The Golisano Foundation announced today that it has awarded $265,500 to ten organizations in Western New York and Southwest Florida in its second round of COVID-19 Response Grants .

This brings the Foundation's total COVID-19 Response Grant funding to date to $691,800.

Grants announced today totaling $260,000 will help the following organizations serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities with urgent needs stemming from the coronavirus pandemic: 

Grants totaling $5,500 from the Foundation’s Bailey and Friends Fund will go to the following organizations dedicated to animal welfare that are experiencing unexpected costs due to the COVID-19 outbreak:                              

Ann Costello, Executive Director said, "While the requests in this second round were similar to those previously received, we heard from more agencies in rural areas needing to purchase and upgrade technology for staff and clients. We're also seeing the need to implement more telemedicine and tele-therapy capabilities. W e expect this trend and service delivery model will increase now that we are seeing the benefits, are more comfortable with usage, and reimbursement issues are being worked out."

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. 

The grant application process was announced and opened on April 24. The first round of grants to 14 organizations totaling $426,300 was announced May 14.

The next round of grant decisions will be made by June 17, 2020.

Application eligibility and guidelines may be found at golisanofoundation.org/Golisano-Foundation/Grantseekers/COVID-19-Response-Application-Process.aspx

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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. 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 and awards about $2 million annually to non-profit organizations in Western New York and Southwest Florida.