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Golisano Foundation Awards $416,000 in Third Round of COVID-19 Response Grants

Rochester, NY—June 22, 2020 –The Golisano Foundation announced today that it has awarded $416,000 to 11 organizations in Western New York and Southwest Florida in its third round of COVID-19 Response Grants. 

This brings the Foundation's total COVID-19 Response Grant funding to date to $1,107,800. 

Grants announced today totaling $416,000 will help the following organizations serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities with urgent needs stemming from the coronavirus pandemic: 

"The most recent round of applications has signaled a change from emergency preparedness to careful planning for reopening programs and services according to NYS guidelines," said Ann Costello, Executive Director of the Foundation. "As much as everyone would like things to get back to normal, agencies are proceeding with caution given the vulnerability of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the reality that the COVID-19 virus is still with us. The Foundation is pleased to be able to provide financial assistance during this difficult time."

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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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.

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Related Resources

Golisano completes third-round COVID-19 Response Grants - Rochester Business Journal - Jun 22, 2020

Golisano Foundation Awards Covid Grants - Wayne Post - June 24, 2020

Golisano Foundation awards $416,000 to help agencies deal with COVID-19 - WXXI - Jun 22, 2020

COVID-19 Response Grants

A Special Message from Ann Costello, Director of the Golisano Foundation on the Coronavirus Situation

Golisano Foundation awards COVID-19 grants - Rochester Business Journal - May 14, 2020

Golisano Foundation awards grants in response to pandemic - WXXI - May 14, 2020