About
About the Golisano Foundation
The Golisano Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in the nation devoted exclusively to supporting programs for people with developmental disabilities so that they may achieve their maximum potentials by integrating independence, self-determination, and productivity into all facets of their lives.
Founded in 1985 with an initial gift of $90,000 from B. Thomas Golisano, the founder and Chairman of Paychex, the Foundation now has more than $28 million in gross assets and has awarded more than $14 million in grants, about $1.2 million annually, to non-profit organizations in a multi-county region surrounding Rochester, New York that serve people with developmental disabilities.
In addition to providing funding the Foundation is dedicated to serving as a proactive partner with providers, organizations, and the community to enable those with disabilities to more fully participate in the life of the community and create an environment of dignity and care for disabled individuals and their families.
The Foundation will celebrate its 25th anniversary in fall of 2010.
Mission: The B. Thomas Golisano Foundation is interested in funding programs that will help individuals with developmental disabilities achieve their maximum potentials by integrating independence, self-determination, and productivity into all facets of their lives.
The Golisano Foundation will serve as a proactive partner with service providers, organizations, and the community. Together, we will:
- Enable those with disabilities to more fully participate in the life of the community.
- Create an environment of dignity and care for disabled individuals and their families.
Primary Funding Interests
- Programs and services for individuals with developmental disabilities such as mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and autism. Organizations providing services for those with similar conditions (e.g. those who are blind and deaf, have traumatic brain injury, or have other cognitive and mobility impairments) will also be considered.
- Programs that will have a long lasting, positive impact on the lives of the developmentally disabled.
- Programs that create and promote opportunities for those with developmental disabilities; that enable them to become active members of their community and that allow them to have choices about the nature and level of their participation in their community.
Other Funding Interests
With limited and targeted funds, the Golisano Foundation may consider grant proposals for disability programs other than those for the developmentally disabled. Applicants are welcomed to contact the Foundation office for further clarification.
Geographical Distribution of Grants: The Foundation’s primary focus for its grants is the Rochester/Monroe County area. Grants are considered for programs addressing the Foundation’s funding interest in the contiguous counties.
Eligibility/Limitations: The requesting organization must be a 501(c)(3) organization whose programs meet the Golisano Foundation’s philanthropic priorities. The Golisano Foundation does not contribute to endowments, fund raising events, individuals requesting grants, fellowships, medical research or municipal programs.
