Grants by Year

2020's

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

$5,000 towards the cost of facility rental, sensory friendly treats, and other “accessible Trunk or Treat” event supplies for the car-to-car, trick-or-treating event in October for children with disabilities.

$10,000 to purchase supplies allowing an increase in production and output of customized wheelchairs for children with disabilities in Western, NY and Southwest, FL.

$13,000 to support established tennis programs in Buffalo, Syracuse, Rochester NY, Naples and Fort Myers, FL as well as identifying new program opportunities. The primary expenditures include clinic equipment and supplies, volunteer training, participant expenses & court fees.

$15,000 to support the Cayuga Cabin renovation and expansion which expands summer programming for individuals with disabilities and increase opportunities for offseason non-profit renters to utilize a fully accessible, self-contained space.

$18,000 to support the Care and Wellness Initiative’s specific labor and production costs including salaries for musicians, staffing costs for performances, space rentals and equipment purchases for the Sensory Friendly Concert, and training for musicians.

$20,000 to purchase specialized equipment and ice rental fees for adults with IDD to participate in an adaptive ice-skating program in Rochester and Buffalo, NY.
$30,000 to provide families with overnight respite, education, resources, connection and support for parents and guardians of children with I/DD in Western, NY.

$70,000 to purchase equipment used to provide comprehensive care in the dental operating room. Items include isolation gear, suction devices, digital radiograph equipment, soft tissue diode laser, intraoral scanner, and intraoral camera to improve quality and efficiency of care in the ambulatory setting to patients with I/DD.

$17,000 to support the expansion of Bloom Fitness Programs to three partner sites in Southwest, FL through staff support for program onboarding, training, outreach, and equipment maintenance, athlete incentives and technology purchases per site.

$3,000 to support DreamNight at the Zoo which is an inclusive and educational evening for children with disabilities to enjoy the zoo. 

$5,000 to support the 2024 production of “Beauty and the Beast”, the organization’s annual theatrical performance that features 40 individuals with IDD in Rochester, NY. 

$5,000 to install a Hoyer Elara Ceiling Lift system ensuring that wheelchair bound athletes can participate in PATH certified adaptive riding programs. 

$9,000 to support Venice Theater’s Pinky’s Players’ Community Engagement Program that gives adults with IDD opportunities to experience and participate in theatrical production through individualized, 1:1 coaching, shadowing, rehearsing, and performing. 

$10,000 to create a sensory room at Chemung County’s Day Program site serving individuals, 18+ yrs. with IDD.

$10,000 to support registration fees and transportation expenses for campers with IDD to attend an integrated day camp at Kamp Kiwanis. 

$30,000 to transform an outdoor courtyard into a wellness space with a walking path, picnic area, raised garden beds, and quiet space for outdoor activities and therapy sessions.

$150,000 towards a second indoor riding arena to accommodate individuals with IDD on the waitlist for mounted equine-assisted learning services and to double the therapeutic riding program capacity.

$20,000 to hire a SLP certified in PROMPT speech-language therapy treatment and expand service offerings by implementing two social groups (youth with ASD and a mommy-toddler group) increasing Sertoma Kids’ caseload.

$20,000 to hire a part-time Program Manager with Special Education certification to expand Suncoast Stars Community’s Day program and increase enrollment for individuals with IDD.

$45,000 to formalize the Disability Navigation Services program that empowers families facing disability diagnoses by guiding them through the process of applying for funding, accessing community supports, and ensuring timely access to resources.

$50,000 to support the University of Florida’s College of Dentistry expand the Oral Health Promotion Center and Specialized Operatory room services for individuals with ASD in the growing Collier County.

$250,000 to renovate two buildings on the Thrive Academy campus by dividing classrooms into smaller rooms to accommodate students with ASD, add sensory rooms, upgrade electrical network, plumbing, and enhance hurricane safety features.

$8,000 to support the 2024 drama workshop and main stage theatre production of “Truck Everlasting” produced in collaboration with the Arc of Onondaga.

$20,000 towards a collaborative effort between local agencies and stakeholders to conduct a community wide housing analysis identifying available needs, barriers, and housing options for those with IDD / Autism living in Monroe County and the surrounding area

$20,000 to support reliable, accessible transportation for individuals with IDD living in Cattaraugus and Allegany counties to access medical appointments and recreational outings.

 

$26,000 over 2 years to support year-round accessible and inclusive dance performances, including sensory-friendly main stage performances and community performances for children and adults with IDD.

$34,000 over two years towards a two-year comprehensive, sustainable inclusion strategy that creates inclusive programming and outreach for individuals with IDD within Rochester and the surrounding areas.

$60,000 to support the Empowering Pathways Project, which provides a Family Navigator to those awaiting neurodevelopmental diagnostic evaluations, ensuring timely and personalized support, community inclusion, and connectivity to Autism / IDD early intervention and specialized services within the Syracuse area.

$5,000 to support the Gravel & Giving program that empowers individuals with IDD to challenge societal perceptions and discover their potential through competitive gravel bike training and racing.

$10,000 to support the Dynasty Stars ballroom dance program designed for individuals with IDD to develop relationships, learn interpersonal skills, and increase independence through musical movement and dance.

$12,000 to provide individuals with autism educational and vocational programs in music, filmmaking, and theatre as well as paid internships and job opportunities.

$50,000 for the expansion of Stitched INK, a social enterprise to hire additional employees and replace outdated equipment to meet demand and accommodate expansion.

$75,000 to support the development of CCAT which will offer innovative education, health opportunities, digital media, VR technology, and performing arts for individuals with IDD in the community.

$100,000 to maintain and expand transportation services for the Rochester area by certifying drivers, replacing vehicles nearing end-of-life, and upgrading technology.

$18,000 to support overnight respite, education, resources, connection and support for parents and guardians of children with I/DD in Syracuse and Rochester, NY.

$20,000 to provide monthly therapeutic EI Play Date Group Sessions to children and families on the Monroe County EI waitlist. Services provided play based observation and parent training in collaboration with Nazareth College and Monroe County Early Intervention Services Program.

$16,500 to support the Care and Wellness Program bringing accessible, therapeutic, and impactful musical experiences from RPO musicians directly to those living with I/DD.

$20,000 to support adaptive ice-skating for 150+ developmentally and intellectually disabled young adults in both Western New York and Rochester, New York programs.

$20,000 ($10,000 per year in 2023 and 2024) to support and expand in-person member programming for 141+ individuals with IDD to socialize, connect, and promote inclusion across Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

$100,000 ($50,000 per year in 2023 and 2024) to support the Community Liaison position which is solely focused on reaching 540+ individuals with IDD and their families receiving no support or who are on the waiting list in Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

$3,000 to support two inclusive summer horsemanship camps in Spencerport, NY for campers with ASD are paired with a peer buddy and horse to learn horsemanship and participate in yoga, art, and educational activities.

$5,000 to host an “Accessible Trunk or Treat” Halloween event at Innovative Field for children with IDD to decorate their family’s car and trick-or-treat on October 26th.

$10,000 to build and customize lightweight, mobility chairs for children under 50lbs to promote early mobility and independence in cognitive, social, and motor skill areas of early childhood development.

$11,000 to provide adaptive, recreational tennis and social programming for children with ASD between the ages of 5-18 yrs. old and expand to two new locations in WNY.

$20,000 to support year-round programming that offers opportunities to 500+ individuals with IDD in WNY play and work together increasing physical fitness, respect, and self-worth in themselves and others.

$20,000 towards the Wanderguard systems to ensure aging individuals attending the SASI Derby, NY day program are safe from wandering out of the facility unattended.

$100,000 towards the renovations of the OLV Evaluation and Treatment Center which will address the critical, growing need for additional resources to diagnose and support families with a child who has IDD, including ASD living in WNY.

$150,000 to support the establishment of the Lyceum Community Empowerment Center, a new learning space to enable over 200 individuals with IDD to achieve employment, wellness, and independence goals in Buffalo, NY.

$40,000 to support the Director of Music Education who develops and manages the 2 or 4-year certificate program which offers an intensive curriculum for neurodivergent musicians to master their talent and share it with the community.

$110,000 ($60,000 for 2023 and $50,000 for 2024) to expand the Behavioral Therapy program to meet the growing need of behavioral therapy services and support for students with IDD at Easterseals’ Academy.

$20,000 to support 2023’s Summer Camp for youth who are blind or visually impaired during which participants learn how to play different sports as well as strategies for wellness and self-advocacy.

$40,000 ($20,000 per year in 2023 and 2024) to expand the Expressive Arts program which provides music, dance, and art therapy for people with IDD offered in both group or individuals sessions virtually and in person.

$20,000 towards the ASD Social Skills Playgroup, a community-based program designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for children, teens, and young adults with ASD to develop friendships and learn foundational skills.

$100,000 ($50,000 per year in 2023 and 2024) towards the Trailblazer Academy expansion; a community-based adult day program to learn life skills, receive vocational training, and engage in social and life-enriching experiences.

$18,000 to support the CAUSE Program; an inclusive sports program for children, youth, and young adults with intellectual disabilities that provides opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience camaraderie in an inclusive sports atmosphere with students and student-athletes.

$20,000 to support the partnership with Buffalo State College’s applied behavior analysis graduate program to expand student training and provide expanded treatment options for individuals with autism.

$50,000 to support a facility expansion and renovation to include a fully accessible bathroom with adult changing table and a designated classroom to support current programs for individuals with I/DD.

$50,000 to support the Community Arts and Education Program for individuals with I/DD; an inclusionary arts and educational program that includes classes, workshops and relationship building with community businesses, libraries, and colleges.

$350,000 ($175,000 per year in 2023 and 2024) to support the Expansion of Unified Schools programming for individuals with I/DD in the Genesee, Central and Western NY regions across all school levels increasing athlete training opportunities and partnerships.

$65,000 for the Home of My Own Wellness Project that will create and equip common space in the 24-unit apartment community in East Aurora with areas to socialize, cook, take classes and exercise while enhancing the wellbeing and quality of life of residents with IDD.

$100,000 for renovations, equipment and upgrades needed to create a school that will meet the needs of all Mary Cariola “High School” students, ages 15 to 21, with multiple complex disabilities.

$500,000 to support the Alzheimer’s Association IDD Health Initiative – Phase 2 – (Rochester/FL, WNY & SWFL) Train the Trainer Program which trains staff on best practices for caring for people with IDD, who commonly are older and who also have dementia.

$36,000 to expand SABAH’s Outdoor Series Program that offers nature hikes, snowshoeing, beach walks and birding in 10 regional New York State Parks for 800+ individuals with I/DD annually in WNY.

$15,000 to support the Green Visions program which provides workforce development training, and work experience for at-risk youth and youth with I/DD.

$18,000 to support the 2022 summer camp for youth who are blind or visually impaired; teaches sport as well as strategies for wellness and self-advocacy.

$10,000 for training of two AutismUP staff members to become Master Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Trainers to provide staff, community members and families with the training and tools needed to better support people with significant behavior challenges and increase inclusion in AutismUp programs.

$35,000 to Ontario Arc Bottling social enterprise for required upgrades to meet current OPWDD & OSHA standards to become an integrated work setting for people with I/DD.

$200,000 to implement and integrate Netsmart software agency wide. Netsmart is a comprehensive electronic health record system that will be used across all four counties to better serve 2,000+ people with I/DD in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming Counties.

$20,000 to support a collaborative between Nazareth College and Monroe County Early Intervention Program which will provide monthly play date sessions incorporating parent training and education seminars for children waiting for services on the Early Intervention Capacity List.

$40,000 towards the expansion of case management services to help adults in Collier County, Florida with IDD advocate for themselves, develop goals towards independence, and access community-based vocational, residential, recreational, and social service providers.

$19,000 towards the construction of the MJ pavilion to include fully accessible bathrooms and a motorized wheelchair charging stations at the inclusive playground located in Canandaigua, NY.

$80,000 ($50,000 for year 1, $30,000 for year2) to be used towards a Farm Project Manager position that will promote and coordinate programs, memberships, social events, and farm projects for the inclusive community including those with IDD.

$5,000 towards creating a Lending Library, Sensory Friendly Fridays and Sensory Friendly programs that create an sensory friendly environment and access to tools for library patrons with autism and/or IDD.

$20,000 towards a two-week overnight camping experience at Camp Babcock-Hovey on Seneca lake during August 2022, for 100 children between the ages of 8-16 years old who have physical and or developmental disabilities.

$180,000 ($60,000 a year for 3 years) towards the collaboration with the Monique Burr Foundation and educators from Monroe 1 BOCES, to transform the current Monique Burr Foundation school-based abuse prevention program for students with IDD.

$1,650,000 ($330,000/yr. for 5 years) to support the continuation and expansion of the Move to Include (MTI) multi-media initiative to other stations across the country to increase engagement and impact on issues, experiences, and perspectives of the disability community.

$5,000 towards the KEYS Music Therapy Outreach program for children with disabilities to enhance and improve their quality of life through the joy of music.

$20,000 towards the Adaptive Ice-Skating program for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities in Buffalo and Rochester, NY.

$250,000 ($150,000 for year 1, $100,000 for year 2) to be used towards the Pre-Employment Training Program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Western New York and Southwest Florida.

$300,000 towards the Aging with Grace, Aging in Place Initiative to construct two fully accessible ranch homes for residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities supported by the Arc of Monroe.

$15,000 towards program expansion to improve health/fitness for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through adapted fitness and sports, personal training, community-based group fitness classes, and outdoor programing.

$237,500 to support the continuation and expansion of Move to Include multi-media initiative to promote and encourage inclusion of, for and with people of determination.

$20,000 for the KidzAct Wellness & Inclusion Program; community access to the performing arts using theater techniques to educate, entertain and serve individuals with disabilities.

$15,000 to support building an all-inclusive playground in Canandaigua, NY where people of all abilities can “Learn Together, Play Together and Be Together”; funds will be used to pour ground coverage for wheelchair access and mobility.

$25,000 to support the expansion of Ready! Set! Work! & Social Garden Experience; Community farm experience programs for young adults with disabilities over the age of 18 during May to October 2021.

$15,000 for the Green Visions program that provides workforce development training, and work experience for at-risk youth and youth with IDD.

$37,000 to support the expansion of the Amina Grace Speech & Language program which was brought to the playhouse in 2019 with support from the GF to teach effective speech and communication skills to individuals of all ages with Down syndrome.

$10,000 for CampAbilities 2021 – Virtual summer camp for youth who are blind or visually impaired; teaches sports as well as strategies for wellness and self-advocacy.

$122,000 for the expansion of ECHO Autism programs at the Golisano Children’s Hospital that educates local providers in Rochester on autism treatment so families can receive care from trusted providers in their communities.

$11,000 Bivona will partner with the Monique Burr Foundation and educators from BOCES to transform the current MBF school-based abuse prevention programs into an evidence-informed program appropriate for students with IDD.

$16,000 Expansion of current fitness, wellness, sports opportunities and community integration for people with disabilities through one-on-one personal fitness training and classes.

$200,000 for a Collaborative of four agencies to expand knowledge and access to OPWDD’s self-directed services through a 2-year mentoring partnership between EPI, Catholic Charities of Rochester, Urban League of Rochester and Ibero-American Action League.

$300,000 over 3 years to establish AutismUp’s Center for Community Transition (My Full Life Academy) – a program that provides a modern approach to transition support for individuals 18-21+ living with IDD.

$20,000 to support respite care for individuals with Autism to increase current capability of serving 10 children a day to return to pre-COVID occupancy of 30+ individuals a day and eliminate current waitlist of 70+.

$100,000 for expansion of the Vocational Services Program by supporting staffing, product expansion, and creating additional vocational training opportunities.

$20,000 to support Oral Health Coordinator to organize oral health services program for students and families along with coordination of the Eastman Dental Center SMILEMobile and oral health research project.

$25,000 for the LAB (Learn, Achieve, Become) program support to assist with staffing and supply costs to continue to build upon existing LAB programs.

$650,000 for the Homes with Heart Campaign to upgrade and modernize 7 homes and build 6 new homes to ensure residents may age in place while maintaining their quality of life by improving the livability and accessibility for individuals living in HCS homes.

$19,000 for a pilot project to establish a DIR/Floortime provider and training center in WNY; focus on increasing treatment options for children with significant DD.

$250,000 for renovations to 6,500 square foot second floor space on Main Street in Buffalo to create a Specialized Workforce Training and Community Center with training suites designed for specific, hands-on, curriculum based training.

2010's

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

$200,000
For creation of Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing at the Wegmans School of Nursing

$120,000
Renovations to the existing campus bathrooms, flooring, and technology upgrades and for a new staff position for LAB

$200,000 For creation of Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing at the Wegmans School of Nursing

$50,000 Support agency through the CQL accreditation process to improve self-directed services for clients with disabilities.

$35,000 Renovate the Hilltop’s assembly and packaging facility which is a vocational rehab and employment program for adults with disabilities.

$200,000 Construction of residential home for medically complex youth with significant developmental disabilities.
$20,000 SMILEmobile to provide oral health services and create care plans for students with IDD.

$250,000  Build new Autism Community Resource Center
$10,000 Rochester Rookies adaptive sport program for youth with disabilities

$125,000 Keuka Lake School renovation and expansion project for  inclusive early intervention, preschool in rural area.

$100,000 Capital project to transform sheltered workshops into the Street of Shops that will expand workforce development and integrated employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.

$250,000 Capital project to transform and expand workshop Special Touch Bakery to create integrated employment opportunities and workforce development for individuals with developmental disabilities.

$25,000 Facility renovations to improve food distribution to providers serving those with developmental disabilities.

$50,000 Education Advocacy Project to assist students and their families with accessing appropriate education supports to improve success in school and to empower them to be self advocates.

$50,000  Family Advocacy Program providing families with case management and care coordination for medically complex children.

$15,000 Crisis Nursery serves siblings of medically fragile, sick and disabled children of ill/disabled parents who have limited or no other safe, short-term support systems.

$50,000 The Rural Autism Initiative – Family support & service collaborative of ARC of Seneca Cayuga, Ontario and Yates counties.

$6,000 Camp Abilities 2015 – summer camp for youth who are blind or visually impaired.

$7,500 To create a video documentary about Camp Abilities highlighting youth who are blind or visually impaired as being active, healthy and productive students and community members.

$100,000 IT system upgrade & facility renovations to improve food distribution to providers serving those with developmental disabilities.

$50,000 Facility renovation for residential suite for individuals with traumatic brain injury.

$75,000 Southwest Day Habilitation facility renovations to better meet the needs of adult participants with developmental disabilities.

$200,000 Construction of transitional residence for young adults with developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injury.
$5,000 In honor of the Golisano Foundation’s Health Care Leadership Award

$50,000 Construction for a new Daystar facility to serve medically frail infants.
$5,000 In honor of the Golisano Foundation’s Health Care Leadership Award.

$75,000 Southwest Day Habilitation facility renovations to better meet the needs of adult participants with developmental disabilities.

$25,000 Upgrade facility  for day hab program for individuals with traumatic brain injury.

$40,000 Preliminary construction costs for transitional home for individuals with intellectual disabilities and traumatic  brain injury.

$2,500 Therapeutic equestrian program for individuals with disabilities (In honor of the Golisano Foundation’s 25th Anniversary.)

2000's

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

$30,000 Future Care Planning Services – to establish a Community Pooled Trust to assist aging parents of adult children with developmental disabilities.
$20,000 Future Care Planning Services – Guardianship services to assist aging parents of adult children with developmental disabilities.

$32,400 for expanding the web-based Museum of disABILITY History and developing school curriculum for Disability History week.

$10,000 Emergency Family Assistance Fund for families of and individuals with developmental disabilities.

$50,000 Medical day care service for infants
$10,000 Emergency Family Assistance Fund for families of and individuals with developmental disabilities.

$75,000 for equipment in a vocational employment center for individuals with developmental disabilities.
$10,000 for an Emergency Family Assistance Fund for individuals with disabilities.

$30,000 for home-based aide services for traumatic brain injured and developmentally disabled.

$50,000 for renovation of dining area for blind/visually impaired employees.

$4,000 for marketing and communications support for non-profits including the promotional material for Future Care Planning Services for the disabled.

$150,000 for Telemedicine Collaborative to improve healthcare services for individuals with Developmental disabilities (collaborative partner agencies include Mary Cariola Children’s Center,Monroe ARC, Lifetime Assistance, Continuing Developmental Services and Heritage Christian Services.
$5,264 Emergency Family Assistance Fund.