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B. Thomas Golisano Foundation

Annual Giving
$3.4M
Grant Range
$2K - $0.1M
Decision Time
2w

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $3.4 million (regular grants), with recent $52 million endowment boost expected to increase to $5+ million annually
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Within 2 weeks after quarterly board meetings (held in January, April, July, October)
  • Grant Range: $1,500 - $100,000 (organizations bearing Golisano name may receive larger sums)
  • Geographic Focus: Western New York (DDRO Region 1: Western NY and Finger Lakes) and Southwest Florida (Region 9)

Contact Details

Address: 7632 County Road 42, Victor, NY 14564-8906
Phone: 585-340-1203
Fax: 585-340-1204
Website: www.golisanofoundation.org
Executive Director: Erica Dayton (585-419-9979)

Overview

The B. Thomas Golisano Foundation was established in 1985 by B. Thomas Golisano, founder of Paychex, Inc. With more than $120 million in assets following a recent $52 million endowment infusion, it is one of the largest private foundations in the United States dedicated exclusively to supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The foundation has awarded more than $41 million in grants throughout its history, with annual giving historically around $3.4 million and expected to increase to $5+ million annually. 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." In recent years, founder Tom Golisano has made extraordinary transformational gifts totaling over $500 million to 125 organizations in 2024 through personal donations separate from the foundation's regular grantmaking.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Grants

  • Grant Range: $1,500 - $100,000 (typically)
  • Application Method: Online portal, rolling Letter of Intent (LOI) submissions, quarterly board review
  • Focus: Programs that create opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to achieve maximum potential and be active in their communities
  • Supports: Program support, capital projects, and community planning initiatives; single-year and select multi-year funding

Bailey and Friends (Animal Welfare)

  • Grant Range: Average $5,000 - $10,000 (up to $10,000)
  • Application Method: Quarterly board review (January, April, July, October)
  • Focus: Dogs, cats, and the bond between animals and humans in personal, occupational, and therapeutic capacities
  • Supports: Program support, capital projects, and community planning initiatives for animal welfare; works with shelters, rescue groups, veterinary clinics, and lifesaving programs

Priority Areas

For IDD Grants:

  • Enhancing dignity and independence of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
  • Creating inclusive communities where individuals with IDD are valued as productive members
  • Advancing inclusive health for people with IDD
  • Educational programs and inclusive college programs for students with IDD
  • Forging partnerships and collaborative initiatives
  • Entrepreneurial spirit and innovation in disability services

For Bailey and Friends:

  • Animal wellness and safety
  • Keeping pets and families together
  • Support for shelters, rescue groups, and veterinary programs

What They Don't Fund

  • Endowments
  • Fundraising events or sponsorships
  • Individuals requesting grants
  • Medical research
  • Municipal programs
  • Applications outside geographic target regions (must be in Western NY or Southwest Florida)
  • Applications outside focus areas (IDD or animal welfare)

Governance and Leadership

Founder and Chairman: B. Thomas Golisano - Entrepreneur, philanthropist, civic leader, and founder of Paychex, Inc. Described as "a fierce advocate for dignity and inclusion" with a deep personal commitment to supporting people with IDD.

Executive Director: Erica Dayton - Appointed in June 2023, succeeding Ann Costello. Previously served as the foundation's grants manager since 2019. Holds MS in Strategic Leadership from Roberts Wesleyan University, Certificate in Nonprofit Management, and BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from St. John Fisher University.

Board of Trustees: Phil DiPasquale, Chuck Graham, David Still, Jim Murray, Bill Destler

Former Executive Director: Ann Costello (retired June 2023 after 23 years) - Under her leadership, the Foundation launched the global Healthy Communities initiative with Special Olympics, now advancing inclusive health in more than 100 countries.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Step 1: Letter of Intent (LOI)

  • Submit LOI through the online grant portal at www.golisanofoundation.org
  • LOI can be submitted at any time (rolling basis)
  • Create an account and use the "apply online" button

Step 2: Full Application (By Invitation Only)

  • If LOI is approved, you will receive correspondence on next steps
  • Access to complete application provided with assigned due date
  • Application completed entirely online
  • Important: Upon submission, applicants must send hard copy of financial statements to Foundation offices

Step 3: Review and Decision

  • Applications reviewed by foundation staff
  • Meetings and phone calls may be scheduled to discuss application
  • Applications considered quarterly at board meetings

Decision Timeline

Board Meetings: January, April, July, and October (quarterly)

Notification: Within 2 weeks after quarterly board meeting

Communication: Written notification of approval or denial

Application Success Factors

The Golisano Foundation Trustees evaluate grant requests based on four key criteria:

1. Authenticity and Need

  • Is the applicant's presentation honest?
  • Is there a sustained, deep need for this project?
  • Does the proposal reflect a genuine priority rather than one of many programs currently being juggled?

2. Evaluation and Monitoring

  • How will the ongoing success of the project be monitored and according to what criteria?
  • Is there a well-designed evaluation process reflecting the applicant's commitment to getting results?

3. Collaboration and Strategy

  • Has the applicant formed alliances with other organizations to advance mutual goals?
  • Does the proposal reflect a comprehensive strategy rather than a piecemeal approach?

4. Innovation and Impact

  • Is there evidence of entrepreneurial spirit, approach, and action?
  • Does the proposal promote meaningful social change, ignite passion, encourage risk-taking and innovation?

Recent Funded Projects (Examples)

  • Syracuse University School of Education: $200,000 for Center on Disability and Inclusion to provide technical assistance for creating inclusive college programs for students with IDD
  • Family Initiative (Florida): $250,000 to create a new autism specialty school for middle and high school students (May 2024) - noted as the largest single grant provided to any Southwest Florida organization at that time
  • Cape Coral Animal Shelter: Grant awarded from Bailey and Friends program for animal welfare initiatives

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly disclosed. Contact the foundation directly at 585-340-1203 or through their website for guidance on reapplication.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic alignment is essential: Your organization must operate in Western New York (DDRO Region 1) or Southwest Florida (Region 9) - applications outside these areas will not be considered
  • Focus exclusively on IDD or animal welfare: The foundation has a clear, narrow focus; ensure your project directly supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities or falls under Bailey and Friends animal welfare criteria
  • Demonstrate collaboration and strategic thinking: The foundation values comprehensive strategies and partnerships over piecemeal approaches; show how you've formed alliances with other organizations
  • Emphasize innovation and entrepreneurial spirit: The foundation seeks projects that promote meaningful social change, encourage risk-taking, and demonstrate entrepreneurial approaches
  • Be prepared for the LOI process: Full proposals are by invitation only after LOI review; invest time in crafting a compelling Letter of Intent that demonstrates authenticity and genuine need
  • Show commitment to results: Include a well-designed evaluation process that demonstrates how you will monitor success and measure outcomes
  • Quarterly review cycle: Plan ahead for the January, April, July, or October board meetings; expect a 2-week notification period after the meeting

References

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