April 24, 2020
Based on input received from many of our current grant recipients, we’re aware of the implications this crisis is having on your organization, services and staff - both short and long-term. The Golisano Foundation is committed to assisting during this difficult time and will try to be as flexible as possible as we navigate this uncharted territory together. We appreciate and admire your commitment, dedication and creativity as you continue to help those in need.
With this situation in mind, our regular grant cycles for April and July, 2020 are being postponed. That means we are not taking applications for typical grant requests for the next two quarterly application cycles. Grant funds that would normally be awarded and sent out during this period of time (approx. $2M) will be redirected to urgent organizational needs stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Please note, as of this writing, we’re in a wait and see mode for the final grant application cycle, normally scheduled for October, 2020, until we see the course of the COVID-19 virus in our region.
Dear Friends:
First, let me say thank you for all that you are doing to support those with intellectual and developmental disabilities during this unprecedented time.
I am so impressed with the creativity that agencies are using to keep as many services going as possible, maintain safety and quality of services, stay in touch with people and put programs online and in homes.
I understand the pressures that you are feeling now, supporting our most vulnerable population who have pre-existing conditions and are feeling a sense of isolation. On top of that you are managing direct care workers who need to be in close contact with people.
We are aware of the implications this crisis has on your organization and staff - both short-term and longer term. Please know that we will be as flexible as possible as we navigate this uncharted territory together, with our grant objectives, progress reports, deadlines, and terms so that you can focus on your emergent needs.
How we as a foundation use our resources will likely evolve considering the evolving needs of the organizations we support. So as your services and systems change, we are open to exploring alternatives and options with you.
We are committed to working with you and to exploring how to develop supportive measures so would love to know your ideas.
Like you, we are working from home following health official’s recommendations do our part and help prevent the spread of this virus. But we are checking our emails so please email us with any questions on grants or processes and we will respond to you in a timely manner.
On behalf of all of us at the Golisano Foundation, our staff and trustees, thank you for your tireless work around the clock, and commitment to those with IDD.
We are with you.
Thank you.
Ann Costello
Executive Director
Contact Erica Dayton, Grants Manager at the Foundation at 585-419-9979 with any questions or concerns.
