"The only wealth you get to keep is the wealth you give away."
Tom Golisano demonstrates ongoing generosity and commitment to the greater Rochester, New York community, home of Paychex corporate headquarters, and other organizations in Upstate and Western New York, and Southwest Florida.
In 1985, with an initial gift of $90,000, Tom Golisano launched his first philanthropic endeavor by establishing the Golisano Foundation. Today, with assets of more than $42 million, the Foundation awards approximately $2 million in grants annually to organizations dedicated to providing opportunities for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
In addition to the Golisano Foundation's contributions, Mr. Golisano has been very generous to other institutions and organizations. Since the late 1990s Mr. Golisano's and the Golisano Foundation's philanthropy totals more than $335 million.
2024
STARability Foundation – On April 12, 2024, a groundbreaking $5 million leadership gift from Tom Golisano toward STARability Foundation's permanent future home was announced. This transformative support will elevate STARability’s mission to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through vocational training, continuing education, teamwork, social engagement, and community involvement and pave the way for expanded programs, addressing the increased demand for support and services in Collier County. Read more
2023
Golisano Institute of Disability Nursing - On December 4, 2023, a $5 million gift was announced from B. Thomas Golisano and the Golisano Foundation to support the continued growth and expansion of the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing at St. John Fisher University's Wegmans School of Nursing. The gift, $4 million from Golisano and $1 million from the Foundation, will bolster the Institute's efforts to positively impact more than one million health encounters for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) over the next 10 years. Read more
Naples Community Hospital R.M. Schulze Family Cardiovascular and Stroke Critical Care Center - On June 20, 2023 Tom Golisano announced a $5 million match grant to the center, home to the NCH Rooney Heart Institute and NCH Wingard Stroke Institute. The facility will serve as a premier destination for comprehensive cardiovascular and stroke care in the region, providing advanced treatment options and cutting-edge research opportunities. Construction of the new facility that will stand where the Telford Building is located today, is projected to break ground later this year/early 2024 following city approval of the project. Construction of the new building is expected to take 12 months with the first patients cared for in spring 2026. The facility is expected to serve thousands of patients each year, providing life-saving care and innovative research opportunities. Read more
Golisano Community Engagement Center - On January 23, 2023 the Golisano Community Engagement Center at Roberts Wesleyan University officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The new $13.9 million Center serves as a hub for connection, community interaction and student life resources on campus. The modern 26,167-square-foot, two-story center reflects Roberts Wesleyan’s deeply rooted spiritual and community ties, serving as the first building on campus to provide centralized space for both students and the community to gather and interact. Upon entering through the Parris Family Welcome Center, which includes a visual timeline of the institution’s storied 157-year history, the first floor encompasses 3,000 square feet of event space available for campus functions and rental opportunities. Read more
2021
Special Olympics Health Made Possible by The Golisano Foundation - Special Olympics announced on September 16, 2021 that it has received $30 million, its largest single private gift in the organization's 53-year history from Tom Golisano. This is Tom's third major gift to Special Olympics and his largest single gift to any organization. His support for Special Olympics Health now totals $67 million. Funds will used to expand the Special Olympics Healthy Communities program, which provides health services globally for people with intellectual disabilities (ID), a population that has been critically underserved, especially during the pandemic. “I am pleased to continue financial support for Special Olympics’ extraordinary health work, which is giving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities improved access to health services and the opportunity to live happier, more productive lives,” said Golisano. “Special Olympics’ impact on the health of people with ID is impressive – as is its strategy on how to build on this success over the next several years. The focus on measurement, standardization of practices, early diagnosis, a trained workforce, and health systems that demonstrate inclusive policies, will effectively position Special Olympics to further our mutual goal of health equity.” Read more
2020
Golisano Medical Oncology Center - Niagara now has another Golisano Center – one in which lives will be saved and where inclusive health is a priority. Tom Golisano committed $1.5 million on November 20, 2019 to support the new $2 million medical oncology center at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center to improve access to cancer treatment for people in Niagara County. The new center was dedicated in a virtual ceremony on July 16, 2020 and is open to patients. The Center is operated by Memorial in affiliation with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, one of the top cancer centers in the United States. The $2 new Golisano Medical Oncology Center makes Roswell’s expertise – including immunotherapy, hematology, chemotherapy infusion, clinical trials and the newest cancer curing drugs – readily accessible to those who live and work in Niagara County. The 6,085-square-foot facility is located on Memorial’s fourth floor. The new Center also provides cancer care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, a population that often falls through the cracks of complex health care systems, and specialty care including early detection, cancer screening and treatment. Read more
2019
Golisano Medical Oncology Center - Niagara will soon have another Golisano Center – one in which lives will be saved. Tom Golisano committed $1.5 million on November 20, 2019 to support a new $2 million medical oncology center at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center to improve access to cancer treatment for people in Niagara County. The new center will be operated by Memorial in affiliation with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, one of the top cancer centers in the United States. The $2 new Golisano Medical Oncology Center will make Roswell’s expertise – including immunotherapy, hematology, chemotherapy infusion, clinical trials and the newest cancer curing drugs – readily accessible to those who live and work in Niagara County. Currently under construction, the 6,085-square-foot facility is scheduled to open in spring 2020. The new Center will also provide cancer care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, a population that often falls through the cracks of complex health care systems, and specialty care including early detection, cancer screening and treatment.
Golisano Center for Special Needs - On September 27 in Syracuse, New York, The Upstate Foundation announced a gift of $3 million from Tom Golisano to establish the Golisano Center for Special Needs at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. The center will provide comprehensive, coordinated and scientifically based medical and behavioral care for children and adolescents with all types of intellectual and developmental disabilities. The center will act as the umbrella, creating a framework to increase collaboration resulting in better patient care. The announcement was made by Golisano Foundation Executive Director Ann Costello at the hospital's 10th birthday celebration. Read more
Golisano Autism Center - On September 12, Tom Golisano was on hand to cut the ribbon and officially open the new Golisano Autism Center. The opening followed two years of planning and construction. The innovative one-stop autism hub offers a multitude of educational, social, recreational, and therapeutic supports and services for children and adults. Open 12 hours daily, seven days a week, the Center is a collaborative community of more than fourteen autism service providers, led by founding partners Al Sigl Community of Agencies, AutismUp, and CP Rochester. The new 33,000 sq. ft. building is named for Tom Golisano who along with the Foundation donated $3 million toward the launching of the Center in May 2017. Read more
Yacht Aid Global - In September Tom Golisano donated the use of his yacht Laurel to transport 30 tons of supplies including water, food, and sanitation kits, from Nassau to Freeport, and to rescue more than 50 dogs following the destruction caused by Hurricane Dorian. The rescue effort was conducted Sep 6, 7 and 8th organized by Yacht Aid Global. Read more
Golisano Community Engagement Center - On August 29 at Roberts Wesleyan College Tom Golisano announced that he was making a gift of $7.5 million to the college to build the innovative new Golisano Community Engagement Center. The 25,000-square-foot two-story, center will serve as a hub for connection, community interaction and student life resources, as well as a workplace for Roberts’ growing custom training and education programs. Read more
2018
Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing - On October 20, 2018, St. John Fisher College, Tom Golisano and the Golisano Foundation announced today the creation of the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing thanks to a $5.8 million gift, $5 million from Tom Golisano and $800,000 from the Golisano Foundation. The Institute will be fully integrated into Fisher’s Wegmans School of Nursing and is designed to transform the health care and support of individuals with developmental disabilities.
Golisano Training Center - On June 14, 2018, Nazareth College officially broke ground on its $23.5 million Golisano Training Center. The 91,000-square-foot center will bring together the strengths of Nazareth College, Special Olympics, and the Golisano Foundation to create a new model of inclusion, fitness, and wellness for athletes with intellectual disabilities. It will open in Fall 2019. Mr. Golisano is giving Nazareth $7.5 million for the new training center, which is the largest gift in the College’s history.
2017
Golisano Pediatric Behavioral Health &Wellness Center - On October 19, 2017, Tom Golisano announced a gift of $5 million to Golisano Children's Hospital at the University of Rochester Medical Center for a new Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness Center. The critically-needed center will serve children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral needs. The new facility will increase the size of the Partial Hospital Program, create accessible offices for Outpatient Services, and provide a new level of care – Intensive Outpatient – that is currently unavailable in our region; and reduce waiting list for services. It will co-located near the Golisano Autism Center on the Al Sigl Campus. Both centers are expected to open in 2019.
Golisano Autism Center - Tom Golisano made a matching challenge grant of $2.5 million to help build the new Golisano Autism Center Rochester, which will expand and enhance autism services to serve the more than 10,000 people diagnosed with autism in the Greater Rochester and surrounding areas. CP Rochester, Al Sigl Community of Agencies, AutismUp are collaborating to build the new Center.
Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida - On April 1, 2017 the community was invited to celebrate the opening of the brand-new, state-of-the-art free-standing Golisano Children's Hospital in Southwest Florida. Mr. Golisano was there to cut the ribbon and speak. Golisano Children's Hosp Makes $100 Million Goal
2016
Golisano Training Center - Tom Golisano committed $7.5 million to Nazareth College on September 21, 2016 for the new Golisano Athletic Training Center that will create a model of inclusion, fitness & wellness.
WXXI - On July 20, 2016 WXXI Public Broadcasting announced that a $2 million gift from Rochester entrepreneur and philanthropist B. Thomas Golisano helped the station exceed its goal in its multi-year “Go Public” campaign to secure the future of public media in Rochester and to upgrade studios and facilities.
2015
Al Sigl Community of Agencies - A $3 million donation announced November 25, 2015 from Tom Golisano will help the Al Sigl Community of Agencies transform its facilities to meet 21st century needs.
Special Olympic Health - On July 15, 2015 Tom Golisano, committed $25 million to expand Special Olympics’ health services globally for people with intellectual disabilities, a population that lacks access to adequate healthcare and faces significant health disparities. This was the largest single gift Special Olympics has received in its 47-year history. This gift and $12 million given in 2012 brings his total giving to Special Olympics to $37 million.
Golisano Children's Hospital at URMC - On May 27, the new Golisano Children's Hospital at the University of Rochester Medical Center was dedicated.
2014
Golisano Center for Community Health - On September 17, 2014, Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center received a $3.5 million gift, the largest in its history, from businessman and philanthropist Tom Golisano to support construction of an innovative new Golisano Center for Community Health. The Center will provide comprehensive integrated health care services to adults with special needs and their families, breaking down barriers to care, preventing individuals from falling through the cracks and helping them live with dignity. It is one of the few centers of its kind in the country.
2013
Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida - On December 10 Lee Memorial Health System Foundation celebrated a community commitment of more than $80 million in donations and pledges toward its $100 million Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida capital campaign goal with a Ceremonial Groundbreaking, the new hospital is being built in Ft. Myers. Tom Golisano donated $20 million to launch the campaign.
Golisano Center for Integrated Sciences - On October 9, Niagara University formally dedicated the state-of-the-art B. Thomas Golisano Center for Integrated Sciences facility, which opened to Niagara University faculty and students at the beginning of the fall 2013 semester and changes the scientific research and teaching that happens on the campus. Mr. Golisano made a gift of $10 million to the facility that was named in his honor.
Clinton Global Initiative - For the 9th Year Tom Golisano was the Major Underwriter of the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting held in September. The focus was on the progress made since Tom announced a landmark $12 million gift to Special Olympics in 2012 to launch Healthy Communities.
Golisano Life Enhancement Fund - In December 2013 Tom Golisano made a personal gift to establish the Golisano Life Enhancement Fund for individuals with disabilities in upstate NY to be administered through the Future Care Planning Community Pooled Trust. The Funds will provide financial assistance needed for items and other supports to enhance quality of life.
2012
Special Olympics Health - On September 23, at the opening of the 2012 Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Annual Meeting, former President William J. Clinton announced that Tom Golisano would provide $12 million to expand Special Olympics’ health-related services to people with intellectual disabilities - one of the largest and most medically under-served disability groups in the world - which will allow for the launch of a new Healthy Communities initiative.
Clinton Global Initiative - Mr Golisano was the major underwriter for the 8th year of the 2012 Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Annual Meeting.
Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida - On October 30, Tom Golisano was revealed as the donor of a $20 million matching gift to build a new children’s hospital, which will be named Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. Part of the Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Myers, Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida is the only comprehensive children's hospital between St. Petersburg and Miami.
2011
Mercy High School - In May 2011, Mr Golisano provided $1,500,000 to support the Capital Campaign at Mercy High School to upgrade buildings and athletic fields and faculties. The Science Wing was named for Mr. Golisano.
Golisano Children's Hospital at URMC - In July 2011, Mr. Golisano provided a $20 million gift to expand and modernize the existing Golisano Children's Hospital enabling the University of Rochester Medical Center to construct a new next-generation hospital for children. This gift along with a previous gift of $14 million in 2002 totals $34 million to the Children's Hospital.
Clinton Global Initiative - In September 2011 Mr. Golisano donated funds to underwrite the 7th Annual Clinton Global Initiative – non-partisan effort to bring together community of global leaders to devise and implement solutions to some of world's most pressing challenges. Held in NYC.
Rochester Institute of Technology - In November 2011, Mr. Golisano made a $2 million gift to RIT to build the Eugene Polisseni Hockey Center at RIT (in partnership with Polisseni Foundation). The Gene Polisseni Center is named for Golisano's childhood friend and Paychex business partner.
2010
Special Olympics Health - A gift of $150,000 to Special Olympics International in September 2010 was given to expand training and increase the number of health care professionals capable of providing healthcare services to people intellectual disabilities.
Clinton Global Initiative - In September 2010 funds were donated to underwrite the 6th Annual Clinton Global Initiative, a non-partisan effort to bring together community of global leaders to devise and implement solutions to some of world's most pressing challenges. Held in NYC.
Golisano Children's Museum of Naples - Mr. Golisano made a challenge grant of $5 million in May 2010 for the new Golisano Children's Museum of Naples, which opened in March 2012 in Naples, Florida. The 30,000-square-foot Museum features ten spectacularly designed, child-scaled exhibits to invite sensory and intellectual exploration.
Center for Restorative Neurology and Rehabilitation - In April 2010, Mr. Golisano supported the creation of a new Center for Restorative Neurology and Rehabilitation at Unity Health System in Rochester, NY, with a gift of $10 million. The Center will serve adults and children in need of both inpatient and outpatient care for conditions that range from brain and spinal cord injuries to joint replacements to diseases such as multiple sclerosis
2009
Golisano Foundation - In November 2009, Mr. Golisano made a gift of $10.2 million to the Golisano Foundation to assure continued support for programs and services for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities.
Ave Maria University - Mr. Golisano made another gift in November 2009, the first to an organization outside New York State, of $4 million to Ave Maria University in Ave Maria, Florida. The gift funded the construction of the University's first indoor athletic facility, the Tom Golisano Field House.
Clinton Global Initiative - In September 2009, funds were donated to underwrite the 5th annual Clinton Global Initiative, a non-partisan effort to bring together community of global leaders to devise and implement solutions to some of world's most pressing challenges. Held in NYC.
2008
Golisano Center for Integrated Sciences - In October 2008, Mr. Golisano committed $10 million to Niagara University to support construction of a new science building, the B. Thomas Golisano Center for Integrated Sciences, which will radically alter the teaching and research environment at the university. It is the largest gift the institution has received in its 152-year history. This marks the first major gift Mr. Golisano has made in Western New York outside of the Rochester region.
Clinton Global Initiative - In September Mr. Golisano donated funds to underwrite the 4th annual Clinton Global Initiative, a non-partisan effort to bring together community of global leaders to devise and implement solutions to some of world's most pressing challenges. Held in NYC.
Hope Lodge & Hospitality House - In June 2008, Mr. Golisano announced a gift of $4 million to the American Cancer Society and Colgate Rochester Crozier Divinity School to establish a new Hope Lodge and Hospitality House to accommodate cancer and transplant patients and their families from area and regional hospitals.
2007
Golisano Institute for Sustainability - In September 2007, Mr. Golisano donated $10 million to Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) to create the Golisano Institute for Sustainability. The Institute, one of the first of its kind in the nation, focuses on research and education in sustainable design, pollution prevention, remanufacturing and alternative energy development. Establishment of The Golisano Institute for Sustainability is consistent with Mr. Golisano's ongoing support of the William J. Clinton Foundation. Golisano is a sponsor of the Clinton Global Initiative.
Clinton Global Initiative - Mr Golisano donated funds to underwrite 3rd annual Clinton Global Initiative, non-partisan effort to bring together community of global leaders to devise and implement solutions to some of world's most pressing challenges. Held in NYC.
Springbrook Upstate Home for Children - In August 2007 Mr. Golisano made a gift of $2.5 million to Springbrook Upstate Home for Children, in Oneonta, NY that is a residential school for children with developmental disabilities. The gift is part of the agency's Coming Home Campaign. The gift helped renovate and expand current facilities.
2006
Charles P. Golisano Campus - In November 2006, Mr. Golisano contributed $750,000 to the Veterans Outreach Center of Rochester, NY. The gift will be used to create the Charles P. Golisano Campus in honor of Mr. Golisano's brother who was killed in the Korean War.
Mercy Flight - In October 2006, Mr. Golisano donated $1.5 million to Mercy Flight Central of Canandaigua, NY, helping to kickoff the drive to purchase a new Mercy Flight helicopter.
Clinton Global Initiative - In September 2006, Mr. Golisano donated funds to underwrite the 2nd Clinton Global Initiative, a non-partisan effort to bring together community of global leaders to devise and implement solutions to some of world's most pressing challenges. Held in NYC.
Mercy & Bishop Kearney High Schools - In March 2006, he made an unprecedented $6 million gift to Our Lady of Mercy High School and Bishop Kearney High School. The gift represented the largest donation ever received from an individual or family by either private school located in Rochester.
2005
Golisano Children's Hospital SUNY - In November 2005, Mr. Golisano donated $6 million to Central New York Children's Hospital at University Hospital in Syracuse, NY. In honor of the gift, the hospital was renamed the Golisano Children's Hospital of Central New York at University Hospital. This was the largest gift ever from an individual donor in SUNY history.
Clinton Global Initiative - In September Mr. Golisano provided funds to underwrite the first Clinton Global Initiative, a non-partisan effort to bring together community of global leaders to devise and implement solutions to some of world's most pressing challenges. Held in NYC.
Golisano Pavilion and Emergency Center - In March 2005, Mr. Golisano continued his commitment to health care with a $9 million gift to Rochester General Hospital (part of Rochester Regional Health), helping to establish the B. Thomas Golisano Pavilion and Emergency Center.
2004
Hartwick College - In July of 2004, he made a $5 million gift to Hartwick College of Oneonta, NY, which will be used to build a new academic building for the social science and management programs.
Heritage Christian Services - Also in July of 2004, Mr. Golisano donated $1 million to Heritage Christian Services of Rochester, a human service agency supporting those with disabilities.
WXXI - In January 2004, Mr. Golisano contributed $2 million to WXXI Public Broadcasting in Rochester to help WXXI meet the federal mandate to begin digital broadcasting.
2003
B. Thomas Golisano Academic Complex - In October 2003, Mr. Golisano donated $5 million to Nazareth College, a private college in Rochester, NY. The gift was used to create the B. Thomas Golisano Academic Complex.
In November 2002, Mr. Golisano donated $5 million to Thompson Health in Canandaigua, NY. The gift will be used to create the Golisano Center for Emergency and Diagnostic Medicine.
2002
Golisano Children's Hospital at URMC - In April 2002, Mr. Golisano contributed $14 million to Strong Children's Hospital in Rochester, NY, enabling the hospital to begin a comprehensive fundraising campaign. In honor of the gift, the hospital, which is part of the University of Rochester Medical Center, is now known as Golisano Children's Hospital. Mr. Golisano's gift is the largest ever given to the Children's Hospital or the University of Rochester Medical Center by a living donor.
2001
Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences - In February 2001, he made a $14 million gift to Rochester Institute of Technology, enabling that university to launch development of a new college that incorporates computing and the Internet with information sciences. The B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences, named for its founding donor, officially opened in May 2003. It offers students opportunities to earn Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Mr. Golisano honorary chaired RIT's capital campaign, "Powered by the Future." He is also a trustee of RIT.
Golisano Library and Information Resource Center - In October 2001, Mr. Golisano made a $5 million contribution to Roberts Wesleyan College, the largest gift in the history of the small liberal arts college, located in Rochester, NY. The college will use the funds to construct the B. Thomas Golisano Library and Information Resource Center.
1999
Al Sigl Center - In June, 1999 Tom Golisano made the lead gift of $2 million in the Gathering Hearts Capital Campaign. Al Sigl Center is a shared resource organization supporting those with disabilities and their families.
