Grant Application Guide
What We Fund
When people say it can't be done, Tom Golisano will not only find a way, he will find a better way. He is a problem-solver. He is decisive, admires efficiency and directness, and engenders a sense of urgency, or a call to action to get down to work. He is thoughtful and thought provoking and is quick to get to the essence of often complex issues. Tom's perseverance and unwillingness to live with status quo has driven him – and his foundation – to get to the bottom of issues and identify solutions.
More than 30 years ago - the vision of one man - and his commitment to a cause very close to his heart - made something extraordinary possible. When Tom Golisano established the Golisano Foundation in 1985, few could have imagined how the Foundation's work would grow and how it would touch the hearts and lives of so many. We will keep working to ensure that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are valued as people who can contribute and be a vital part of our community - as good students, good neighbors and good workers.
With this in mind, the Foundation has adopted the following guiding principles and focus areas in its
- Supports throughout the life span and transitions for individuals with IDD and their families and caregivers including but not limited to the following areas: Educational support at various stages of development as well as life-long learning opportunities; employment services including supported, career development, vocational and life skills training; year-round preventative health services, fitness activities, physical and emotional wellness; expanded residential options for community living; caregiver respite; recreation; transportation, assistive technology, community awareness and advocacy.
- Community-wide strategies that can grow best practices and effective programs to transformative scale; are easy to replicate and share broadly with the field.
- Interdisciplinary and interagency alliances/collaborations/coalitions that bring together the expertise and perspectives of various disciplines including non-traditional human services provides such as businesses, higher education institutions and government.
- Initiatives that target individuals with IDD who are underserved, isolated and/or have difficulty accessing services and programs; work to eliminate structural, economic or cultural barriers to services.
- Person-directed services and planning with individuals and families involved in the selection, implementation and monitoring of one's supports and services.
- Holds the principles of social justice in highest regard as demonstrated by agency's mission, work and proposal; believes people with disabilities are powerful agents of change and that society as a whole benefits when all individuals reach their full potential and become contributing members of their community.
- Applications for programs, capital projects and community planning initiatives related to the field of developmental disabilities will be given consideration.
Geographical Target Area – Western NY, Rochester, NY and Finger Lakes Region of NYS in Region 1 (see Map), Southwest Florida in Region 9 (see Map)
The Golisano Foundatio accepts grant applications from non-profit organizations serving those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) located in the entire Region 1 (the combination of Western NY and Finger Lakes Regions as designated by NYS OPWDD, Developmental Disability Regional Offices (DDRO).
For 2018, strong emphasis and consideration will be given to organizations located in rural communities where resources and services are limited. Initiatives that target individuals with IDD who are underserved, isolated and/or have difficulty accessing services and programs are encouraged to apply.
Southwest Florida in Region 9
Eligibility / Limitations
The requesting organization must be a 501(c)(3) organization whose programs meet the Golisano Foundation philanthropic priorities. The Golisano Foundation does not contribute to endowments, fund raising events, individuals requesting grants, medical research or municipal programs.
Grant application deadlines for each quarter are as follows:
Grant application deadlines for each quarter:
- September 5, 2018 (for application review at October 2018 Foundation Board meeting)
- November 28, 2018 (for application review at January 2019 Foundation Board meeting)
Please call or e-mail Evalyn Gleason with any questions:
585-419-9979
August 20, 2018
