Hundreds of people gathered at the Golisano Institute for Business and Entrepreneurship Tuesday to hear a “major announcement impacting Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse, New York.”
While attempting to hold back his tears, billionaire philanthropist Tom Golisano announced plans to donate $360 million to 82 non-profits across upstate New York.
“One of my favorite sayings is the only wealth you keep is that which you give away, and I’m so lucky to be able to live that out,” Golisano said in an emotional speech.
The Paychex founder announced that the non-profit organizations, spanning from healthcare, education, animal welfare, disability services and general community needs, will receive unrestricted, multi-year awards ranging from $250,000 to $20 million each. These awards, Golisano said, will be paid over a four-to-five-year period.
Members of each organization joined Golisano on stage to accept their award, noting the press conference was the first time any of the organizations learned about these grants.
“I had put most of these organizations in my will so that when I, you know, they would benefit,” Golisano said. “But I decided since I didn’t think anything was going to happen for the next three weeks, why not give it to them now, so they can use it now.”
Golisano also announced that he will be awarding $52 million to the Golisano Foundation, increasing the total investment assets to $120 million.
Many of the organizations receiving money have been impacted by funding cuts from the United Way of Greater Rochester. Golisano stated he made his decision about donating this money about five weeks ago and though he wasn’t able to include every good organization in the community, he said the door is open.
Golisano said he has put no restrictions on these donations. He said he is leaving it up to the management of each organization to decide what they will do with this money.
Which organizations will receive donations?
Health:
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American Cancer Society Hope Lodge – $2 million
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American Red Cross Rochester – $5 million
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Daystar Kids – $5 million
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Mercy Flight – $5 million
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Niagara Falls Medical Center – $10 million
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Oishei Children’s Hospital – $10 million
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Rochester Regional Health – $20 million
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Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester – $2 million
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Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital (Syracuse) – $10 million
Education:
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Alfred State College – $5 million
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Allendale Columbia School – $5 million
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St. John Fisher University – $5 million
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Aquinas Institute – $5 million
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Bishop Kearney High School – $5 million
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Canisius University – $5 million
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Charles Finney School – $3 million
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Daemen University – $5 million
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The Harley School – $5 million
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Hope Hall – $3 million
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McQuaid Jesuit – $5 million
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Niagara University – $10 million
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Nazareth – $5 million
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Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women – $5 million
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Roberts Wesleyan University – $5 million
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Rochester Institute of Technology – $10 million
Intellectual and developmental disability services:
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Ability Partners, CP Rochester, Rochester Rehab, Happiness House – $5 million
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Arc Allegany-Steuben – $5 million
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Arc Chemung-Schuyler – $5 million
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Arc Erie – $5 million
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Arc GLOW – $5 million
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Arc Monroe – $5 million
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Arc Ontario – $5 million
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Arc Wayne – $5 million
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AutismUp – $3 million
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Best Buddies WNY – $1 million
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Catholic Charities Family and Community Services -$5 million
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CDS Life Transitions – $5 million
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Cobblestone Arts Center – $2 million
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EPI – $5 million
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Equicenter – $2 million
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Golisano Autism Center – $3 million
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Heritage Christian Services – $5 million
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Holy Childhood – $5 million
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Lifetime Assistance – $5 million
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Mary Cariola – TBD
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Mozaic (Arc Seneca Cayuga Yates) – $5 million
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People Inc. – $5 million
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Springbook – $5 million
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Starbridge Services – $2 million
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Summit Center – $5 million
Animal Welfare:
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Better Together Rescue Center – $250,000
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Beverly Animal Shelter – $1 million
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Chautauqua County Humane Society – $1.5 million
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Chemung County Humane Society – $1 million
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Finger Lakes SPCA of CNY – $1.5 million
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Headed for Furever – $250,000
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Hornell Area Humane Society – $1.5 million
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Humane Society of Schuyler County – $1.5 million
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Humane Society of Yates County – $1.5 million
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Joyful Rescue – $250,000
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Keller’s Kats Rescue – $250,000
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Lollypop Farm – $2 million
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Mr. Gray’s Strays – $250,000
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Operation Freedom Ride – $250,000
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Pet Adoption Network – $250,000
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Pet Pride of New York – $1.5 million
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Rochester Emergency Veterinary Services – $1.5 million
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Rochester Hope for Pets – $250,000
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SPCA of Cattaraugus County – $1.5 million
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SPCA of Allegany County – $1.5 million
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SPCA of Erie County – $1.5 million
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Wyoming County SPCA – $1.5 million
General community:
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Child Advocacy Center of Greater Rochester – $5 million
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Foodlink – $5 million
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Freedom Guide Dogs for the Blind – $2 million
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Hillside Family of Agencies – $5 million
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Lifespan – $2 million
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Medical Motor Service of Rochester – $2 million
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Veterans Outreach Center – $2 million
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WXXI – $2 million
— Madison Scott is a journalist with the Democrat and Chronicle who edited our Weld Street Project and also did reporting for it. She has an interest in how the system helps or doesn’t help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on MPNnow: Tom Golisano donates $360M to upstate NY non-profits: The list
