Golisano Foundation awards $416K, including $61K to Arc of Genesee Orleans

Posted 22 June 2020 at 8:10 am

Press Release, Golisano Foundation  

ROCHESTER – The Golisano Foundation announced today that it has awarded $416,000 to 11 organizations in Western New York and Southwest Florida in its third round of COVID-19 Response Grants.

This brings the Foundation’s total COVID-19 Response Grant funding to date to $1,107,800.

Grants announced today totaling $416,000 will help the following organizations serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities with urgent needs stemming from the coronavirus pandemic:

  • Arc of Erie, $42,000
  • Arc of Ontario, $41,000
  • Arc of Genesee Orleans, $61,000
  • Arc of Wayne, $75,000
  • Gavras Center, $15,000
  • Lifespan, $18,000
  • Lifetime Assistance, Inc., $50,000
  • Mozaic, $20,000
  • People Inc., $10,000
  • LARC (Southwest Florida), $39,000
  • STARability (Southwest Florida), $45,000

“The most recent round of applications has signaled a change from emergency preparedness to careful planning for reopening programs and services according to NYS guidelines,” said Ann Costello, Executive Director of the Foundation. “As much as everyone would like things to get back to normal, agencies are proceeding with caution given the vulnerability of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the reality that the COVID-19 virus is still with us. The Foundation is pleased to be able provide financial assistance during this difficult time.”

• About COVID-19 Response Grants

Now through the end of October 2020, the Foundation is redirecting approximately $2 million in grant funding to assist organizations in Western New York and Southwest Florida due to the coronavirus crisis.

Grants may help cover items such as short-term operating expenses for essential programs, safety net and specialty services; the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other supplies/equipment; new technology and technical assistance for virtual commuting and telemedicine; cleaning supplies for health and hygiene; efforts to ensure safe distancing in group homes and facilities among others.

• Overview of COVID-19 Response Grants

The grant application process was announced and opened on April 24. The first round of grants to 14 organizations totaling $426,300 was announced May 14.

The second round of grants was announced May 28, and awarded $265,500 to 10 organizations. The third round of grants announced today to 11 organizations totaled $416,000

The next round of grant decisions will be made by July 22, 2020. Application eligibility and guidelines may be found by clicking here.

• About the Foundation

The Golisano Foundation was founded in 1985 by Tom Golisano – entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader, and founder and chairman of Paychex, Inc. – who “imagines the possibilities,” advocating for families, fighting for their dignity and giving people with IDD the opportunity to thrive in their communities. With more than $45 million in gross assets, it awards about $2 million annually to non-profit organizations in Western New York and Southwest Florida.

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