Tom Golisano, a resident of Southwest Florida, has a long-standing legacy of philanthropy through the Golisano Foundation, which he established in 1985. The foundation awards grants to organizations that provide opportunities for disabled persons. His charitable efforts have supported various causes, including healthcare, education, and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Golisano was the founder of Paychex, a company that provides human resources, payroll, and employee benefits outsourcing services for small to medium-sized businesses. He eventually resigned as the CEO of Paychex at age 63 to focus his efforts on his philanthropic ventures. The philanthropist recently surprised Southwest Florida’s nonprofit community by donating $85 million in unrestricted funds to 41 local nonprofit organizations. Representatives from the selected organizations were invited to what they believed was a major announcement at Artis-Naples, but were unaware of the surprise until Golisano himself revealed the real reason he called them there.
“One of my favorite sayings is ‘the only wealth you keep is that which you give away,’ and this year, I’ve decided to act on that saying," said Golisano. “I’m glad to provide support to nonprofits across Southwest Florida, where I now call home.”
Golisano’s contribution mirrored the sentiment he had announced in Rochester where more than 80 nonprofits were awarded donations, earning him the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rochester Chamber of Commerce.
The donations are listed by category of cause:
Education
Ave Maria University ($10 million), Guadalupe Center ($3 million)
Health
Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida ($10 million), Naples Comprehensive Health ($5 million)
Community
American Red Cross Southwest Florida ($3 million), Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida ($2 million), Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples ($4 million), Meals of Hope ($3 million), Youth Haven ($3 million)
Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
Best Buddies Southwest Florida ($1 million), Beyond the Spectrum Inc. ($1 million), Easterseals Southwest Florida ($5 million), Family Initiative ($5 million), Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida ($5 million), Guardian Angels for Special Populations ($1 million), LARC Inc. ($5 million), Protected Harbor ($1 million), Special Olympics Florida ($1 million) STARability ($5 million), Sunrise – Naples ($1 million), The Haven ($1 million)
Animal Welfare
Animal Rescue Coalition ($1 million), Cape Coral Animal Shelter ($1.5 million), Gulf Coast Humane Society ($1.5 million), Humane Society Naples ($500,000), SNIP Collier ($1.5 million), Anna Maria Island Pup Rescue ($150,000), Big Dog Ranch Rescue ($500,000), Florida Coastal Cocker Rescue ($150,000), For the Love of Cats ($150,000), Fur and Tails Animal Rescue ($150,000), Canine Castaways Inc. ($150,000), Guardians of Florida Animal Rescue ($500,000), Haven on Earth Animal League ($150,000), Humane Society of Manatee County ($500,000), Humane Society of Sarasota County ($500,000), Max's Ark Rescue ($150,000), Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue Center ($500,000), Pawtcake Refuge ($150,000), Purradise Gardens ($150,000), Shy Wolf Sanctuary ($150,000).
Thank you Mr. Golisano for offering our community a lasting legacy of giving and 'local love'.
With his latest donation, Golisano has now contributed half a billion dollars to philanthropy in 2024.