COVID-19 Response Grants

April 24, 2020

Based on input received from many of our current grant recipients, we’re aware of the implications this crisis is having on your organization, services and staff - both short and long-term. The Golisano Foundation is committed to assisting during this difficult time and will try to be as flexible as possible as we navigate this uncharted territory together.  We appreciate and admire your commitment, dedication and creativity as you continue to help those in need.

With this situation in mind, our regular grant cycles for April and July, 2020 are being postponed. That means we are not taking applications for typical grant requests for the next two quarterly application cycles. Grant funds that would normally be awarded and sent out during this period of time (approx. $2M) will be redirected to urgent organizational needs stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.  Please note, as of this writing, we’re in a wait and see mode for the final grant application cycle, normally scheduled for October, 2020, until we see the course of the COVID-19 virus in our region.

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Grant News

2019

$750,000 Challenge Grant to Lifetime Assistance Will Help Transform Three Day Service Centers

November 2019--The Golisano Foundation has made a $750,000 challenge grant to Lifetime Assistance for its capital campaign, Independence Together, to transform three Day Services Centers. When completed, the renovated centers Day Services Centers – the Lowry Center in Clarkson, Paul Road Center in Chili, and Weiland Road Center in Greece – will be unlike anything else available in the region. The Foundation’s gift is one of the largest it has made. It was solicited during the campaign’s quiet phase, and is the largest single campaign gift Lifetime has received to date towards its $5.1 million goal. The Golisano Foundation will match every dollar up to $750,000 contributed by the community.  Learn more about the project and how to help Lifetime meet the match.


Foundation Provides $100,000 Grant to Alzheimer’s Association to Train IDD Providers

November 2019--The Foundation has awarded $100,000 in grants over two years to the Alzheimer’s Association Rochester & Finger Lakes and Western NY Chapters. The grants will support a pilot project that will train staff at agencies in the Finger Lakes and Western NY serving people with intellectual and developmental and disabilities (IDD) on how to care for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia. IDD providers will be able to build a stronger workforce of direct service professionals to provide the best possible care and help those with IDD and dementia age in place.  


$200,000 in Grants to Arc of Monroe Will Boost Home Makeover Challenge

November 2019--The Golisano Foundation has provided a $100,000 grant and a $100,000 challenge grant to help the Arc Foundation of Monroe meet its goal to raise $400,000 to improve the quality of life for the individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in 15 of its residential homes. Homes need functional and accessible updates, including new kitchens with countertops, flooring with accommodating surfaces, bathrooms with walk-in/roll-in showers, community rooms and outdoor decks with user-friendly ramps. Learn more about the project and how to help


Bailey and Fiends Makes First Grant to Freedom Guide Dogs

Bailey and Friends has made its first grant, $20,000 to Freedom Guide Dogs, a unique program and one of only two in the U.S. that serves blind individuals including those with special needs helping them participate actively in their communities.

Freedom Guide Dogs is based in Upstate New York, and breeds, raises, trains and places guide dogs with the blind and visually impaired through a distinctive program that provides guide dog training in an at-home environment. Read more


Ribbon Cut on Renovated Gavras Center Inclusive Preschool & Therapy Area

Garvas CEnterJune 2019--We were pleased to provide a $150,000 grant for the Gavras Center Inclusive Preschool and Therapy Area Expansion in Auburn. The Center is a premier provider of preschool and adult programs for the disabled and non-disabled.  The project included a new playground, renovations, expansion and improvements to the motor therapy area and classrooms to facilitate full day preschool programming and wrap-around day care.


Foundation Grant to Unistel Industries Helps Expand Inclusive Job Opportunities

Unistel IndustriesJune 2019 --The Golisano Foundation provided a $100,000 grant to Unistel Industries, a CDS Life Transitions company, to buy new spice processing equipment and expand operations. This will bring new job opportunities for veterans and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Unistel Industries manufactures, blends, and packages quality spices and unique flavors for restaurants and retailers across Monroe County and beyond

 

 



Grand Opening Celebrated at The Arc Wayne New Erie Shore Landing

Erie Shore LandingMay 2019--The Arc Wayne's Erie Shore Landing cafe, bakery and ice cream shop in Newark, NY. are now open! The Foundation provided a grant of $100,000 to support this project, which provides meaningful employment to people with intellectual disabilities. Be sure to stop in!  See menu, hours & info