$85 million donation from Tom Golisano to 41 SWFL charities
Tom Golisano, the founder of Paychex and a notable philanthropist, surprised the nonprofit community in Southwest Florida on Tuesday by granting $85 million in unrestricted funds to 41 local organizations.
Representatives from the selected organizations were invited to Artis—Naples for what was presented as a significant announcement, yet they remained unaware of the specifics until Golisano revealed the news personally, according to a recent article by Mickenzie Hannon of Naples Daily News.
“I realize the invitation may have seemed unusual, but I believe by the end of that morning, you’ll comprehend the reasoning behind it,” Golisano stated.
Golisano, a part-time resident of Southwest Florida, boasts a rich history of philanthropy, both on a personal level and through the Golisano Foundation, which he established in 1985. His generosity has impacted numerous causes, spanning healthcare and education to aiding individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This most recent contribution elevates his philanthropic total for 2024 to an impressive half a billion dollars.
“One of my favorite sayings is ‘the only wealth you keep is that which you give away,’ and this year I’ve chosen to embody that principle,” Golisano stated.
Healthcare and animal initiatives receive a significant enhancement
This event underscored causes that resonate on a personal level, despite his considerable influence across various sectors. He recognized the impact of his wife’s love for animals.
“We understand their significance and the role they play in becoming integral members of families,” he stated. “A portion of our foundational efforts is devoted to our small friends.”
Golisano also discussed his recent health challenges, including the implantation of a pacemaker, and how this experience intensified his commitment to supporting healthcare institutions.
“I’ve had quite the eventful six weeks,” Golisano remarked, sharing a series of medical experiences that involved his great-granddaughter, his sister, and himself.
He began his announcements by revealing his foundation’s contributions of $10 million to Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida and $5 million to NCH Healthcare System.
Golisano’s contributions focused on the well-being of animals
Animal welfare organizations were allocated a substantial amount of funding, amounting to $10 million distributed among 20 groups.
Tom Kepp, the founder of SNIP Collier and a passionate advocate for animal welfare with two decades of experience in Collier County, expressed deep appreciation for the $1.5 million donation from the Golisano Foundation.
“The donation provides a significant boost for our efforts,” Kepp remarked. “Being recognized by the Golisano group is significant.”
His organization, SNIP Collier, currently runs a mobile unit and a spay and neuter clinic on Davis Boulevard, which has been in operation for three years.
Kepp outlined specific plans for using the funding to construct and equip a new medical rescue facility in Immokalee that will offer affordable veterinary services.
“We are prepared to begin. We’re going to start building next year for sure,” he added.
Kepp explained that he’ll use most of the funding to establish the new facility, help more animals in the field, and assist lower-income pet owners.
Kepp declared, “We will use this solely for the welfare of the animals without exception.”
Various organizations in Southwest Florida also received donations.
- Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, $10 million
- Naples Comprehensive Health, $5 million
- Ave Maria University, $10 million
- Guadalupe Center, $3 million
- Easterseals Southwest Florida, $5 million
- Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, $5 million
- Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, $4 million
- Gulf Coast Humane Society, $1.5 million
Golisano’s giving stands out for its unrestricted nature, allowing organizations to allocate funds as they see fit.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News.