The B. Thomas Golisano Foundation directs large, targeted gifts to regionally focused nonprofits in the Rochester/Upstate New York area, with an emphasis on public media and direct services that increase independence and employment for people with disabilities. Their grants are sizable and programmatic (many listed as "various"), suggesting broad support for organizational capacity and multiple initiatives rather than many small, restricted awards. The foundation prefers a small number of high-dollar relationships with organizations that deliver community services and communications infrastructure.
Focus Areas
Public broadcasting and local media capacity (WXXI)Services and supports for people with disabilities, including residential and day programs (Heritage Christian Services)Vocational rehabilitation and employment services for people who are blind or visually impaired (ABVI Goodwill Finger Lakes)Regional community services in Rochester / Finger Lakes (large, place-based investments)
Giving Approach
Highly concentrated giving: a very small number of large grants that together make up total annual giving. Funds appear to be multi-purpose or flexible ("various"), invested in established regional institutions rather than many small or first-time grantees.
Notable grantees: WXXI Public Broadcasting, Heritage Christian Services, ABVI Goodwill Finger Lakes
Financial Snapshot
Annual Giving
$3M
Total Assets
$71.5M
Total Revenue
$45.5M
Total Expenses
$4.7M
Typical Grant Size
Most grants fall between $2.9M and $3.2M, with a median of $2.9M.
25th Percentile
$2.9M
Median
$2.9M
75th Percentile
$3.2M
Geographic Reach
Local1 state funded
Funding intensity
LowHigh
Headquarters
Deep Analysis
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Current and upcoming funding from B Thomas Golisano Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Open nowRolling / open intakeAward: Varies
Golisano Foundation Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Grants
Intellectual and developmental disabilitiesEducational support and lifelong learningEmployment, career development, vocational and life-skills training+8 more
Who can apply: Applicant must be a 501(c)(3) organization within the designated geographic target region whose programs meet the Foundation's priorities and support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Foundation does not fund endowments, fundraising events or sponsorships, individuals, scholarships, gap funding, medical research, public schools or municipal programs. Program support and capital projects may be considered.
Deadline: LOIs accepted at any time. Full-application deadlines are assigned after LOI approval. Applications are considered quarterly at January, April, July and October board meetings.
Intellectual and developmental disabilitiesEducation and lifelong learningEmployment and vocational training+8 more
Who can apply: The requesting organization must be a 501(c)(3) organization located within NYS OPWDD Region 1 or Southwest Florida Region 9, and its program or capital request must meet the Foundation’s IDD philanthropic priorities. The Foundation does not fund endowments, fundraising events or sponsorships, individuals requesting grants, scholarships, gap funding, medical research, public schools, or municipal programs. Applications for program support and capital projects are considered; multiyear requests may be entertained in certain circumstances.
Deadline: LOIs may be submitted at any time. Full-application deadlines are assigned after LOI approval. Applications are considered at January, April, July, and October board meetings.
Open nowRolling / open intakeAward: $5K – $10K
Bailey and Friends Grants
Animal welfareSpay/neuterQuality shelter care+7 more
Who can apply: Applicant must be a 501(c)(3) organization whose programs meet Bailey and Friends' priorities. Applicants must be within Western New York OPWDD Region 1 or Southwest Florida Region 9, and the target animal or population must be kittens, cats, puppies or dogs. Bailey and Friends does not fund endowments, fundraising events or sponsorships, individuals, medical research or municipal programs.
Deadline: Completed application deadlines are assigned in the grant portal after LOI approval. Applications are considered at January, April, July and October Board meetings.
Deadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.
