We are pleased to announce that Erica Dayton has been appointed as the next Executive Director of the Golisano Foundation. Erica succeeds Ann Costello, who is retiring on June 2 after 23 years of leadership.

Erica joined the Golisano Foundation in 2019 as Grants Manager. She holds a Master of Science degree in Strategic Leadership from Roberts Wesleyan University, and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from St. John Fisher University.

Prior to joining the Foundation, she served for almost 14 years at the University of Rochester in various administrative positions, including Research Administrator and Grant Accountant.

Tom Golisano, Founder and Chairman of the Golisano Foundation, said, “We have appreciated Erica’s hard work and commitment to the Golisano Foundation over the past few years. With her solid knowledge of the grant management system and development of strong collaborative relationships with providers and community leaders, we know she will provide vision, direction, and inspiration to ensure the Foundation’s success.” 

Dayton said, “I am grateful to the Trustees for giving me this opportunity. I have had the pleasure of working under Ann Costello’s leadership for four years. Her mentorship and guidance have prepared me for this next step. I look forward to building relationships to further promote inclusion and to always understand the evolving needs of those we support. I am excited to uphold the Foundation’s mission of creating acceptance and opportunities and empowering individuals with IDD while always “Imagining the Possibilities!” 

Kaitlin Graham has been promoted to Managing Director of the Golisano Foundation’s Southwest Florida operations and Bailey & Friends for Southwest Florida and Western New York.

In this new position, Kaitlin will assume leadership of the grantmaking process in Southwest Florida that supports services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). She will also continue to process grants and maintain relationships with animal welfare organizations in Western New York and Southwest Florida through the Foundation’s Bailey and Friends Fund.

Kaitlin joined the Foundation in 2019 as Program Officer for the Foundation’s Bailey and Friends Fund. In addition, she has recently led IDD Initiatives and grant-making in Southwest Florida and also coordinated the expansion of the B. Thomas Golisano Collection at the RIT Archives.

Prior to her work at the Foundation, Kaitlin was a Speech Language Pathologist in St. Louis, Missouri, for Therapy Relief and Special School District, and for Happiness House in Canandaigua and Geneva and CP Rochester.

Kaitlin earned a Nonprofit Management Certificate from St. John Fisher University, a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology and a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences from Nazareth College of Rochester.

Tom Golisano will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) on May 12 at its 2023 commencement ceremony along with four other honorees and more than 4,000 graduates. Tom will be recognized for his business leadership and philanthropic contributions to the Greater Rochester community and beyond. In addition to overseeing the Golisano Foundation, which has donated more than $40 million to nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping people with intellectual disabilities, his personal philanthropy to a myriad of institutions and organizations totals more than $330 million.

Tom is the namesake of RIT’s Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences, founded in 2001, and the Golisano Institute for Sustainability in 2007. Read more

Photo: (l to r) Keli DiRisio, Char Miller, Landyn Hatch, Hannah Zalewski, President Munson, Kristen Walker, John Monaco, Nic Feldman, Dr. Juliee Decker, Liz Call, Tom Golisano and Marie Graham

A new Tom Golisano Archives exhibit, Innovative Investments: 30 Years of Tom Golisano at RIT, was unveiled Thursday, May 11, in RIT's B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences (GCCIS) atrium. 

This is the first exhibit developed in the RIT Archive under the new Marie Golisano Graham Outreach Archivist, Landyn Hatch. The position supports Marie Golisano Graham’s interests in creating dynamic outreach initiatives and experiential learning opportunities for the RIT and Greater Rochester communities through exhibits, oral histories, and hands-on instruction with the B. Thomas Golisano collection. The exhibit will remain on display in the GCCIS atrium throughout the 2023-2024 academic year. Read more 

Ann Costello, Executive Director of the Golisano Foundation, was presented the prestigious President’s Medal today, May 12, from St. John Fisher University in recognition of her leadership, partnership, and impact on the Fisher community. Costello was honored during the Wegmans School of Nursing ceremony.

Dr. Gerard J. Rooney, president of the University, said, “This year’s President’s Medal recipients have each distinguished themselves throughout their careers. Their demonstrated leadership and passion for their work have enabled them to have a great impact in their professions and in their communities. They embody the Fisher values and are an inspiring example to our rising graduates." Under her leadership, the Foundation has supported and launched innovative partnerships and programs, including the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing at Fisher. Read more

Ann Costello and Golisano Foundation Trustee, Mary Walsh Boatfield, were honored with an Unlocking Possibilities Key Awards by AutismUp at its 14th Annual Expedition Up Gala on April 28.

Ann was honored for her ability to connect people and envision the collaborative inclusive community that AutismUp stands for today as a co-founding partner of the Golisano Autism Center. She has been an invaluable advisor and advocate and has helped AutismUp connect with other organizations far and wide. And she has been the key connector and champion ensuring AutismUp had the resources to provide services and support to families and individuals in a unique, progressive, and innovative way.

Mary Walsh Boatfield, CEO Emeritus of CP Rochester/ Happiness House, and Co-Founder of the Golisano Autism Center, came to AutismUp with a vision for a Center that would provide one-stop shopping for Families living with Autism. Her tenacity, leadership, and business acumen provided key foundational elements that led to the successful creation of a center unlike one anywhere else in the nation. The Golisano Autism Center is a dream come true for thousands of local families living with autism. Mary's vision was the key that unlocked the door for so many families living with autism.

The third recipient, Dr. Susan Hyman, Developmental Pediatrician, Professor of Pediatrics, Division Chief, Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at the Golisano Children’s Hospital, is an inaugural member of the AutismUp Board of Directors. She has been a steadfast supporter, advocate, and champion for those living with autism and an inspiration to AutismUp’s families for almost 20 years.

Photo front row (l to r): Ann Costello, Jean Dalmath, Amanda Antinore, and Kaitlin Graham. Back row: (l to r) Erica Dayton, Mary Walsh Boatfield, Cenette Burdine, Tom Clark, Steve Salluzzo, Matthew Ray, and Chris Bouchard

The Golisano Foundation has presented its prestigious Move to Include Award to Dalmath Associates. Dalmath Associates President Jean Dalmath and Vice President Amanda Antinore accepted the award at the Foundation's Board of Trustees Meeting on April 26. 

"Fifteen years ago, the Golisano Foundation and Dalmath Associates established an extraordinary partnership, starting on a journey together to build a more inclusive society for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)," said Ann Costello. "With expertise in PR and communications, Dalmath Associates positioned the Golisano Foundation as the preeminent supporter of services for people with IDD by effectively articulating our mission for social justice in all facets of everyday life – access to quality health care, the opportunity for sport, recreation, and fitness, pre-vocational training and employment, educational supports, independent living, creative arts, and friendships." Read more

The Golisano Community Engagement Center officially opened in January at Roberts Wesleyan University. President Deana L. Porterfield was joined by campus leaders, community partners and friends of the university to celebrate the grand opening of the new and highly anticipated $13.9 million Golisano Community Engagement Center that will serve as a hub for connection, community interaction, and student life resources on campus.

Roberts Wesleyan announced plans for the new state-of-the-art facility in August 2019, following a generous $7.5 million naming gift from Tom Golisano. Read more

The Golisano Foundation was pleased to award grants to the following organizations in Western New York and Southwest Florida from

January through April 2023.

Grants Awarded January 2023

Protected Harbor - $3,900 to replace expired food due to Hurricane Ian’s power outages and replenish the Emergency Food Pantry for residents and staff in Residential Housing.

Goodwill Industries of SWFL - $4,600 to purchase items program participants lost during Hurricane Ian, including food, clothing, basic living essentials, and temporary transportation.

Special Olympics NY - $350,000 ($175,000 per year in 2023 and 2024) to support the Expansion of Unified Schools programming for individuals with I/DD in the Genesee, Central, and Western NY regions across all school levels, increasing athlete training opportunities and partnerships.

Cobblestone Arts Center - $50,000 to support the Community Arts and Education Program for individuals with I/DD, an inclusionary arts and education program that includes classes, workshops, and relationship-building with community businesses, libraries, and colleges.

EquiCenter, Inc.- $50,000 to support a facility expansion and renovation to include a fully accessible bathroom with an adult changing table and a designated classroom to support current programs for individuals with I/DD.

Directions in Independent Living, Inc. - $20,000 to provide expanded transportation options to Cattaraugus and Allegany County residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Summit Center - $20,000 to support the partnership with Buffalo State College’s applied behavior analysis graduate program to expand student training and provide expanded treatment options for individuals with autism.

Daemen University - $18,000 to support the CAUSE Program, an inclusive sports program for children, youth, and young adults with intellectual disabilities that provides opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience camaraderie in an inclusive sports atmosphere with students and student-athletes. 

Lifespan of Greater Rochester, Inc. - $20,000 to support the Golisano Life Enhancement Fund, which provides upstate New Yorkers with differing abilities enhanced goods and services not otherwise available or affordable to the individual. 

Rochester Special Hockey - $10,000 towards the expansion of the Ice Cats special needs ice hockey program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and Down syndrome.

STARability Foundation - $100,000 ($50,000 per year in 2023 and 2024) towards the Trailblazer Academy expansion, a community-based adult day program to learn life skills, receive vocational training, and engage in social and life-enriching experiences. 

Adventure For All - $10,000 towards Gravel & Giving, a cycling program designed for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

Family Initiative - $20,000 towards the ASD Social Skills Playgroup, a community-based program designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for children, teens, and young adults with ASD to develop friendships and learn foundational skills.

Grants Awarded April 2023

Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester - $30,000 to hire a Program Manager to meet the growing demand for programs and expand to year-round offerings of barrier-free sports and recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Hochstein School of Music and Dance - $40,000 ($20,000 per year in 2023 and 2024) to expand the Expressive Arts program, which provides music, dance, and art therapy for people with IDD offered in both group or individual sessions virtually and in person.

CampAbilities - $20,000 to support 2023’s Summer Camp for youth who are blind or visually impaired, during which participants learn how to play different sports as well as strategies for wellness and self-advocacy.

Finger Lakes Cultural and Natural History Museum - $10,000 to create a sensory-friendly experience within nature, increasing engagement and accessibility to authentic regional cultural and natural history experiences for all ages and abilities, including those with Autism.

Rochester Rookies - $12,000 to support wheelchair and ambulatory track and field sports programs for youth and young adults.

Redhouse Arts Center - $5,000 to support the 2023 theater production of "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" with the Arc of Onondaga as an inclusive, engaging, educational experience for all that attend.

Easterseals of SWFL - $110,000 ($60,000 for 2023 and $50,000 for 2024) to expand the Behavioral Therapy program to meet the growing need for behavioral therapy services and support for students with IDD at Easterseals’ Academy.

Goodwill Industries of SWFL - $50,000 to support the Life Skills Series program, which focuses on learning basic life skills and real-world, real-time application through both on and off-site 1 to 2-week sessions for individuals with IDD.

SWFL Music Education Center - $40,000 to support the Director of Music Education, who develops and manages the two or four-year certificate program, which offers an intensive curriculum for neurodivergent musicians to master their talent and share it with the community.

See Grants for more information

Bailey and Friends was pleased to award grants to the following organizations in Western New York and Southwest Florida from January through April 2023.

Grants Awarded January 2023

SNIP Collier, Inc. - $10,000 To purchase and distribute dog, and cat food, vaccines, and medical supplies to tend to the illnesses and injuries rescued pets have sustained due to Hurricane Ian.

Gulf Coast Humane Society - $7,000 To replace vaccines and medicines that expired during Hurricane Ian as well as purchase and distribute litter, dog, and cat food to community members in need of basic supplies.

Flower City Critters - $7,000 to be used towards routine veterinary services to prepare community kittens and cats for adoption and to return feral cats to their colonies.

Pet Adoption Network, LTD - $5,000 to be used towards veterinary expenses covering basic evaluations and necessary emergency surgeries required in preparation for adoption.

RocDog, Inc. - $3,000 to be used to rescue, vet, train, and places dogs as Therapy Support Dogs for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, as well as other visual or hearing impairments.

Grants Awarded April 2023

Animal Rescue Coalition - $15,000 used towards the Ready, Set, Rescue (RSR) program to provide free spay/neuter services for rescued cats and dogs in county shelters in SWFL’s Region 9 geographic region in preparation for adoption.

Avow Hospice, Inc. - $2,600 to purchase lifelike, robotic pets for children receiving palliative care who would benefit from the companionship of a dog or a cat but cannot care for a live animal due to a life-limiting medical condition.

For more grant information, see Bailey's Champs.