Philanthropist and Paychex founder Tom Golisano stunned Southwest Florida’s nonprofit community Tuesday, awarding $85 million in unrestricted funds to 41 organizations in the area.
Representatives from the chosen organizations were invited under the guise of a major announcement at Artis—Naples but were kept in the dark about the details until Golisano announced the news himself.
“I know it was kind of a bizarre invitation, but I think by the time that morning’s over, you’ll have a good understanding of why,” Golisano said.
Golisano, a part-time resident of Southwest Florida, has a long history of philanthropy, both personally and through the Golisano Foundation , which he founded in 1985. His generosity has touched a wide array of causes, from healthcare and education to supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This latest round of giving brings his 2024 philanthropic total to 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 decided to act on that saying,” Golisano said.