In a monumental display of generosity, philanthropist Tom Golisano donated $85 million to 41 nonprofits in Southwest Florida during a surprise announcement at Artis-Naples on Tuesday.
Among the recipients was animal rescue group SNIP Collier, which received $1.5 million. The organization’s founder, Tom Kepp, said the donation will fund a new facility in Immokalee.
"It's exciting and humbling," Kepp said. The new facility will include an animal intake center, a full medical building, and a community and education center.
The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples received $4 million. CEO Jonathan Foerster said the funds will help build an early learning center.
"Most of our organizations are medium- and small-size nonprofits. And so this kind of money really makes a difference," Foerster said.
The largest donations went to the Golisano Children’s Hospital and Ave Maria University, each receiving $10 million. The NCH Healthcare System received $5 million.
Golisano said he originally planned to include these donations in his will but decided to give the money now.
"Just about a few months ago, I started thinking, why am I making these organizations wait?" Golisano said. "They certainly can use it. And especially since it's getting even a little harder and harder for nonprofits to raise money. So I figured now's the time to do it. Why wait?"
The donations went to organizations focused on animal rescue, health care, education, support for individuals with intellectual disabilities and more.
Golisano has donated $860 million in the course of his life, and now our local organizations will benefit, too.