Naples philanthropist, Paychex founder gives $85M to SWFL nonprofits

Naples philanthropist and entrepreneur Tom Golisano — in a major Southwest Florida charitable announcement —says he is giving $85 million to dozens of nonprofits across Lee and Collier counties. 

Golisano is the founder and past CEO of Paychex, a human resources and payroll company that did $5.3 billion in revenue for 2024. 

“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. Thanks to the success of Paychex and its employees, I can make it my reality,” Golisano says in a statement.

Receiving the $85 million in donations are 41 organizations providing services ranging from education to health care to animal welfare. Twelve organizations that offer help for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities were given $32 million, according to a statement.

Among the gifts are $10 million for the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida; $10 million for Ave Maria University; $5 million for Naples Comprehensive Health; $5 million for Easterseals of Southwest Florida; $5 million for Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida; and $5 million for STARability, which serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“I’m glad to provide support to nonprofits across Southwest Florida, where I now call home,” says Golisano. “There are so many organizations in this region doing great work and I know that it’s not easy successfully running a nonprofit…I hope this unexpected funding helps them broaden their impact and strengthen their organizations so they can expand their services and those they serve.”

This year alone, Golisano has donated $500 million , while his most recent round of donations brings his lifelong philanthropy to $860 million so far, according to the statement.

Here is a list of the Southwest Florida nonprofits receiving gifts as a result of Golisano’s Nov. 19 announcement:

Health: $15 million

• Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida: $10,000,000
• Naples Comprehensive Health: $5,000,000

Education: $13 million

• Ave Maria University: $10,000,000
• Guadalupe Center: $3,000,000

Intellectual and developmental disabilities: $32 million

• Best Buddies Southwest Florida: $1,000,000
• Beyond the Spectrum, Inc.: $1,000,000
• Easterseals Southwest Florida: $5,000,000
• Family Initiative: $5,000,000
• Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida: $5,000,000
• Guardian Angels for Special Populations: $1,000,000
• LARC, Inc.: $5,000,000
• Protected Harbor: $1,000,000
• Special Olympics - Florida: $1,000,000
• STARability: $5,000,000
• Sunrise – Naples: $ 1,000,000
• The Haven: $1,000,000

Community: $15 million

• American Red Cross Southwest Florida: $3,000,000
• Children's Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida: $2,000,000
• Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples: $4,000,000
• Meals of Hope: $3,000,000
• Youth Haven: $3,000,000

Animal welfare: $10 million

• Animal Rescue Coalition: $1,000,000
• Cape Coral Animal Shelter: $1,500,000
• Gulf Coast Humane Society: $1,500,000
• Humane Society Naples: $500,000
• SNIP Collier: $1,500,000
• Anna Maria Island Pup Rescue: $150,000
• Big Dog Ranch Rescue: $500,000
• Florida Coastal Cocker Rescue: $150,000
• For the Love of Cats: $150,000
• Fur and Tails Animal Rescue: $150,000
• Canine Castaways, Inc.: $150,000
• Guardians of Florida Animal Rescue: $500,000
• Haven on Earth Animal League: $150,000
• Humane Society of Manatee County: $500,000
• Humane Society of Sarasota County: $500,000
• Max's Ark Rescue: $150,000
• Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue Center: $500,000
• Pawtcake Refuge: $150,000
• Purradise Gardens: $150,000
• Shy Wolf Sanctuary: $150,000