Philanthropy makes big leaps possible and infuses progress with pride, positivity and hope. In 2025, a transformative $25 million gift from entrepreneur, philanthropist and civic leader Tom Golisano is helping to foster such a jump at our Children’s Hospital.

Mr. Golisano founded Paychex, Inc., the nation’s largest human resource company for small-to-medium sized businesses and has made an indelible mark on a range of issues touching human lives. His philanthropic contributions to education, hospitals and numerous other organizations now exceed $1 billion.

At his October 28, 2025 announcement from the Golisano Institute for Business in Rochester, NY, Mr. Golisano committed significant charitable gifts to six children’s hospitals in the East. To date, 12 hospitals across 10 states have received major philanthropic infusions. Together, these hospitals now form the Golisano Children’s Alliance, tasked with advancing pediatric medicine by exchanging knowledge, fostering innovation, and aligning efforts to relieve suffering and improve outcomes for children everywhere. Our children’s hospital was selected for our high-quality care, collaborative culture, strong leadership and notable impact on patients and families across Vermont and northern New York.

“Children’s health has always been a priority for me, and it’s been deeply rewarding to see how the Golisano Children’s Hospitals are making a profound impact,” said Mr. Golisano. “I am fortunate to be able to help others in this way, and I’m looking forward to seeing what these hospitals can achieve together.”

To recognize Mr. Golisano’s gift, which will be distributed as $5 million over five years, our children’s hospital has been renamed Golisano Children’s Hospital at University of Vermont Health. This gift will help expand critical services for children with complex medical needs, support initiatives that advance safety, quality, accessibility and affordability and bring specialty care closer to home to reduce families’ travel time and stress.

“As we put this donation to work, we’re going to be listening to the voices of the people we serve and making sure the dollars are directed to programs and service improvements that address the needs of our region,” said Steve Leffler, MD, CEO of UVM Health and president of UVM Medical Center.

To invest in high-need programs that serve local children and families, contact Shelby McGarry, Shelby.McGarry@uvmhealth.org, 802-999-8688.