Tom Golisano Donates $50 Million to Connecticut Children's

Connecticut Children’s Launches 100% Campaign

Connecticut Children’s has officially launched its 100% Campaign, a fundraising drive designed to strengthen pediatric care across its network. The health system, which serves families across Connecticut, Eastern New York, and Western Massachusetts, operates as the only health system in the state exclusively dedicated to pediatric medicine. According to the organization, the campaign aims to expand access to more than 30 pediatric specialties and advance research initiatives that support long-term wellness for children from prenatal stages through adulthood.

The public launch of the campaign coincides with the formal recognition of a $50 million leadership gift from entrepreneur and philanthropist Tom Golisano, as reported by the Connecticut Children’s Foundation. This donation, originally announced in October 2025, served as the catalyst for renaming the system’s flagship Hartford facility to the Golisano Medical Center at Connecticut Children’s. The gift also formally integrated the hospital into the Golisano Children’s Alliance, a network of 21 connected pediatric institutions focused on collaborative care and clinical excellence.

Tom Golisano Donates $50 Million to Connecticut Children's — Photo: connecticutchildrensfoundation.org

Expanding the Golisano Children’s Alliance

The strategic partnership within the Golisano Children’s Alliance is intended to elevate the standard of pediatric medicine by fostering deeper collaboration between member hospitals. By aligning with this national network, Connecticut Children’s aims to ensure that families have access to specialized care regardless of their geographical location. For local families, this means greater access to shared research and clinical resources that might otherwise remain siloed within individual health systems.

When you see the Golisano name on your building, see it as a permanent vote of confidence in your clinicians, your researchers, your leadership, your community, and your vision. It is also an anchor to a powerful national alliance of pediatric institutions committed to raising the bar for medicine and ensuring children and families have access to the very best care, regardless of circumstance or ZIP code.

Erica Dayton, Executive Director of the Golisano Foundation, noted that the renaming serves as a tangible commitment to the region’s healthcare infrastructure. During the ceremony, patients, families, and administrators gathered to flip a ceremonial 8-foot-high light switch, officially illuminating the new signage for the Golisano Medical Center at Connecticut Children’s.

Connecticut Children's celebrates $250M donation, fundraising campaign

Tom Golisano Donates over One Billion Dollars to Healthcare and Education

Tom Golisano’s involvement in the healthcare sector is extensive. As the founder of Paychex, Inc., his philanthropic efforts have surpassed $1 billion, supporting hospitals and educational institutions nationwide. Beyond his contributions to medicine, Golisano has established the Golisano Foundation, which manages over $120 million in assets dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. His approach to philanthropy often emphasizes long-term structural improvement, such as the Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship, which provides business certifications designed to minimize student debt.

The Road Ahead for Pediatric Access

The operational reality for Connecticut Children’s involves managing care across more than 30 locations. By focusing on the “wellness journey” rather than just episodic treatment, the organization aims to reduce the barriers that often prevent families from accessing early intervention.

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