Golisano Foundation has awarded $416,000 to 11 organizations in Southwest Florida and western New York in its third round of COVID-19 response grants. This brings the foundation’s total COVID-19 grant funding to date to more than $1.1 million. In Southwest Florida, Golisano granted $45,000 to STARability in Naples and $39,000 to LARC in Fort Myers. The grants will help organizations serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities with urgent needs stemming from the coronavirus pandemic. Through the end of October, the foundation is redirecting about $2 million in grants to assist these organizations. Grants may help cover items such as short-term operating expenses for essential programs, safety net and specialty services; the purchase of personal protective equipment and other supplies/equipment; new technology and technical assistance for virtual commuting and telemedicine; cleaning supplies for health and hygiene; efforts to ensure safe distancing in group homes and facilities among others. The next round of grant decisions will be made by July 22. Application eligibility and guidelines may be found here.