Lexington, Kentucky, October 31, 2025
The University of Kentucky’s Kentucky Children’s Hospital has received a staggering $50 million donation from philanthropist Tom Golisano. This transformative gift represents one of the largest contributions in the hospital’s history and aims to enhance pediatric healthcare services throughout Kentucky. The funds will support advanced healthcare access, critical research initiatives, and facility improvements, significantly impacting the hospital’s ability to serve thousands of children annually.
Lexington, Kentucky
University of Kentucky’s Kentucky Children’s Hospital receives $50 million donation from philanthropist Tom Golisano
The University of Kentucky’s Kentucky Children’s Hospital has been awarded a $50 million donation from billionaire philanthropist Tom Golisano, marking one of the largest single gifts in the hospital’s history. This substantial contribution is expected to significantly enhance pediatric healthcare services across Kentucky.
Details of the Donation
Tom Golisano, founder of Paychex, announced a total donation of $253 million to six children’s hospitals nationwide, with Kentucky Children’s Hospital being a key beneficiary. In recognition of this generous gift, the pediatric unit has been renamed Golisano Children’s at UK. The funds are designated to improve access to advanced healthcare for children, support research initiatives addressing critical health challenges, and enhance facilities both in Lexington and through the hospital’s affiliate network.
Impact on Kentucky Children’s Hospital
The Kentucky Children’s Hospital serves over 92,000 clinic visits and 7,200 inpatient admissions annually. University leaders anticipate that the donation will fuel efforts to ensure a healthier, wealthier, and wiser Kentucky, focusing on research, outreach, and facility improvements. Golisano’s lifetime charitable contributions now exceed $1 billion, solidifying his legacy as one of America’s most impactful philanthropists.
Background on Tom Golisano
Tom Golisano is a renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist, best known for founding Paychex, a leading provider of human resources services for small to medium-sized businesses in the United States. His philanthropic efforts have spanned various sectors, with a particular focus on healthcare and education. This donation to Kentucky Children’s Hospital is part of a broader initiative to support children’s hospitals across the country.
Previous Significant Donations in the UK
The UK has also seen substantial philanthropic contributions aimed at enhancing healthcare services. In 2021, the Charles Huang Foundation made a £50 million donation to the University of Strathclyde, marking the largest gift the university had ever received. This donation funded the construction of a new technology and innovation building in Glasgow’s City Innovation District.
Additionally, in 2021, the Poonawalla Vaccines Research Building was established at Oxford University following a £50 million funding commitment from Serum Life Sciences. This building serves as the new home for the Jenner Institute team, known for developing the Oxford University/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
These significant donations underscore the ongoing commitment to advancing healthcare research and facilities in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
FAQ
What is the amount of the donation received by Kentucky Children’s Hospital?
The Kentucky Children’s Hospital received a $50 million donation from philanthropist Tom Golisano.
What will the donation be used for?
The funds are designated to improve access to advanced healthcare for children, support research initiatives addressing critical health challenges, and enhance facilities both in Lexington and through the hospital’s affiliate network.
Who is Tom Golisano?
Tom Golisano is a renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist, best known for founding Paychex, a leading provider of human resources services for small to medium-sized businesses in the United States.
Has the UK received similar large donations?
Yes, in 2021, the Charles Huang Foundation made a £50 million donation to the University of Strathclyde, and Serum Life Sciences committed £50 million for the Poonawalla Vaccines Research Building at Oxford University.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Donation Amount | $50 million |
| Donor | Tom Golisano |
| Recipient | Kentucky Children’s Hospital |
| Purpose | Enhance pediatric healthcare services, support research initiatives, and improve facilities |
| Renaming | Golisano Children’s at UK |
| Annual Service | Over 92,000 clinic visits and 7,200 inpatient admissions |
| Philanthropist’s Lifetime Contributions | Exceed $1 billion |
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