Arkansas Children’s on Monday announced the largest philanthropic gift in its history, a $50 million contribution from philanthropist, entrepreneur
The 10-year expansion plan include
Golisano is the founder of Paychex, the nation’s largest human-resources company for small to medium-sized businesses. The Golisano Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in the United States devoted to supporting programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, animal welfare and child health. Golisano has contributed more than $1 billion to advance education and health care across the country. In November, he was ranked No. 8 on The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s 2024 Philanthropy 50, a list of America’s 50 biggest donors.
“The need for services continues to change and grow, and we are committed to providing the best care, research and outcomes for the patients we serve,” said Marcy Doderer, president and chief executive officer of Arkansas Children’s. “Mr. Golisano’s extraordinary generosity is an investment in Arkansas Children’s, ensuring access to the best answers medicine can offer. This gift elevates our work as a pediatric health center of excellence, expanding care close to home for the children of America’s heartland.”
Tom Golisano
In honor of his investment, the Arkansas Children’s Little Rock campus will be named the Arkansas Children’s Golisano Campus. Arkansas Children’s now joins the Golisano Children’s Alliance, a growing collaborative of 12 children’s hospitals advancing pediatric health care delivery, innovation and access to high-quality care for children and families.
“Children’s hospitals are essential to the health and future of our communities, and each one serves families with unique needs and challenges,” Golisano said in a statement. “Arkansas Children’s has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing pediatric care, expanding access and investing in innovation. I’m proud to support their work and to welcome them into the Golisano Children’s Alliance as we continue building a collaborative network focused on improving outcomes for children nationwide.”
The health system’s expansion has been bolstered by other recent historic cont
In 2023, the Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation made a $25 million investment to transform child health in northwest Arkansas. In recognition of the Walker Foundation’s gift, the Arkansas Children’s Northwest campus in Springdale was renamed the Pat Walker Campus.
“These landmark investments reflect an extraordinary belief in what Arkansas Children’s is building for families across America’s heartland,” said Fred Scarborough, executive vice president and chief development officer for Arkansas Children’s. “As a health system, we are investing more than $371 million to fuel innovation and expand access. Every gift matters because philanthropy is the margin of excellence — ensuring we can continue to meet the growing needs of children today and well into the future.”
