Philanthropist and Paychex founder Tom Golisano announced a $100 million investment to support two additional children’s hospitals, allocating $50 million each to Arkansas Children’s in Little Rock, Arkansas, and Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia in Augusta, Georgia. The gifts expand the Golisano Children’s Alliance to 12 member hospitals nationwide.
Both institutions will join the alliance, a national network focused on improving pediatric healthcare delivery, advancing innovation, and expanding access to high-quality care in local communities. As part of the partnership, each hospital will incorporate the Golisano name: Arkansas Children’s will become the Arkansas Children’s Golisano Campus, and Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia will become Wellstar Golisano Children’s Hospital of Georgia.
Golisano said the investments are intended to help each hospital advance its strategic priorities, including strengthening clinical programs and broadening access to care in line with regional needs. He also characterized the donations as part of an ongoing effort to understand better the evolving needs of children’s hospitals across the U.S.
Arkansas Children’s said the gift supports its broader, multi-year expansion as it seeks to address rising demand for pediatric services and strengthen its capabilities in care, research, and outcomes. Wellstar Health System said the investment will help extend the reach of pediatric specialty services and further build on its high-acuity care capabilities, including neonatal and pediatric intensive care.
The announcement follows a broader philanthropic push by Golisano in 2025. The foundation said he made a total commitment of $403 million to support children’s hospitals during the year, and that the alliance—announced in October 2025—brings together hospitals that bear the Golisano name, including several supported through the year’s investments. Golisano has also set a longer-term goal of expanding the Golisano Children’s Alliance to 40 hospitals over the next several years, with additional partnerships anticipated in 2026.
Golisano, an entrepreneur and civic leader, is best known as the founder of Paychex. The foundation said his philanthropic giving has exceeded $1 billion, spanning education, hospitals, and other community initiatives.
KEY QUOTES:
“Children’s hospitals are essential to the health and future of our communities, and each one serves families with unique needs and challenges. Arkansas Children’s and Children’s Hospital of Georgia have 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.”
Tom Golisano
“The demand for services continues to change and grow—and we are committed to providing the best care, research and outcomes for the patients we serve. 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.”
Marcy Doderer, President and CEO, Arkansas Children’s
“We are deeply grateful to Mr. Golisano for his extraordinary gift to improve the health and well-being of children in Georgia and across the country. We are honored to be among the handful of hospitals nationwide that have earned his transformative support. Thanks to the power of philanthropy, we can expand the lasting impact of compassionate, innovative care to more children and families across Georgia and far beyond, today and for generations to come.”
Ketul J. Patel, President and CEO, Wellstar Health System
