Fisher Secures $17.3M in Key Grants for 2024 Fiscal Year

November 21, 2024

The Office of Sponsored Programs and the Office of Foundation and Corporate Relations recently hosted its annual Grants Celebration to recognize the funding ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ received during the 2024 Fiscal Year. The University submitted 30 grant proposals and was awarded 18, securing more than $17.3 million in funding from various sources that contribute to improving programs and services for students.

Fisher’s 2024 Fiscal Year proposal success rate reached 60 percent, a performance that is three times the national average, which is 20 percent according to the Grant Professionals Association and CANDID’s Foundation Center. The University was awarded $8.2 million in New York State funding, $6.6 million in funding from foundations and corporations, and $2.4 million in federal funding.

“Our grant projects are a clear demonstration of our dedication to the University’s strategic plan pillars,” said Dr. Kristin Picardo, assistant provost in the Office of Sponsored Programs. “Each project not only furthers our mission but also showcases the extraordinary innovation and efforts being made within our institution.”

Thomas Golisano and the Golisano Foundation continued their support of the University’s Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing—giving a combined $5 million to promote the growth and expansion of the Institute. A $5 million gift from the Wegman Family Charitable Foundation is enhancing nursing education at Fisher and expanding the pipeline of health care professionals in the Rochester region. Both grants directly advance the Intellectual Engagement Pillar of the University’s strategic plan, which is focused on extending thought leadership and preparing students for successful lives of purpose.

“These multi-year gifts from key foundation and corporate partners are important in providing stability for Fisher’s important work, and helps elevate the institution’s impact on our students and surrounding community,” said Benjamin Murphy, director of the Office of Foundation and Corporate Relations.

Fisher's Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) received support for its summer institute and year-long academic programs from both the New York State Department of Education and the Stella Matutina Foundation.

The University also received grants that helped fund the construction of the Arts Center at Murphy Hall and Lavery Library Modernization and Renovation Project.

Picardo, Murphy, and Nicole Turrisi, post-award grant specialist, have worked closely to build momentum for grant proposals and uncover new opportunities for external support. In doing so, the University has experienced significant growth in the number of projects and initiatives supported by grants. “Grant support from our array of funders is a vote of confidence in the quality of Fisher’s work, and helps differentiate the University compared to peer institutions,” said Murphy.

Picardo agreed.

“Our grant projects not only benefit students with improved campus infrastructure and scholarships, but also ignite their passion for discovery,” said Picardo. “By fostering a collaborative environment, we enable students to experience the essence of academic inquiry, learning the value of teamwork, diverse perspectives, and perseverance.”

Donors for FY 2024

Thomas Golisano Foundation
Golisano Institute Developmental Disability Nursing

Bluegrass Foundation

Congressionally Directed Spending
Arts Center at Murphy Hall

CVS Health Foundation
Wegmans School of Pharmacy Scholarships

DASNY HECap, New York State Higher Education Capital Matching Grant
Lavery Library Modernization and Renovation Project

Max and Marian Farash Charitable Foundation
Continuation of First in Family Scholarship Program

Max and Marian Farash Charitable Foundation
EmpowerED Experiential Entrepreneurship in Action Program (Dr. Chanz Miles)

Mother Cabrini Health Foundation
Wegmans School of Nursing
Innovation at ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ: Expanding Immersive AR/VR Pedagogy throughout the Wegmans School of Nursing Curriculum

NSF PFI-RP: Subaward
The Rapid and Specific Detection of Infectious Pathogens Using Ultra-Thin Porous Membrane Sensors
Dr. Fernando Ontiveros-Llamas (SJF PI); University of Rochester (Lead)

NYSED: Enhancing Support and Services for Student with Disabilities for Post-secondary Success (SWDPS)
Academic Affairs, Student Accessibility Services Professional Development for Faculty (Joy Breeden)

NYSED: Higher Education Opportunity Program Grant (HEOP)

Rochester Area Community Foundation
Invisible No More Historic Preservation

Stella Matutina Foundation
Continuation of Higher Education Opportunity Program Summer Institute

United States Department of Justice Subaward
Project Safe Neighborhood Grant (Dr. Greg Drake (SJF PI), Rochester Institute Technology (Lead)) 

Wegman Family Charitable Foundation
Support for Healthcare Workforce Development
Wegmans School of Nursing

Wyman-Potter Foundation
Promoting Persistence in Science through a Collaborative Multiple-Mentor Undergraduate Research Experience (Dr. Ed Freeman (PI), Dr. Janet Lighthouse (Co-PI))