In a groundbreaking moment for U.S. healthcare philanthropy, Phil and Penny Knight recently pledged $2 billion to the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). This remarkable gift not only tops healthcare donations for 2025 but sets a new record for all charitable giving this year, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy.
The Knights aim to enhance the Knight Cancer Institute, spearheaded by Dr. Brian Druker, who notes the complexities cancer patients face when navigating treatment options. “We’re going to change that,” he asserts, indicating plans for accelerated research and improved patient care.
This isn’t the Knights’ first major contribution; in 2013, they pledged $500 million, which OHSU successfully matched. This commitment highlights the growing trend of high-stakes philanthropy impacting healthcare sectors.
In other significant donations, Denny Sanford has contributed $300 million to Sanford Health for a new medical campus in Rapid City, South Dakota. Sanford, whose contributions total nearly $2 billion since 2004, aims to enhance healthcare accessibility in rural areas. Bill Gassen, CEO of Sanford Health, calls these gifts transformative, stating they will benefit communities for generations.
Philanthropist Tom Golisano recently announced $253 million in donations to six children’s hospitals across the U.S. His efforts aim to create the Golisano Children’s Alliance, focusing on improving pediatric care. Some hospitals noted that this support signifies the largest contributions they’ve ever received. Each hospital will benefit significantly, with contributions allocated as follows:
- Connecticut Children’s Medical Center: $50 million
- Penn State Health Children’s Hospital: $50 million
- University of Kentucky Children’s Hospital: $50 million
- University of Maryland Children’s Hospital: $50 million
- University of Vermont Children’s Hospital: $25 million
- WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital: $28 million
The impact of philanthropic gifts continues to grow. For instance, the Kinder Foundation’s recent $150 million donation to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Texas Children’s Hospital aims to expand research and treatment capabilities. Richard Gorlick, MD, emphasizes the goal to end childhood cancer, a mission that reflects the increasing ambition of healthcare initiatives.
Additional notable contributions include a $100 million donation from the New Balance Foundation to Massachusetts General Hospital. This funding will support a new cardiovascular care tower to help better serve patient needs, with construction set to begin in 2027.
Jeffrey Lurie, owner of the Philadelphia Eagles, has also stepped up, donating $50 million to establish an institute for autism studies at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. His personal connection to the cause strengthens the institute’s mission to revolutionize autism research, aiming for impactful advancements in understanding and supporting those on the spectrum.
These recent philanthropy highlights reflect a growing acknowledgment of the power of generous giving in transforming healthcare landscapes and improving patient outcomes. The evolving role of philanthropy in healthcare, particularly in addressing urgent needs and pioneering new research, showcases the potential for positive changes in how communities experience medical care.
