Philanthropy made headlines this week with historic commitments: a record-breaking $2 billion gift to OHSU, $50 million to rename Buffalo Children’s Hospital, and $40 million fueling Laguna College’s new Innovation Center. These transformative investments are reshaping healthcare and education nationwide.
Phil and Penny Knight Donate $2B to OHSU in Largest University Gift in U.S. History
Nike co-founder Phil Knight and his wife, Penny, have made a historic $2 billion donation to the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute (at Oregon Health & Science University) – the largest gift ever made to a U.S. university. The funding will expand early cancer detection programs, increase access to clinical trials, and simplify care pathways for patients and their families. Read more here.
$50M Gift from Thomas Golisano Renames Buffalo Children’s Hospital
Philanthropist Thomas Golisano has donated $50 million to the John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo – the largest standalone children’s hospital in New York. In recognition, the facility will be renamed Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo in January 2026. Read more here.
Laguna College of Art and Design Receives $40M Gift to Launch Innovation Center
Laguna College of Art and Design has secured a record-setting $40 million gift from an anonymous donor to advance a $100 million capital campaign. The donation will support the construction of the new Innovation Center, a 22,000-square-foot hub for creative collaboration and interdisciplinary learning. Read more here.
$30M Gift Launches Sutter Health’s New Advanced Cancer Center in Santa Cruz
The Jean and E. Floyd Kvamme Foundation has committed $30 million to Sutter Health, one of the largest gifts in Santa Cruz history, to establish the Kvamme Advanced Cancer Center, anchoring a $50 million campaign to transform regional cancer care. Opening by 2030, the 44,000-square-foot facility will offer integrated services including oncology, infusion, and imaging across the Monterey Bay Area. Read more here.
Cleveland Philanthropists Give $5M to University Hospitals for New Wolstein Center
Penni and Stephen Weinberg have donated $5 million to University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center to support the new Iris S. and Bert L. Wolstein Center, a $30 million education and training hub set to transform UH’s main campus. Read more here.
Boston University Awarded $5.2M to Integrate Virtue into Mental Health Care
Boston University has received a $5.2 million grant from the John Templeton Foundation to support a pioneering initiative that weaves relational virtue and human flourishing into mental health treatment. The three-year project will develop evidence-based training tools, clinical protocols, and support for early-career researchers. Read more here.
