Nike Co-founder Phil Knight Pledges Record $2 Billion to OHSU for Cancer Research

Nike co-founder Phil Knight and his wife, Penny, have pledged a record-breaking $2 billion to the Oregon Health & Science University's (OHSU) Knight Cancer Institute, marking the largest single donation ever made to a U.S. university or academic health center. This unprecedented contribution aims to revolutionize cancer care by integrating cutting-edge scientific research with comprehensive patient support services.

The donation will enable the Knight Cancer Institute to become a self-governed entity within OHSU, with its own board of directors. Dr. Brian Druker, a pioneer in targeted cancer therapies, will serve as the inaugural president of this new organization. Druker is renowned for his role in developing Gleevec, a drug that transformed the survival rate of chronic myeloid leukemia patients.

Phil Knight, Oregon's wealthiest individual, has a longstanding history of supporting OHSU. In 2013, he and his wife pledged $500 million to the Knight Cancer Institute, contingent upon the university matching the amount within two years—a challenge that was successfully met. This latest contribution is expected to significantly enhance cancer research and patient care, setting a new standard in the fight against cancer.

The $2 billion donation aims to transform cancer care by integrating scientific discovery with comprehensive patient support. It will fund advancements in diagnostics, provide access to innovative clinical trials, and offer resources such as nutritional support, psychological counseling, and survivorship care.

This historic donation surpasses the previous record of $1.8 billion given by Michael Bloomberg to Johns Hopkins University in 2018.

The establishment of a self-governed entity within OHSU may also serve as a model for other institutions seeking to integrate research and patient care more effectively.

This donation surpasses previous significant contributions to U.S. academic institutions, including:

• Michael Bloomberg's $1.8 billion donation to Johns Hopkins University in 2018.
• Reed Hastings' $1.1 billion gift to his Hastings Fund in 2024.
• Ruth Gottesman's $1 billion contribution to Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 2024.

This monumental gift is expected to significantly enhance cancer research and patient care, setting a new standard in the fight against cancer. The establishment of a self-governed entity within OHSU may also serve as a model for other institutions seeking to integrate research and patient care more effectively.

Phil and Penny Knight's unprecedented $2 billion donation to the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute marks a significant milestone in the fight against cancer. By integrating cutting-edge research with comprehensive patient care, this contribution has the potential to transform cancer treatment and set a new standard for philanthropic impact in healthcare.