Phil and Penny Knight Donate $2 Billion to Oregon Health & Science University Cancer Center

Published Time: 08-15-2025, 17:00

Nike co-founder Phil Knight and his wife Penny have pledged a record-breaking $2 billion to the Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), marking the largest single donation ever made to a U.S. university. The historic gift will significantly enhance cancer research, patient care, and support services both in Oregon and nationwide.

OHSU President Shereef Elnahal called the contribution “an unprecedented investment in the millions of lives burdened with cancer, especially patients and families here in Oregon,” emphasizing its potential to transform cancer treatment and research.

Expanding Patient Care and Support Services

The donation will expand access to a wide range of resources for patients, including psychological, genetic, and financial counseling, symptom management, nutritional support, and survivorship care. These measures aim to provide comprehensive assistance to patients and their families throughout their cancer journey.

In a joint statement, Phil and Penny Knight said, “We couldn’t be more excited about the transformational potential of this work for humanity.” Their commitment reflects a long-standing dedication to cancer research and public health.

Record-Breaking University Contribution

OHSU described the gift as the largest single donation ever made to a U.S. university, college, or academic health center. The Knights’ $2 billion contribution surpasses the $1.8 billion donation made by Michael Bloomberg to Johns Hopkins University in 2018, which was previously the largest single university gift in U.S. history. Bloomberg also donated an additional $1 billion to Johns Hopkins last year to support tuition and living costs for students from lower-income families.

The magnitude of the donation will allow the Knight Cancer Institute to operate as a self-governed entity with its own board of directors within OHSU, providing greater autonomy for strategic decision-making and research initiatives.

Phil Knight’s Ongoing Commitment to Cancer Research

Phil Knight, Oregon’s wealthiest individual, has a long history of supporting cancer research. In 2013, he and his wife pledged $500 million to the Knight Cancer Institute, contingent upon the university matching the funds within two years. The matching goal was achieved through $200 million in state bonds, $100 million from Columbia Sportswear chair Gert Boyle, and contributions from approximately 10,000 individual donors.

This latest $2 billion pledge represents a significant escalation in support, allowing the institute to expand its research programs, clinical trials, and patient-centered initiatives.

Advancing Cancer Research Amid Funding Challenges

The Knights’ donation arrives at a time when universities nationwide face uncertainties in federal research funding. Recent proposals under the Trump administration aimed to reduce or freeze research grants, creating challenges for institutions conducting critical scientific studies. Contributions like the Knights’ provide stability and resources to continue groundbreaking work in cancer research despite such federal uncertainties.

By significantly boosting the Knight Cancer Institute’s endowment, the gift will fund innovative research programs, cutting-edge technology, and advanced therapies, ensuring that OHSU remains at the forefront of cancer treatment and patient care.

National and Global Impact

The scope of this donation is expected to influence not only Oregon but the broader global research community. With the Knight Cancer Institute now positioned to operate with greater autonomy, the institute can prioritize high-impact research initiatives, partnerships with other academic institutions, and community-based cancer prevention programs.

Experts in oncology and medical philanthropy say contributions of this scale are rare and transformative, enabling institutions to accelerate innovation while providing direct benefits to patients. The Knights’ gift is anticipated to attract additional funding, partnerships, and talent to the institute, further amplifying its impact.

Future of the Knight Cancer Institute

As a result of this pledge, the Knight Cancer Institute is expected to enhance its strategic goals, including expanding clinical trials, investing in precision medicine, and developing innovative patient care programs. This will allow researchers and medical professionals to explore new therapies, improve survival rates, and provide holistic support for cancer patients and their families.

With philanthropic support at this scale, OHSU’s Knight Cancer Institute could serve as a model for other institutions nationwide, demonstrating how targeted donations can transform research capabilities and patient care infrastructure.