These Are the Largest Donations to U.S. Colleges and Universities

Higher education is no stranger to donations from alums, philanthropists, and billionaires hoping to advance an institution they believe will improve the lives of students — and change the world.

In a trend of rising costs and lower enrollment, multimillion-dollar donations can give colleges the boost to not only survive but thrive. It’s common to see donations from longtime supporters, members of their college’s community, and anonymous donors who prefer to withhold their identities.

Colleges have also been using large donations to expand student financial aid, with some universities like Duke University and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine using their gifts to give students free tuition.

Johns Hopkins University is using its second billion-dollar donation from Bloomberg Philanthropies, created by alum Michael Bloomberg, to cover tuition for most medical students. The school will also use the donation to cover living expenses for students from families making under $175,000.

Bloomberg Philanthropies has cemented itself as one of the largest contributors to higher education, taking the first and fifth spot for highest known donations. The organization just invested $600 million into historically Black medical schools (HBMS), which are responsible for graduating 15% of all Black male medical students nationwide.

Recently, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have received hundreds of millions for endowments, scholarships, and university needs. HBCUs are 1890 Land-Grant institutions entitled to the same state funding as their predominantly-white counterparts. However, they’ve been underfunded since they began, leaving private organizations and donors to boost endowments.

Here are some of the biggest donations made to colleges and universities for research, business, scholarships, and even stem cells in space. Then, explore some of the biggest donations of all time to higher education.

Date: March 11, 2025

Donors: Arnie and Lauren Bellini

The historic gift to the university establishes the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing, the first named college in the country dedicated to AI and cybersecurity. The college will offer undergraduate and graduate AI and cybersecurity degrees, research cybersecurity solutions using AI, partner with government agencies and defense contractors, and teach ethical AI implementation.

“We are at a pivotal moment in history where AI and cybersecurity must evolve together,” said USF President Rhea Law. “This college will produce the talent and innovation needed to meet the escalating challenges of the digital era. We are proud to stand alongside the Bellinis in shaping the future of AI and cybersecurity.”

Date: March 04, 2025

Donor: David R. Rathburn’s estate

The largest single donation in the college’s history from alum and board of trustees member will go towards student aid, building projects, and the college’s overall financial being. Seventy-five percent of the gift ($52 million) will go to need- and merit-based scholarships while the other 25% is designated for “capital improvement projects.”

“David was a generational leader who deeply believed in the distinctive mission of Grove City College. His personal and philanthropic devotion to the College serves as the highest exemplar for those who recognize the tremendous value of a GCC education,” said President Paul J. McNulty. “He gave in great measure to great impact. He was a model of stewardship, a steadfast partner in leadership, and a good friend. We continue to feel his absence.”

Date: February 18, 2025

Donors: L. Thomas Melly and his wife Judith Hershey Melly

The historic gift to Hobart and William Smith Colleges will increase student access and affordability by providing 100 students with up to $10,000 each year and establish the Melly Institute for Business. The Melly’s established their commitment last fall before L. Thomas Melly passed away late December.

“It is my hope that this gift will make the future bright for Hobart and William Smith,” Tom Melly said in an interview in December, according to the press release. “I want to put this money to good use to benefit students who need it. I believe in the leadership of Hobart and William Smith and in the vision that [President] Mark Gearan has created. That kind of leadership warrants our support.”

Date: February 14, 2025

Donor: Jen-Hsun and Lori Huang Foundation

The donation from the foundation of the CEO of tech giant NVIDIA and his wife is half of a $45 million fundraising matching campaign to address funding deficits and bring the Bay Area college towards long-term sustainability.

“Our investment in CCA reflects our commitment to supporting institutions that cultivate the creative leaders of tomorrow, and that do so in the Bay Area, which continues to be recognized around the world for its creativity in so many different sectors,” said Eric Jensen, Chief Operating Officer at the Jen-Hsun and Lori Huang Foundation.

Date: February 12, 2025

Donor: Ross W. Lampe Jr.

NC State alum and philanthropist Ross W. Lampe Jr. donated $20 million to the Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering between the two universities to invest in innovative and collaborative research. The department — which focuses on biomedical imaging, biomedical microdevices, rehabilitation engineering, regenerative medicine, and pharmacoengineering — will be renamed after Lampe.

“The Lampe family has been integral to the fabric of NC State for four generations,” said Randy Woodson, chancellor of NC State. “The naming investment Ross Lampe has dedicated to the Joint BME department will help fuel the innovative work done by our scholars for many generations to come.”

Date: February 6, 2025

Donors: Greg and Ronda Brenneman

The two alumni celebrated the university’s 160th birthday by giving the university’s largest donation in history. The gift will support a new healthcare education facility and the business and nursing schools. The business school was named to honor the donors and the nursing school was named to honor Ronda Brenneman’s late sister and university nursing school graduate Harmony J. Hines.

“Greg and Ronda Brenneman embody the very existence of Washburn University, exemplifying our values of creating extraordinary impact through incredible generosity and leadership,” said Washburn University President JuliAnn Mazachek. “Since graduating from Washburn, the Brennemans have achieved remarkable success in their own lives yet have consistently returned to our campus to share their time, resources, wisdom and innovative vision for future leaders.”

Date: February 6, 2025

Donor: Dr. R. Todd Stravitz and the Brunckhorst Foundations

The largest scholarship gift in the university’s history establishes the R. Todd Stravitz Scholars Program for full tuition to students pursuing the newest bachelor’s degree in coastal & marine sciences.

“This gift removes financial barriers, allowing the brightest minds to access the learning and tools needed to address our planet’s urgent problems,” President Katherine A. Rowe said in the press release. “These future trailblazers will craft solutions that safeguard ecosystems, economies, and the communities that depend on them around the globe.”

Date: February 5, 2025

Donor: Arnold Ventures

The largest grant in the system’s history will support the system’s Boost program aimed at increasing completion rates and promoting education in high-demand, high-wage careers in fields like biotechnology, engineering and advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and information technology. Smaller rural community colleges will be able to benefit from Boost through collaboration with participating colleges.

“Arnold Ventures is excited to support NC Community Colleges Boost, and we have the utmost confidence in North Carolina’s ability to successfully implement this evidence-based program tailored to the unique needs and culture of North Carolina,” said Kirby Smith, Executive Vice President of Strategy and Programs at Arnold Ventures.

Date: January 13, 2025

Donor: E. Michael Ackley’s Estate

The estate of Penn State alum and entrepreneur E. Michael Ackley’s donation will support the College of Engineering’s scholarships, campus facilities, and faculty research. The university will use $2 million of the gift to establish the Ackley Graduate Fellowship Program for graduate student research and teaching, $1 million for an undergraduate research program, $5 million for student aid, and $2 million for engineering student financial aid.

“The impact of this extraordinary gift from Mr. Ackley will be felt throughout the entire college, now and for years to come,” said Tonya L. Peeples, the Harold and Inge Marcus Dean of Engineering.

“It will create funding opportunities for students and faculty to continue to pursue excellence in their studies and research; support critical facilities for teaching and research; and propel Penn State to an even more prominent leadership position in the area of semiconductor packaging. Mr. Ackley’s legacy in our college will be profound and enduring.”

Date: December 12, 2024

Donors: Andrew and Barbara Taylor

Emeritus Trustee Andrew Taylor and his wife donated to WashU Medicine’s neurosurgery department to advance research, recruit neurosurgeons and neurosurgery researchers, and enhance residency and fellowship opportunities. The funding will also support high-risk, high-reward research.

“This gift marks a new era in the history of innovative science and compassionate healing at WashU Medicine,” said Chancellor Andrew D. Martin.

“Andrew and Barbara’s generosity is further strengthening the department’s research infrastructure and helping WashU Medicine deliver world-class, life-changing care right here in St. Louis, while also providing life-saving innovations to the world. Their investment in new discoveries and treatments will give many more families reasons to feel grateful for decades to come.”

Date: June 1, 2023

Donor:The Simons Foundation

The Simons Foundation, founded by Marilyn and Jim Simons, gave the unrestricted gift for the university to use wherever it sees fit. The university said it plans to use the funding for scholarships, endowed professorships, research, and clinical care.

The foundation’s gift will also help give those from underserved communities the opportunity to reach their full potential. We look forward to seeing this institution continue to thrive.”

New York City also recently selected the university to be the anchor institution for the New York Climate Exchange, a climate research hub and campus on the city’s Governors Island.

“As a Stony Brook graduate, I know firsthand the role that a quality education plays in the trajectory of one’s life,” said Marilyn Simons. “I am proud of the education I received there. Jim and I want to ensure that Stony Brook continues to serve its students with the highest level of educational excellence and with world-class resources.

Date: June 24, 2015

Donors: Phil and Penny Knight

The Nike co-founder and his wife pledged $500 million as part of a $1 billion fundraising challenge to support early detection of lethal cancers. The university used the total $1 billion to build a new research facility and cancer care clinics for expanded clinical trials.

“Penny and I have total confidence in Brian Druker and the entire OHSU Knight Cancer Institute team to put a stop to a disease that touches each of our lives,” said Phil Knight.

“We are more convinced than ever that cancer will meet its match at OHSU, and we are proud to play a role in this history in the making.”

Date: July 6, 2021 and Oct. 18, 2016

Donors: Phil and Penny Knight

The Nike co-founder and his wife first donated $500 million to the university in 2016, which created the Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact. The building, completed in 2020, was able to expand after the second gift by creating more faculty positions and a second building.

“There is no greater vote of confidence in our success than the Knights’ decision to double their investment in the Knight Campus. This gift will help provide opportunities for students, faculty, the university, and our state to reach new levels of discovery, innovation, and collaboration,” the university wrote in a 2021 statement.

“Please join us in thanking the Knights and the scores of individuals who helped make this University of Oregon’s moonshot of a dream into a stunning reality.”

Date: December 7, 2021

Donors: Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan

The donation, spread over 15 years, went to create an institute for artificial intelligence and neuroscience named after Zuckerberg’s mother. The donation created 10 new faculty positions, new computing infrastructure, and more student resources at all levels.

“Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to promoting discovery, innovation, and service at Harvard and other academic institutions around the United States,” said President Lawrence S. Bacow.

“From supporting the study of COVID-19 treatments and advancing literacy research, to boosting public service opportunities for undergraduates, they have shown a genuine commitment through their work at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and beyond to curing disease, improving lives, and encouraging others to serve.”

Date: June 8, 2021

Donors: Anonymous

The anonymous alums’ donation gave $200 million to the university, $300 million for the medical school, and $50 million for the athletics department. According to the university, the donors’ gift reflected their belief in diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education.

“Like Western, our donors are committed to a future that truly provides opportunity for everyone to advance,” said President Edward Montgomery.

“In order to empower our future, we must break down the barriers created by historic inequities. This gift is an important step in leveling the playing field and putting quality education in reach for students from historically underrepresented populations.”

Date: October 29, 2001

Donors: Gordon and Betty Moore

Intel co-founder Gordon Moore and his wife, Betty, donated half of the $600 million, and their foundation donated the other half. The funds were set apart for education and science programs at Caltech. The Moores’ donation distributed $300 million across five years, while the foundation’s was spread across a decade.

“Caltech has a unique ability to do multidisciplinary work — partly because of its size and partly because of its history. It is described as being a national treasure and it certainly is,” said Gordon Moore. “The education I received there has served me well. We are hoping this gift will position the institute well as it moves forward.”

Date: November 15, 2017

Donors: Florence and Herbert Irving

Florence Irving and her late husband donated to advance cancer research and clinical care. They donated more than $900 million total to both institutions over three decades. In 2016, the two institutions renamed the shared medical campus, “Columbia University Irving Medical Center” and “NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center.”

“Herbert and I have always been proud to help the terrific doctors at Columbia and NewYork-Presbyterian,” said Florence Irving.

“It meant everything to him to be able to support world-class research and caregiving that makes a difference in people’s lives. I am honored, as he always was, to be associated with these great institutions and the special people who make them what they are.”

Date: September 26, 2019

Donors: Stewart and Lynda Resnick

The donation from the philanthropist couple went to support sustainability research through interdisciplinary work in physical sciences, life sciences, and engineering. The institute also pledged to build a 75,000-square-foot building in their name to serve as a hub for sustainability research and laboratories.

“In order to comprehensively manage the climate crisis, we need breakthrough innovations, the kind that will only be possible through significant investment in university research,” said Stewart Resnick. “Science and bold creativity must unite to address the most pressing challenges facing energy, water, and sustainability.”

Date: July 8, 2024

Donor: Bloomberg Philanthropies

Bloomberg Philanthropies, alum Michael Bloomberg’s organization, donated $1 billion towards graduate financial aid, covering tuition entirely and, in some cases, living expenses for about two-thirds of university medical students. The assistance is available to any medical student from a family making less than $300,000, which is about 95% of Americans, according to the university.

The funding will also provide need-based scholarships and fellowships for graduate students in nursing, public health, education, engineering, business, arts and sciences, advanced international studies, and the newly formed School of Government and Policy.

“As the U.S. struggles to recover from a disturbing decline in life expectancy, our country faces a serious shortage of doctors, nurses, and public health professionals — and yet, the high cost of medical, nursing, and graduate school too often bars students from enrolling,” Bloomberg said in a statement.

“By reducing the financial barriers to these essential fields, we can free more students to pursue careers they’re passionate about — and enable them to serve more of the families and communities who need them the most.”

Date: July 21, 2023

Donor: Anonymous

The small Kansas liberal arts college with 40 programs of study known for its automotive restoration technology degree received a commitment in November from an anonymous donor, which will fund engineering programs, health sciences programs, and student debt relief. The donor matched $2 for every dollar the college raised, up to $500 million.

The donor surprised the college with another $500 million commitment after it completed the challenge at the end of June. The college will receive the donation over time or in full upon the donor’s death.

According to McPherson, its over-$1.5 billion endowment is the largest in history for a small liberal arts college.

“Now, the work begins to build a bridge to our future endowment,” said President Michael Schneider. “We need to carefully plan how the income from the endowment is deployed to reimagine and construct the campus of the future, build a much-needed rural health pipeline in Kansas, create a center for the future of automotive engineering and work to make college more affordable for all our students. There has never been a better day to be a part of the McPherson College community!”

Date: February, 26, 2024

Donor: Ruth L. Gottesman

Ruth L. Gottesman, chair of the board of trustees at the college and longtime donor donated what seems to be the largest gift ever to a medical school to give all students free tuition starting in August, 2024. All current fourth-year students will receive tuition reimbursement for the spring 2024 semester.

The college and Gottesman hopes removing tuition will increase the diversity of students who would otherwise not be able to afford medical school.

“Each year, well over 100 students enter Albert Einstein College of Medicine in their quest for degrees in medicine and science,” Gottesman said. “They leave as superbly trained scientists and compassionate and knowledgeable physicians, with the expertise to find new ways to prevent diseases and provide the finest health care to communities here in the Bronx and all over the world.”

Date: May 4, 2022

Donors: John and Ann Doerr

This donation announced in May 2022 created Stanford’s first new school in 70 years, the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability. The school focuses on studies including climate change, sustainable cities, food and water security, and human health and the environment.

“This new school will accelerate scholarship and solutions to pressing challenges facing the earth, climate, and society,” John Doerr tweeted. “It is the result of visionary thinking about the role of the university and our shared ambition to make a measurable impact on the climate crisis.”

Date: November 18, 2018

Donors: Michael Bloomberg

Michael Bloomberg donated to permanently increase undergraduate financial aid at the university.

“Denying students entry to a college based on their ability to pay undermines equal opportunity,” Bloomberg said. “It perpetuates intergenerational poverty. And it strikes at the heart of the American dream: the idea that every person, from every community, has the chance to rise based on merit.”