12 Wealthy People Who’ve Made Huge Donations to Colleges
Colleges and universities have historically relied on donations to supplement other forms of income. Large donations help offset rising costs, tuition and lower enrollment in addition to expanding on research and other endeavors, as explained by BestColleges. There’s a spotlight on the wealthy individuals who continue to support their favored colleges and universities.
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Read on if you’re interested in who the wealthy people and groups are that have made huge donations, from greatest to least.
Michael Bloomberg
Donation: $1.8 billion to Johns Hopkins University
The alum donated to increase undergraduate financial aid to counteract intergenerational poverty and promote opportunity based on merit over money.
John and Ann Doerr
Donation: $1.1 billion to Stanford University
This donation is responsible for the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, built to address the climate and environment, sustainability and health.
Ruth L. Gottesman
Donation: $1 billion to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine
What is likely the largest donation to a medical school went toward free tuition beginning in August 2024, plus reimbursement for the Spring 2024 semester for corresponding fourth-year students.
Stewart and Lynda Resnick
Donation: $750 million to the California Institute of Technology
This donation boosted physical/life sciences and engineering sustainability research. They shared a concern for energy, water and the climate.
Florence and Herbert Irving
Donation: $700 million to Columbia University
The philanthropic couple were dedicated to promoting cancer research and clinical care; an equivalent donation went to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.
Gordon and Betty Moore
Donation: $600 million to the California Institute of Technology
The Intel co-founder and his wife, along with their foundation, greatly benefited Caltech’s education and science programs.
Phil and Penny Knight
Donations: $500 million to the University of Oregon (twice), $500 million to Oregon Health and Science University
Phil is the co-founder of Nike. He and his wife have invested in cancer research, detection and treatment. The two also provide more opportunities for students and faculty.
Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan
Donation: $500 million to Harvard University
The donation from the Facebook founder and his wife went toward an institute for artificial intelligence and neuroscience.
Helen Diller
Donation: $500 million to the University of California-San Francisco
The donation went toward building an on-campus hospital.
John W. Kluge
Donation: $400 million to Columbia University
The entrepreneur and television mogul donated for undergraduate and graduate financial aid.
John A. Paulson
Donation: $400 million to Harvard University
The hedge-fund manager donated to benefit the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
Chuck Feeney
Donation: $350 million to Cornell University
The long-time unknown donor gave the money to help construct a technology-based satellite campus.
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