$40 million gift from Kenneth Eisenberg to university will expand specialty care and advanced mental health research

Kenneth Eisenberg, a prominent Michigan philanthropist has made a landmark $40 million donation to the University of Michigan.

This transformative gift, given through the Frances and Kenneth Eisenberg Charitable Foundation, is set to significantly expand Michigan Medicine’s clinical reach and deepen its impact on mental health research.

The largest portion of the donation, $25 million, will fund the construction of the Frances and Kenneth Eisenberg Troy Center for Specialty Care.

This will be Michigan Medicine’s first facility in Oakland County, scheduled to open in spring 2027. The multidisciplinary outpatient center will offer advanced cancer care, musculoskeletal and sports medicine, reproductive medicine, ambulatory surgery, infusion therapy, and comprehensive imaging services such as CT, MRI, and mammography.

The center’s name honors Eisenberg and his late wife, Frances, reflecting their shared commitment to advancing healthcare access in Michigan.

The remaining $15 million will support the Frances and Kenneth Eisenberg and Family Depression Center at the University of Michigan, a national leader in mental health research and care. This funding will go toward research awards, policy initiatives, educational events, and a major research initiative focused on identifying and preventing depression, especially in high-risk populations.

The gift will also establish two new medical school professorships, including the Frances Aftel Eisenberg Research Professorship, further strengthening Michigan’s academic leadership in mental health.

Kenneth Eisenberg’s philanthropy is deeply rooted in a commitment to community health and honors the legacy of his late wife, Frances, who passed away in November 2024. Eisenberg expressed that his family and foundation believe in “the power of investing in a healthier future for all,” and that this gift continues their dedication to service in honor of Frances’s life and mission.

This donation builds on the Eisenbergs’ longstanding support for the university, particularly in mental health. The Frances and Kenneth Eisenberg and Family Depression Center has already catalyzed innovative research, awarding nearly $400,000 in grants to interdisciplinary teams tackling depression and related disorders.

The new Troy center will bring high-quality specialty care closer to residents of Oakland County and the greater Detroit area, addressing a critical need for accessible, advanced outpatient services. At the same time, the infusion of resources into the Eisenberg Depression Center will accelerate research and education, offering hope for improved mental health outcomes across Michigan and beyond. The Eisenberg family’s philanthropy demonstrates how targeted giving can drive both immediate improvements in care and long-term scientific progress, with benefits reaching well beyond the university community.

The Frances and Kenneth Eisenberg Troy Center for Specialty Care is expected to open its doors in 2027, marking a significant milestone for Michigan Medicine’s expansion.

Meanwhile, the new resources for the Eisenberg Depression Center will help position the University of Michigan as a national leader in understanding, treating, and preventing depression and mental illness.

This $40 million gift underscores the enduring impact of philanthropy in transforming public health and advancing medical science.