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$2 billion giving of mega-donors Phil and Penny Knight is focused on a broad range of fields, from scientific breakthroughs to racial justice and economic empowerment
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$2 billion giving of mega-donors Phil and Penny Knight is focused on a broad range of fields, from scientific breakthroughs to racial justice and economic empowerment

Phil Knight, co-founder of Nike and renowned philanthropist, has made significant contributions to various causes through his wife, Penny, and their family’s Knight Foundation.

With assets exceeding $5 billion, the foundation has become a major source of funding for medical research, education, community development, and social justice initiatives.

In 2023 alone, the Knight Foundation donated over $190 million, benefiting institutions and organizations across multiple sectors:

University of Oregon – $100 million to support scientific research and innovation.

Stanford University – Over $60 million, including funding for academic and research programs.

Providence St. Vincent Medical Foundation – $7.5 million to enhance healthcare services.

Portland-based nonprofits – $5 million each to Albina Head Start and Self Enhancement Inc.- dedicated to supporting underserved communities.

Beyond these donations, the Knights have pledged billions in long-term commitments to reshape education, healthcare, and racial justice initiatives:

$400 million to the 1803 Fund – A Portland-based racial justice organization working to revitalize Albina, a historic Black neighborhood in Portland, Oregon. This pledge made both personally and through the Knight Foundation, is one of the largest racial justice donations in recent history.

$500 million to the University of Oregon Foundation – Dedicated to building the Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, further cementing the university’s role in cutting-edge research.

$400 million to Stanford University – To expand the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program, a global graduate scholarship initiative that supports future leaders.

$75 million to Stanford University’s Phil and Penny Knight Initiative for Brain Resilience – Focused on advancing neuroscience and brain health research.

Broadening Impact: Beyond Universities and Local Nonprofits

While the Knights’ philanthropy has traditionally centered on higher education and Oregon-based nonprofits, recent contributions have extended their reach to national and global causes:

Presidential Foundations – Supporting initiatives linked to leadership, governance, and democracy.

Anti-Poverty Programs – Funding initiatives to address economic disparities and support underserved communities nationwide.

Phil and Penny Knight’s commitment to philanthropy continues to grow.

Their donations influence a broad range of fields, from scientific breakthroughs to racial justice and economic empowerment.

The Knight Foundation’s ever-expanding mission underscores their belief in the power of education, research, and community-driven change to create a lasting impact.


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