$50 million in latest gifts propel Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology and Push Health Campaign past $1 Billion mark
The University of Virginia Health System has received two $25 million gifts—totaling $50 million—in support of the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology.
These transformative donations helped UVA Health surpass its ambitious $1 billion fundraising goal as part of the University’s historic Honor the Future campaign, which officially concludes.
The gifts add to the momentum behind the Manning Institute, which was launched in 2023 with a $100 million lead donation from philanthropists Paul and Diane Manning. Their bold commitment inspired further support, including $100 million from the Commonwealth of Virginia and $150 million from UVA itself.
“This is a landmark moment,” said UVA President Jim Ryan. “Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors—both named and anonymous—we are building a biomedical powerhouse that will develop groundbreaking treatments for diseases once considered incurable.”
The Manning Institute’s future home, a 350,000-square-foot facility currently under construction at Fontaine Research Park, will serve as a hub for biotech innovation and economic growth across Virginia. It will also anchor a statewide clinical trials network, ensuring new discoveries reach patients faster.
Mark T. Esser, PhD, the institute’s chief scientific officer, called the anonymous estate gifts “visionary,” adding: “They strengthen the foundation laid by Paul and Diane Manning and will help us drive medical research and patient care forward in powerful new ways.”
More than 52,000 donors contributed to UVA Health during the Honor the Future campaign, supporting research, education, patient care, and community initiatives. Donor support has fueled projects ranging from expanded pediatric and neonatal care to a new national center for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and breakthrough research into Alzheimer’s and rare blood cancers.
Notable philanthropic contributions include:
$30 million from the Harrison and Mary Anderson Harrison Foundations to launch a translational research center focused on Alzheimer’s and neurodegenerative diseases.
$10 million+ from an anonymous donor for the Translational Orphan Blood Cancer Research Initiative.
$135 million toward scholarships for medical and nursing students.
12 endowed professorships and a new Leadership Institute to develop future healthcare leaders.
Support for mobile health clinics, free screenings, and workforce development programs serving underserved communities across Virginia.
“The outpouring of support reflects deep trust in UVA Health’s mission,” said Dr. Mitchell H. Rosner, interim executive vice president for health affairs. “Our donors are powering the future of healthcare.”
With more than $6 billion raised across the entire University—far surpassing its $5 billion goal—Honor the Future marks the most successful fundraising campaign in UVA’s history.