$100 million new gift from Jim and Ann Davis to support the creation of a new cardiovascular care center at hospital
Jim and Ann Davis have built one of the most remarkable legacies in American business and philanthropy.
When Jim bought New Balance in 1972, it was a small Boston shoemaker with just six employees.
Together, he and Ann transformed it into a global athletic brand while keeping its headquarters and much of its manufacturing rooted in Massachusetts.
But beyond the shoes, the couple has dedicated themselves quietly and consistently to giving back, shaping lives through health, education, and community support.
Their philanthropic journey began in 1981, when they launched the New Balance Foundation.
From the outset, the foundation has focused on health, wellness, and youth development, with a particular emphasis on preventing childhood obesity.
Over the decades, it has become a significant force in New England and beyond, granting tens of millions of dollars to programs that encourage fitness, nutrition, and community resilience.
Though their company grew into a worldwide success, the Davises kept their giving deeply tied to the communities around them.
In recent years, their philanthropy has reached new heights.
Jim and Ann Davis’ New Balance Foundation announced a $100 million gift to Massachusetts General Hospital to support the creation of a new cardiovascular care tower. It is one of the most significant donations in the hospital’s history, and in recognition, the new building will be named the New Balance Foundation Tower.
For the Davises, the gift represents more than a name on a building. It reflects their belief that philanthropy should be about access, innovation, and hope for future generations.
Their giving is not confined to large institutions. In their hometown of Hingham, Massachusetts, a $150,000 donation from the family helped fund the construction of a new wellness facility at Hingham High School.
Called The DOCK, and powered by New Balance, the center is designed to promote health and fitness for students of all grades. The gift sparked matching donations and rallied the community around a shared vision of youth wellness.
Education has been another cornerstone of their philanthropy. Jim Davis, an alumnus of Middlebury College, has given more than $70 million to the school, supporting scholarships, faculty, athletics, and new facilities. In 2010, the college renamed its main library the Davis Family Library, though the family has often preferred to give without fanfare.
The Davises have also supported Worcester Academy, Newbury College, and the University of Maine, among others, extending their reach across multiple levels of education.
What makes the Davises stand out is not just the size of their gifts, but the spirit behind them. They are known for their modesty and reluctance to seek recognition.
Their philanthropy is guided by a sense of civic responsibility and a belief that wealth should be used to strengthen communities.
Those who know them describe them as generous, humble, and deeply committed to improving the lives of others.
To date, the New Balance Foundation has given more than $165 million worldwide, including more than $17 million in 2025 alone.
The scale of their giving continues to grow, but the focus remains consistent: health, wellness, youth development, and education.
With their most recent gift to Mass General, Jim and Ann Davis have reaffirmed their conviction in the transformative power of philanthropy to impact not only institutions but entire communities.
Their story is a reminder that behind one of the world’s most recognizable brands is a couple who believe their success carries an obligation to give back.
For the Davises, philanthropy is not a gesture of generosity, but an enduring mission—one that will continue to shape lives long after the shoes have left the shelves.