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The Philanthropy 50: Americans Who Gave the Most in 2008
Philip H. and Penelope Knight
Rank: 17
Total amount committed in 2008: $100-million
Location: Portland, Oregon
Source of wealth: Manufacturing
Donors' background: Mr. Knight is a founder of Nike Inc., the apparel company, in Beaverton, Ore.
Mr. Knight, 70, and his wife, Penelope, pledged $100-million to the Oregon Health & Science University Foundation, in Portland, to support the university's cancer institute, which will be named for the Knights.
Most of the pledge, $98-million, will establish a fund that Brian J. Druker, the institute's director, will be able to use for any purpose within the facility. His first priority, he says, will be to use some of the money to recruit 40 to 50 new doctors and researchers over the next decade.
A portion of Mr. and Mrs. Knight's pledge may also be used to expand research and patient-care facilities and to support new programs, such as developing a statewide network of oncologists working jointly to provide patient care and improve cancer screening.
The remaining $2-million will support a group of research laboratories at the institute that the university plans to name the Linda Conant Laboratory Suite. Ms. Conant was a close friend of the Knights who died of breast cancer in 2008. She had been treated at the institute.
University officials would not provide details of the terms of the pledge, but say Mr. and Mrs. Knight plan to pay off their entire commitment over the next seven years.
About These Data
The giving figures listed for each individual are based on donations announced to date by the donors or their beneficiaries. In cases of bequests, most of the figures are estimates because the wills have not been settled. For news of gift announcements in 2009, visit the America's Top Donors database.
If you know about a recent gift of $1-million or more that should be added to this directory, please send a message to gifts@philanthropy.com.