Nike Chairman and Wife Commit $500-Million for Cancer Research

How much: $500-million challenge

Who got it: Oregon Health and Science University

Who gave it: Phil Knight, chairman of Nike, and his wife, Penelope

Connection to the university: In 2012 the couple pledged $125-million for its Cardiovascular Institute and in 2008 they gave OHSU $100-million for its Cancer Institute, in part at the urging of a longtime friend who was an adviser to the cancer institute.

Where the money will go: For cancer research. The university must match the gift within the next two years.

How the gift came about: In April, Brian Druker, director of the Knight Cancer Institute, and Constance French, senior vice president of the OHSU Foundation, met with Mr. Knight for 45 minutes at his office and pitched a plan to expand research on early detection of lethal cancers, such as ovarian cancer. They suggested that he provide $500-million. In August, the presidents of both the university and the foundation met with Mr. Knight twice. Mr. Knight told them he wanted the university to accelerate its plans from 20 years to 10. Mr. Knight did not reveal to the fundraisers his decision to give until last month at the university’s gala, where he surprised officials by announcing his pledge and the two-year match requirement.

Impact of the gift: The gift has sparked a flurry of interest from other donors, says Ms. French. Its importance, she says, extends far beyond the university’s campus. “This gift will save lives,” she says. “It’s not really a regional gift, I think of it as having a global impact.”