Health

Mr. Woodruff made his first gift to Emory University in 1937, when his mother Emily was dying of cancer. He believed his mother could have been saved if first-rate treatment was available in Atlanta, and he dedicated much of his philanthropy to building premier healthcare institutions like the Winship Cancer Institute.  

Health is the Foundation’s top priority and represents the largest part of our average grants portfolio (see chart). We focus on developing top-tier patient care and health research excellence in Atlanta, principally through Emory’s Woodruff Health Sciences Center. We also seek to improve health systems by increasing access to affordable care and strengthening workforce pipelines. 

We do not fund clinics or hospitals outside Atlanta, fundraising events, operating support or research by individual investigators.