Home Depot Co-Founder's Foundation Donates $30M for Heart Attack Research
Bernie Marcus' foundation makes record donation for stem cell therapies.
1Chasing a dream
Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus once dreamed of becoming a doctor. When his family couldn't afford medical school, he studied pharmacy at Rutgers University. After working his way up in manufacturing companies, being fired from Handy Dan in 1978 became the turning point that led him to co-found Home Depot. At the time of his death at age 95, his net worth was estimated at $11 billion.
2Return to medicine
The Marcus Foundation, established in 1989 with his wife Billi, recently demonstrated Marcus's enduring interest in medicine with a $28.7 million donation to USC's Stem Cell Center. The funds will support clinical trials of stem cell therapies to regenerate tissue damaged by heart attacks. The foundation's chief science officer Jonathan Simons called this treatment a breakthrough in 'living medicine.'
3Record-breaking gift
The USC donation ranks among the largest ever made by the Marcus Foundation to academic medicine. In 2024 alone, the foundation donated $25.9 million for stroke research at Emory University and $20 million to Jefferson Medical College in 2019. With over $2.7 billion in total grants, the foundation is a leading supporter of biomedical research in the U.S.
4Strategic philanthropy
The Marcus Foundation focuses on five key areas: stem cell research, early cancer detection, autism treatment, integrative medicine, and cardiovascular diseases. Marcus pioneered the creation of Autism Speaks in 2005 and established centers including the Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta. Trustee Mike Leven emphasizes Marcus's disciplined approach to giving.
5Targeted investments
In a 2012 interview, Marcus spoke about moving away from a 'buckshot approach' to concentrate on specific interests. The foundation's first grant of $110,000 went to children's research at Emory. Today, it also supports veterans and retired athletes with brain injuries through the Marcus Institute for Brain Health in Colorado.
6Scientific legacy
Dr. Chuck Murry's team at USC has made significant advances in gene-edited cell therapy. This latest donation will help transition the treatment to a new phase. The potential of stem cells to regenerate heart tissue could revolutionize cardiology. The gift also highlights the private sector's role in medical breakthroughs.
7Areas of impact
The Marcus Foundation's work extends beyond medicine to Jewish causes, free enterprise, veterans, and children's welfare. However, medical research remains its priority. The foundation established key institutions like the Marcus Stroke and Neuroscience Center at Grady Health System, bringing hope to thousands of patients.
8Discipline in giving
Trustee Mike Leven explains Marcus's philosophy: 'Good people with good causes approach you constantly. Without discipline, you'll over-give and underachieve.' Marcus's focused approach amplified the foundation's impact. This latest donation could lead to groundbreaking advances in heart attack treatment.