UK Markey Cancer Center Receives $12.5 Million Gift

Donation from Markey Cancer Foundation to support cancer research, education, and patient care

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Foundation has announced a $12.5 million gift to the UK Markey Cancer Center, including a $12 million endowed fund and a $500,000 nonendowed fund. The gift will support the cancer center's priorities in research, education, and clinical care, ensuring long-term, mission-focused impact.

Why it matters

The Markey Cancer Center is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Kentucky, playing a critical role in advancing cancer research and care in the state. This significant donation from the Markey Cancer Foundation will help the center continue delivering the highest level of cancer treatment and discovery for generations to come.

The details

The $12.5 million gift includes a $12 million endowed fund and a $500,000 nonendowed fund. The endowed fund will be held in perpetuity and dedicated solely to supporting the Markey Cancer Center's work in research, education, and clinical care. This donation comes as the Markey Cancer Foundation and UK's Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement have worked to enhance the strategic alignment and efficiency of their fundraising operations to better serve the needs of the cancer center.

  • The Markey Cancer Foundation Board recently completed a study evaluating how fundraising operations between the foundation and UK could be more integrated.
  • The Markey Cancer Foundation Board voted to endow a significant portion of its assets for the benefit of the Markey Cancer Center through the $12.5 million gift announced on February 19, 2026.

The players

Markey Cancer Foundation

A nonprofit organization that has raised more than $110 million in philanthropic support for the UK Markey Cancer Center since its founding in 1978.

UK Markey Cancer Center

The only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Kentucky, known for its research, education, and patient care.

Alex Boone

Chair of the Markey Cancer Foundation and member of the UK Board of Trustees.

B. Mark Evers, M.D.

Director of the UK Markey Cancer Center.

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What they’re saying

“The Markey Cancer Foundation is more committed than ever in supporting UK and the Markey Cancer Center in caring for patients, educating future health care providers and investing in the investigation of new innovative therapies and groundbreaking research.”

— Alex Boone, Chair of the Markey Cancer Foundation and member of the UK Board of Trustees (uky.edu)

“For nearly 50 years, the Markey Cancer Foundation has been an incredible partner in advancing cancer research and care in Kentucky. I'm deeply grateful to the foundation's board and all the donors who have supported this work. This generous gift honors that legacy and will advance our ability to continue delivering the highest level of treatment and discovery right here in the Commonwealth.”

— B. Mark Evers, M.D., Director of the UK Markey Cancer Center (uky.edu)

The takeaway

This significant donation from the Markey Cancer Foundation demonstrates the longstanding commitment of UK and the Markey Cancer Center to advancing cancer research, education, and patient care in Kentucky. The endowed fund will ensure the center's critical work continues to have a lasting impact for generations to come.