Marcus Foundation contributes $28.7 million to USC for heart-attack stem-cell trials

The Marcus Foundation announced a $28.7 million contribution to the University of Southern California’s Stem Cell Center, earmarked for clinical trials of stem-cell-based therapies that could regenerate tissue after a heart attack. The grant, directed to Dr. Chuck Murry’s laboratory, represents the foundation’s biggest single gift to USC and one of its largest to academic medicine. Jonathan Simons, the foundation’s chief science officer, explained that advances in gene-edited cellular therapy now make such an investment timely.

This donation continues a pattern of sizable health-focused philanthropy, including $25.9 million for stroke research at Emory University and a $20 million endowment for integrative medicine at Jefferson’s Sidney Kimmel Medical College. Established in 1989 by Bernie and Billi Marcus, the foundation has awarded more than $2.7 billion across 3,500 grants, emphasizing stem-cell research, cancer detection, autism, integrative medicine, and cardiovascular disease.

Bernie Marcus, who co-founded the $343 billion Home Depot chain after an early career in manufacturing, passed away in November 2024 at age 95. His early ambition to become a doctor is reflected in the foundation’s ongoing commitment to medical research.