Houston Methodist has announced a $50 million gift from an anonymous donor to support programs and services at the academic medical center and its six community hospitals serving the greater-Houston area.

The gift—combined with matching gifts and funds from other sources for a total of more than $154 million—will support academic staffing endowments and augment services in neuroprosthetics and orthopedics, among other specialties across the hospital system. In addition, funds will be used to meet a challenge grant made by the Fondren Foundation focused on gastrointestinal medicine and immunology and to establish at least 20 endowments and support programs across specialties including imaging, nursing, ophthalmology, reconstructive surgery, and women’s health. The $50 million commitment is the second-largest gift in the 102-year history of Houston Methodist, which received a grant of $101 million in 2017.

“Houston Methodist is honored to have the support of generous donors who entrust us to continue building on our legacy of leading medicine,” said Houston Methodist president and CEO Marc L. Boom. “This donor represents the giving spirit of the Houston community and believes in the unparalleled work our physicians, researchers and staff do to bring lifesaving and life-changing treatments to our patients throughout the city and the country.”

(Photo credit: Houston Methodist)