Bill and Donna Marriott Foundation Donates $100 Million to Transform Healthcare at Mayo Clinic

Transforming Healthcare: Marriott Foundations’ $100 Million Gift to Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic recently announced an incredible $100 million gift from the Bill and Donna Marriott Foundation as well as The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation. This monumental donation is aimed at supporting Mayo's ambitious healthcare transformation initiative branded as Bold. Forward. Unbound. in Rochester. The project represents a significant $5 billion investment focused on redefining health care through integrated digital and physical spaces.

A Lasting Impact with the Marriott Family Atrium

In recognition of this transformative contribution, Mayo Clinic will establish the Marriott Family Atrium within the reimagined downtown Rochester campus. Set to be completed in 2030, this sprawling, two-story atrium is designed to be a luminous space filled with natural light. It will serve as a welcoming hub for the thousands of patients, visitors, and staff who traverse the premises daily. The atrium will not only connect various areas of the new downtown campus, but it will also create a serene oasis for families experiencing moments of care, compassion, and healing throughout their medical journeys.

The Marriotts have had a longstanding relationship with Mayo Clinic, grounded in personal experiences as patients and extensive involvement with the organization. Bill Marriott expresses, “Our family's connection to Mayo Clinic is deeply personal. We’ve witnessed firsthand how Mayo transforms lives, and we take pride in aiding more patients in accessing their care.”

The familial bond with Mayo began back in 1962 when Bill and Donna Marriott sought advanced medical care for their daughter Debbie, who required urgent intervention for a congenital heart defect. The innovative treatment at Mayo not only saved her life but also fostered a lasting relationship of trust and support between the Marriotts and the Clinic.

Today, Debbie Marriott Harrison continues to advocate for and credit Mayo Clinic, having received lifesaving care during her battle with thyroid cancer and lymphoma as an adult. These harrowing yet hopeful experiences have solidified the family's ongoing support for Mayo's mission of patient-centered care.

A Legacy of Philanthropic Commitment

Bill Marriott has played an instrumental role in promoting Mayo Clinic's vision as the former chairman of its Board of Trustees during the organization’s inaugural philanthropic campaign, which culminated successfully in 2009. He is currently serving as an emeritus trustee. Meanwhile, Debbie Marriott Harrison has contributed as co-chair of the Mayo Clinic Greater Washington, D.C., Leadership Council, which consists of benefactors and supporters in the capital.

The philanthropic undertakings of the Marriott family have significantly advanced research at Mayo, particularly focusing on cardiovascular diseases, bipolar disorders, and mitochondrial diseases. Their financial support has also propelled initiatives concerning personalized medicine and regenerative therapies.

Expressing Gratitude for Generous Support

Dr. Gianrico Farrugia, President and CEO of Mayo Clinic, acknowledges the unprecedented contributions from the Marriotts, stating, “They are exceptional advocates and partners of Mayo Clinic. Their commitment to wellness transformation reflects the shared values that connect us, and we express our heartfelt gratitude for their enduring friendship and support.” The financial backing directed towards the Bold. Forward. Unbound. initiative in Rochester, specifically targeting the Marriott Family Atrium in the future Waterman Building, stands as a testament to the shared dedication towards hospitality and patient-centered care.

This generous donation underscores a significant commitment to enhancing both the physical and digital patient experiences, expediting medical discoveries and treatments, while ensuring continuous personalized care for patients globally.

In addition to their remarkable contributions to healthcare, it’s worth recognizing the invaluable legacy of Donna Marriott, who passed away on December 30, 2025, at 90. A dedicated advocate, she devoted 55 years of service to the American Heart Association and was appointed a Kennedy Center trustee by President George W. Bush.

Bill Marriott, serving as executive chairman emeritus of Marriott International Inc., alongside Dick Marriott, now chairman of Host Hotels & Resorts, have continued to follow in their parents’ philanthropic footsteps. Their impactful gifts support numerous areas including healthcare, arts, and early childhood education.

The ongoing partnership between the Marriott family and Mayo Clinic stands as an inspiring example of leadership, compassion, and the capacity for collective impact in healthcare. Mayo Clinic recognizes the Marriott foundations as Philanthropic Partners, its utmost honor for benefactors.

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