Read Time: 3 minutes
The , , and honored the Huntsman Family Foundation with its Spirit of Giving Award at the 2024 Utah Philanthropy Day luncheon. This honor is bestowed on Utah organizations that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to philanthropy and community service by providing direct financial support and inspiring others to embrace charitable leadership roles—all while exemplifying outstanding stewardship.
The Huntsman Family Foundation’s transformative generosity has advanced numerous organizations, including the (the U), Huntsman Cancer Institute, and Huntsman Mental ǿմý Institute (HMHI).
The Huntsman Family Foundation's support has been crucial in advancing cancer research and bringing groundbreaking new treatments to Huntsman Cancer Institute. In 1995, Jon M. Huntsman, Sr., founded Huntsman Cancer Foundation to ensure that Huntsman Cancer Institute would have the sustained support needed to realize its mission to end cancer.
“Huntsman Cancer Institute simply would not be able to carry on its vital work of pioneering cancer research, educating the next generation, and world-class patient care without the Huntsman Family Foundation’s unwavering support. Their partnership is essential to our mission and has a direct impact on our ability to serve patients and advance cancer research.”
CEO of Huntsman Cancer Institute
The foundation's contributions have funded critical programs and infrastructure, helping the institute expand to more than one million square feet of state-of-the-art cancer research and care space. It is the first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the region.
“Their support has been instrumental in elevating our academic and clinical strengths across diverse fields, reinforcing our role as a leading cancer and mental health research institution. This partnership allows us to make a greater impact on our students, patients, and the communities we serve.”
President of the U
Additionally, Huntsman Cancer Institute is soon breaking ground on a comprehensive cancer campus in Vineyard, Utah, to enhance access and impact for more communities in the state and region. To catalyze this vision, the Huntsman Family Foundation announced a lead-matching gift of $75 million in June 2023. This generous gift was followed by extraordinary support from the State of Utah and others.
Beyond their commitment to end cancer, the Huntsman Family Foundation is devoted to challenging mental health stigmas, a cause that is deeply personal. In 2021, HMHI was established following the foundation's historic $150 million gift to the U.
“The work of the Huntsman Mental ǿմý Foundation supports University of Utah ǿմý work across the community and the nation. Those efforts have included supporting the soon-to-open Mental ǿմý Crisis Care Center, the 2026 Utah Translational Research Building, ongoing research programs, faculty endowments, patient care program support, educational opportunities, and more.”
Mark Rapaport, MD
CEO of HMHI
In October 2023, another milestone moment occurred when HMHI broke ground on the new Utah Mental ǿմý Translational Research Building. Located just east of HMHI in Research Park, this building is dedicated to advancing mental health research and clinical care and is scheduled to open in 2026. The lifesaving work of HMHI is fueled by the Huntsman Mental ǿմý Foundation, an organization established by the Huntsman Family Foundation to fundraise and support the mission of HMHI.
“The collective impact of the Huntsman Family Foundation on health and healing cannot be overstated. The Huntsman Mental ǿմý Institute, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah ǿմý, and countless other faculty, students, and endeavors have been fueled by both the Huntsman Family Foundation’s direct philanthropy and their work to inspire a community of giving.”
CEO of University of Utah ǿմý and senior vice president of health sciences
Additionally, HMHI recently partnered with the Ad Council on a to address the mental health crisis in the U.S. and to combat stigma through national PSA communications, virtual and in-person events, and free digital resources.
Media Contact
Heather Simonsen
Public Affairs Senior Manager
Huntsman Cancer Institute
801 581-3194
public.affairs@hci.utah.edu
About Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah
Huntsman Cancer Institute at the is the National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center for Utah, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming. With a legacy of innovative cancer research, groundbreaking discoveries, and world-class patient care, we are transforming the way cancer is understood, prevented, diagnosed, treated, and survived. Huntsman Cancer Institute focuses on delivering the most advanced cancer healing and prevention through scientific breakthroughs and cutting-edge technology to advance cancer treatments of the future beyond the standard of care today. We have more than 300 open clinical trials and 250 research teams studying cancer. More genes for inherited cancers have been discovered at Huntsman Cancer Institute than at any other cancer center. Our scientists are world-renowned for understanding how cancer begins and using that knowledge to develop innovative approaches to treat each patient’s unique disease. Huntsman Cancer Institute was founded by Jon M. and Karen Huntsman.