Kresge Eye Institute is established through a $612,000 gift for ophthalmological research, education and “better care for indigent eye patients.” The foundation continues to fund it for 20 years until it is made part of Wayne State University in 1968.

On its 25th anniversary, the foundation makes a commitment of up to $3 million to the University of Michigan to build a medical research building, representing its first commitment topping $1 million.

Kresge makes a $6,500 grant to the $1.3 million campaign of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).

On behalf of Wayne (State) University, the foundation purchases the complete Hooker Scientific Library, a globally significant collection of more than 21,000 volumes of contemporary and early scientific periodicals from around the world. To house the collection, Kresge grants the university $1 million in 1947 for the construction of the Kresge Science Library. The building … Continue reading 1943

Kresge makes its first medical grant to the University of Michigan. The $15,000 award over three years supports the university’s research on the common cold.

The first conditional grant with a specified challenge deadline is made to the College of the Ozarks to relieve its mortgage debt, provided $54,000 is also raised by the institution.