A landmark $5 million pledge from Florham Park-based Jacobs Levy Equity Management will establish the Jacobs Levy Clinical Research and Innovation Endowment, providing a perpetual stream of funding for the Atlantic Health Clinical Research and Innovation Institute (ACHRII). This transformative gift is set to significantly advance the prevention, diagnosis, study, and treatment of cancer across the Atlantic Health System, fostering a new era of patient-centered, cutting-edge oncology care.
Morristown, NJ – October 26, 2026 – In a monumental stride towards advancing cancer research and patient care, Atlantic Health System has announced a record-breaking $5 million pledge from Bruce Jacobs and Kenneth Levy, co-founders of the esteemed Jacobs Levy Equity Management. This generous contribution will establish the Jacobs Levy Clinical Research and Innovation Endowment, an initiative designed to provide sustainable, annual income for the Atlantic Health Clinical Research and Innovation Institute (ACHRII). The endowment’s unwavering financial support will empower ACHRII to drive forward critical research endeavors, ultimately enhancing the prevention, diagnosis, study, and treatment of cancer for patients throughout the Atlantic Health System.
This significant philanthropic investment arrives as Jacobs Levy Equity Management celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026, underscoring a long-standing commitment to community betterment. Over the past 25 years, the firm has demonstrably contributed over $1.4 million to various causes, including patient care and medical research, highlighting a deep-seated dedication to improving lives. The establishment of this endowment marks a pivotal moment, ensuring that the pursuit of innovative cancer solutions receives consistent and enduring financial backing.
The Foundation of a Sustainable Future: Understanding the Endowment’s Impact
The Jacobs Levy Clinical Research and Innovation Endowment is structured to generate annual income, a crucial element that guarantees a perpetual and sustainable source of funding for ACHRII. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the institute can plan and execute long-term research strategies without the uncertainty often associated with fluctuating funding cycles. The generated income will be strategically allocated to support a multifaceted research agenda, encompassing:
- Investigator-led studies: Empowering dedicated researchers to pursue groundbreaking ideas and hypotheses.
- Clinical trials: Facilitating the rigorous testing of novel therapies and diagnostic approaches in patient populations.
- Research aimed at improving patient outcomes: Directly translating scientific discoveries into tangible benefits for individuals battling cancer.
The impact of this endowment is expected to be far-reaching, touching multiple Atlantic Health sites and fostering a collaborative research environment. By providing consistent financial resources, the endowment will allow ACHRII to attract and retain top research talent, invest in state-of-the-art equipment and technologies, and pursue ambitious research projects that hold the potential to redefine cancer care.
A Chronicle of Commitment: Jacobs Levy Equity Management’s Philanthropic Journey
The $5 million pledge from Jacobs Levy Equity Management is not an isolated act of generosity but rather a testament to a sustained philanthropic legacy. The firm’s co-founders, Bruce Jacobs and Kenneth Levy, have consistently demonstrated a profound commitment to giving back to the communities they serve. Their contributions over the past quarter-century have touched various vital areas, including:
- Patient Care: Direct support for individuals receiving medical treatment, easing financial burdens and improving access to essential services.
- Medical Research: Funding for innovative studies and the development of new treatments, pushing the boundaries of medical knowledge.
- Community Initiatives: Investments in programs and organizations that strengthen the social fabric and well-being of the region.
This extensive history of philanthropy, culminating in the record-breaking endowment for cancer research, solidifies Jacobs Levy Equity Management’s position as a leading corporate citizen. Their dedication to improving health outcomes and advancing medical science serves as an inspiring model for other organizations.
Amplifying Innovation: ACHRII’s Vision for the Future
The Atlantic Health Clinical Research and Innovation Institute (ACHRII) stands at the forefront of patient-centered, translational, and clinical research. Its comprehensive research portfolio already encompasses a wide range of medical conditions, supported by both industry and federally sponsored clinical research. The influx of sustainable funding from the Jacobs Levy Endowment is poised to significantly amplify ACHRII’s capabilities and ambitions.
The endowment’s impact is anticipated to extend to early-stage oncology research and initiatives with the potential for significant future growth. This includes fostering the development of promising research concepts that could eventually attract external support through grants, industry partnerships, and commercialization efforts. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the endowment not only supports current research but also cultivates future breakthroughs.
Voices of Vision: Official Responses to the Transformative Gift
The announcement of the Jacobs Levy Clinical Research and Innovation Endowment has been met with immense enthusiasm and gratitude from leadership within Atlantic Health System.
Saad Ehtisham, President and CEO of Atlantic Health, a recent NJBIZ Executive Excellence honoree, expressed his profound appreciation for the transformative gift: "At Atlantic Health, we created AHCRII to help transform cutting-edge care into the standard of care through clinical research and innovation. This endowment strengthens that mission, accelerates the adoption of evidence-based discovery and improves care for patients." Ehtisham’s statement highlights the endowment’s direct alignment with the core mission of ACHRII and its potential to accelerate the translation of scientific findings into improved patient care.
The endowment’s ability to provide sustainable funding is a key factor in its potential for long-term impact. By ensuring a consistent revenue stream, ACHRII can embark on ambitious, long-term research projects that might otherwise be difficult to fund. This stability is crucial for fostering a robust research ecosystem and attracting leading scientific minds.
Implications for the Broader Healthcare Landscape
The generous endowment from Jacobs Levy Equity Management carries significant implications not only for Atlantic Health System and its patients but also for the broader healthcare landscape in New Jersey and beyond.
- Catalyst for Further Philanthropy: This record-breaking gift may inspire other corporations and individuals to increase their philanthropic support for medical research and healthcare initiatives.
- Advancement of Cancer Care: The sustained funding for ACHRII is expected to lead to tangible advancements in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, potentially setting new benchmarks for patient outcomes.
- Economic Impact: Investments in research and innovation often foster job creation, attract talent, and stimulate economic growth within the region.
- Model for Sustainable Research Funding: The endowment’s structure serves as a compelling model for how to ensure long-term, sustainable funding for critical research institutions, addressing a perennial challenge in the scientific community.
The recent addition of the TrueBeam photon therapy system to the Statesir Cancer Center at Atlantic Health CentraState Medical Center, announced on September 14, 2026, further underscores Atlantic Health’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art cancer treatment options. This technological advancement, coupled with the robust research funding secured by the Jacobs Levy Endowment, paints a comprehensive picture of Atlantic Health’s dedication to fighting cancer on all fronts – from cutting-edge treatment to groundbreaking discovery.
Furthermore, the news of this endowment follows another significant financial commitment from Crum & Forster to fund the new Crum & Forster Noninvasive Diagnostic Suite at Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center. This contribution, part of a larger $9 million fundraising campaign, represents the largest corporate donation in the history of the foundation for Morristown Medical Center. Such parallel investments in advanced medical technologies and research highlight a systemic dedication across Atlantic Health to enhancing patient care through significant financial backing. The proactive approach of New Jersey hospitals, including Atlantic Health, in investing millions in advanced heart care and other critical areas, as previously reported, demonstrates a robust commitment to the health and well-being of the state’s residents.
The establishment of the Jacobs Levy Clinical Research and Innovation Endowment is a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of strategic philanthropy. It signifies a profound belief in the potential of research to transform lives and a commitment to ensuring that the fight against cancer is powered by sustainable innovation and unwavering dedication. As ACHRII leverages this remarkable endowment, the future of cancer care at Atlantic Health System is poised for remarkable advancements, offering renewed hope and improved outcomes for countless patients.
