Working Together
Collaboration always has been a part of The Duke Endowment's philosophy. But in these troubling economic times, we see even more that working together can create change and help us extend our reach across the Carolinas.
In the decades since James B. Duke created The Duke Endowment, his philanthropic vision has served as our constant guide. As directed by Mr. Duke's Indenture of Trust (pdf), we focus our resources on projects that will make a difference in children's services, health care, higher education and rural churches. His legacy has changed lives, built institutions and fostered innovation across North Carolina and South Carolina. The Endowment remains committed to efforts that strengthen the Carolinas and serve the people who live here.
In 2008, our region, along with the rest of the country, entered a period of economic downturn. Families face complex challenges; community need is growing. Many of the organizations we fund are struggling to find creative ways to maintain and advance their work. At the same time, our foundation and others like us seek strategic uses for grant dollars.
In preparing this report of our work at the Endowment, we decided to highlight collaborative efforts that have helped broaden our reach. In this section, you'll read about programs that tapped the resources and expertise of many people, often across state lines. With our partners, we worked to help campuses become more environmentally sustainable, to improve health care for the low-income uninsured, to deliver nutritious food to elderly neighbors, and to bring a well-regarded national program to more first-time mothers in the Carolinas.
 Eugene W. Cochrane Jr. and Russell M. Robinson II discuss the responsibilities of the Endowment in fulfilling the vision of James B. Duke and how new opportunities for collaboration are making a difference in the Carolinas.
The Endowment always has explored new ways to improve lives and communities through partnerships. Today, working together is even more important.
In 2008, we also focused on redesigning our website to highlight our grantees and their work. The issue-oriented site now features a searchable grants database and online grant applications. Part of our goal is to share our successes and challenges, hoping that other funders might benefit from our experiences.
We also note the passing of a nationally and internationally revered friend, John Hope Franklin. A renowned Duke University professor, he served on our board for 11 years as a distinguished and inspiring presence. Dr. Franklin died at age 94. We will sorely miss this great man.
As we close another chapter in Mr. Duke's legacy, we open the doors to new partnerships and innovative methods, and support work that brings lasting change. We continue to build on the solid foundation that he established. Especially in these challenging times, his extraordinary philanthropy inspires us.
2008 in Review
In light of this year's economy, we decided it would be prudent to trim our 2008 annual report and present a more compact printed version. Download the report and our financials (pdf), or explore this section of our site:
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