Cultivating Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy

Margaret Andrews, Elizabeth Ireland and Leah Hambright discuss their Fellowship experiences at The Duke Endowment.

Created in 2005, The Duke Endowment's fellowship program honors Mr. Duke's vision of philanthropy by giving emerging leaders a unique opportunity in the philanthropic sector. The Fellowship is a full-time, two-year experience that encourages creative thinking and leadership development. Fellows typically begin their work at the Endowment in August.

Fellows are exposed to all aspects of philanthropy in the Endowment's four program areas. Fellows rotate through each area, giving them experience with many different issues across the Carolinas. Access to the Endowment's executive leadership and a variety of personalized professional development opportunities allow Fellows to make meaningful contributions, not only to the Endowment, but also to the larger nonprofit community.

Current Fellow

Leah N. Hambright

2008-2010 Fellow

Leah started at the Endowment in 2008 after receiving a master's in social work from the University of South Carolina. She completed her undergraduate work at N.C. State University, where she graduated cum laude with a degree in social work and a minor in Spanish. While at N.C. State, Leah pursued her interest in child welfare and advocacy by interning at Dorothea Dix Hospital, SAFEchild of N.C., Congressman Brad Miller's office and the National Association of Social Workers-N.C. Chapter. She also spent two summers studying social work and Spanish in Guatemala and Peru.

Leah's desire to be involved in direct service led her to Charleston, S.C., in June 2005, where she became a student support specialist for Communities in Schools of Charleston, a dropout prevention agency. During her three years there, she supervised an after-school program, developed workshops for parents, organized volunteers and solicited support from the business community.

Contact information: 704.969.2126 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Applying for a Fellowship

Candidates for Fellowships

When selecting a fellow, preference will be given to those who:

• Have demonstrated interest in the nonprofit sector
• Have exhibited leadership potential in civic and/or professional life

• $43,000 the first year and $46,000 the second year, plus paid vacation.
• Benefits including life, medical and dental insurance and participation in the Endowment's 401(k) plan
• Stipend for moving expenses
• Travel reimbursement (the Endowment funds programs in both rural and urban North Carolina and South Carolina, so moderate travel is required.)

Our application deadline for the 2010-2012 Fellowship was December 15, 2009. Please check back this summer for information about 2011-2013 Fellowship.

More Information

Browse former Fellow profiles and frequently asked questions or download our brochure to learn more about our Fellowship program.