The Duke Endowment Fellowship

The Duke Endowment Fellowship honors Mr. Duke's visionary philanthropy. Created in 2005, the Fellowship is a full-time, two-year experience that cultivates emerging leaders and encourages creative thinking in the philanthropic sector. Click here to view a PDF of the Fellowship brochure.

Fellows are exposed to all aspects of philanthropy in the Endowment's four focus areas (higher education, health care, child welfare and rural church). Access to the Endowment's executive leadership, in combination with a variety of personalized professional development opportunities, position Fellows to make meaningful contributions, not only to the Endowment, but also to the larger nonprofit community.
"The Fellowship is a wonderful opportunity
for me to learn about leadership,
get hands-on trainind and make some
extraordinary connections in the corporate,
nonprofit and educational sectors."
Kisha Payton - Fellow 2005-2007

Who can participate? Preference will be given to those who:

• Are in the early stages of their career
• Have demonstrated interest in the nonprofit sector
• Have exhibited leadership potential in civic and/or professional life

What are the qualities of the ideal Fellow?

• Forward-thinking and innovative ― willing to challenge convention while respecting different points of view
• Motivated, energetic and self-directed
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Adept at communicating with individuals from diverse backgrounds and positions

What is the time commitment?

• Two years, full time (minimum 35 hours a week), usually beginning in August

How does it work?

Every day is different in the life of a Fellow. From meeting with local nonprofit leaders to attending a national conference on philanthropic trends, The Duke Endowment Fellowship is packed with rich experiences. A sampling includes:

• Hands-On Grantmaking – Fellows rotate through each of the four grantmaking divisions (higher education, health care, child welfare and rural church) for a full grant cycle (usually six months). They are involved in every aspect of the grantmaking process, from reviewing grant proposals from nonprofits seeking Endowment funding, to participating in follow-up site visits to the agencies.
• Administrative Shadowing – Fellows shadow the Endowment President and Division Directors to gain a better understanding of the work and challenges involved in leadership positions. In addition, Fellows are invited to attend numerous internal management meetings.
• Professional Development – Fellows design a program of professional development by tailoring grantmaking rotations and projects to their specific skills and interests. Information sessions and local and national conferences focusing on philanthropy round out a Fellow’s experience.
• Special Focus Project – Fellows have the opportunity to undertake a project meaningful to their personal and/or professional goals. This project can take a variety of forms, from facilitating an innovative collaboration in the nonprofit sector to lending time and expertise to a nonprofit supported by the Endowment.

"The Duke Endowment Fellowship has
afforded me the opportunity to personalize
my experiences and projects to fit
my interests and passions. I'm getting a
behind-the-scenes look at how a foundation
operates while contributing to the
Endowment's four grantmaking divisions
through projects and conferences."
Margaret Andrews - Fellow 2006-2008

How is the Fellow compensated?

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

How does the selection process work?

• The Fellowship Selection Committee, composed of Endowment staff, reviews applications and selects the recipient.
• Up to ten finalists will be interviewed by telephone and the top three will then be invited for a panel review at the offices of The Duke Endowment in Charlotte, N.C.
• Final decisions will be made by the spring.