Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for child care grants?

The following North Carolina and South Carolina organizations are eligible to apply for Child Care grants:

• Accredited, licensed residential children's homes
• Accredited adoption placement agencies
• Accredited child advocacy centers
• Public sector child welfare agencies (under certain circumstances)
• Big Brothers/Big Sisters agencies
• Prevent Child Abuse of North Carolina and South Carolina (and their local affiliates)
• Children and Family Services Association–NC
• South Carolina Association of Children's Homes and Family Services
• Organizations replicating proven models listed below

What kinds of projects does the Endowment fund?

Three broad categories define how we fund efforts aimed at helping children. 

1. Replicating success grants reflect the value we place on proven programs and effective practices. As we work to address persistent social problems, expand individual opportunity and provide essential support, we value established approaches with clear records of success and replicable models, including:
   
   • Families and Schools Together (FAST)
   • Multisystemic Therapy (MST)
   • Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
   • Strengthening Families
   • The Incredible Years
   • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
   • Positive Parenting Program (Triple-P)
   Other proven approaches will be considered as well.
2. Strengthening organizations grants reflect our commitment to investing in building the infrastructure of effective organizations and institutions. In our efforts to improve facilities, systems, management and operations, we are particularly interested in supporting opportunities that show great promise for long-term gains.
3. Advancing innovation grants reflect our investment in projects that advance innovation when high-achieving, successful models are lacking.

When are grant applications due?

The Trustees of The Duke Endowment meet to review Child Care grant applications in June and December. Applications must be received by December 15 for consideration at the June meeting and June 15 for consideration at the December meeting.

Why does the Endowment only support programs in North Carolina and South Carolina?

We exist to fulfill the legacy of North Carolina industrialist and philanthropist James B. Duke. All grantmaking at the Endowment is guided by an Indenture of Trust(pdf) in which Mr. Duke set forth specific funding guidelines that focused on children, rural churches, health care and higher education in the Carolinas. While our trustees have full discretion over year-to-year disbursements, all grants must be made in accord with the wishes of Mr. Duke that they support lives and communities in North Carolina and South Carolina.

My organization is starting a child care program/early education program/afterschool program. Can we apply for a grant?

The Endowment awards grants in North Carolina and South Carolina only to eligible organizations. Grants are available for child day-care centers, early education programs, or after-school programs only if they are affiliated with one of these organizations.

The Endowment's Rural Church program area also makes grants to rural United Methodist churches in North Carolina that are operating child care programs, but it cannot make grants to churches of other denominations. If your rural United Methodist church is interested in a future grant for a church-operated child care program, please contact our Rural Church program area. Due to the current economic situation, however, the Endowment is not accepting new grant applications.

Does the Endowment make grants for public school programs?

No. Our child care grants can be made only to eligible organizations.

Does the Endowment ever make child care grants to organizations outside the traditional beneficiary list?

Sometimes. Occasionally the Endowment will launch an initiative that is open to non-traditional beneficiaries.

How much will the Endowment contribute in a child care grant for a capital project?

Such grants typically cannot exceed 10 percent of the total project cost, and 60 percent of funds necessary for the project must already be committed before the Endowment will award a grant.

My organization also serves children at risk for abuse and neglect. Are we eligible for a grant?

While there are many worthwhile organizations working on behalf of children's welfare, The Duke Endowment has chosen to focus its efforts only on the eligible organizations previously mentioned. This choice is consistent with Mr. Duke's goal of achieving the maximum benefit through grantmaking in narrowly defined areas. As he wrote in his Indenture of Trust(pdf), broader grantmaking "probably would be productive of less good by reason of attempting too much."

Our residential facility serves some children from the Carolinas, but we are located in another state. Are we eligible for a grant?

No. In keeping with Mr. Duke's directions, residential facilities must be located in the Carolinas to be eligible.

We are starting a group home for children. Is it eligible for support?

Yes, after it has been licensed and accredited.

What types of accreditation does the Endowment require for children's welfare agencies?