Grants
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For Grantseekers

We focus our expertise and resources on vulnerable children, health care, higher education and rural United Methodist churches in North Carolina and South Carolina, balancing direct aid in the present with strategic investment for the future.

Current Grants Status

The Duke Endowment, like many philanthropic organizations has experienced a decline in assets due to the recent events in the financial markets. The downturn has impacted our ability to fund new grants. Until economic conditions become more favorable, grantmaking consideration will be limited. Please contact a Program Manager with questions.

As we face these challenging times, we will continuously evaluate our ability to support new initiatives aimed at improving life in the Carolinas.

Funding Opportunities

For those interested in applying for a grant, please review the information below.

Grant Application Guidelines and Process

Determine your organization's eligibility

Select 501(c)(3) organizations in North Carolina and South Carolina may be eligible for grants in one of our four program areas:
The following are considered ineligible for funding:
  • Individuals
  • Organizations without a presence in North Carolina or South Carolina
  • Organizations with any legal status other than 501(c)(3)
  • Organizations that focus on areas other than child care, health care, or rural churches
  • Institutions of higher education other than Davidson College, Duke University, Furman University and Johnson C. Smith University

Apply for a Grant

If you are applying for a new grant, you must take our eligibility questionnaire; your answers will lead you to the application that best matches your program’s objectives. Start with the eligibility questionnaire every time you submit a new application (even if you are a returning grantee).

To access information about past applications, complete "in process applications" or submit required forms for current grants, log in to our online system with your unique username and password.

Resources for Applying for Grants

Application Process Overviews

Grantmaking and Funding Categories

Applications for grants to replicate success must focus on accomplishing work through proven programs or effective practices.

Proven Programs

The Duke Endowment defines "proven programs" as models or interventions that have at least two randomized control trials and have a sustained effect at least one year beyond the end of the treatment.

Proven Programs Application Guidelines for all program areas (pdf)

Effective Practices

The Duke Endowment defines "effective practices" as programs that have less than two randomized control trials, but have documented information (such as pre-test data, post-test data, or comparison group data) suggesting the intervention will produce positive results.

Strengthening Organizations Grant Application Guidelines

Applications for grants to strengthen organizations must focus on building the infrastructure of effective organizations.

Advancing Innovation Grant Application Guidelines

Applications for grants to advance innovation must focus on programs that test innovative approaches designed to outperform existing models.

Additional Resources for Grantseekers

 
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2010 Annual Report

A Journey Together highlights efforts that convened diverse groups of people for planning and learning.View the annual report.

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Demonstrating Impact

Two children's advocacy center directors share their experiences of evaluation.

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Make the Most of Life

James B. Duke Scholar Sally Morris enjoys Furman University's academic challenge and close-knit community.

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Nursing Success

The Nursing Resource Center helps students eager to fill a shortage in health care industry.

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In Good Health

Parish nurses like Sybil Perrell help church and community members improve their health.

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