Grants
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Watch this informational video to learn more about grant eligibility and our new online application or download the PDF for a hard copy.

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
Take our eligibility questionnaire to learn about your organization's qualifications.

Eligible organizations will be guided to the online application that best matches their program's objective.

The Duke Endowment funds grants in three broad categories: Replicating Success, Strengthening Organizations and Advancing Innovation.

Log in and apply online

If you are a current grantee with a username and password, log in to our online grant application system to access your grant applications and reports. If not, begin with the eligibility questionnaire and you'll be directed to the appropriate application and guided with next steps. Every time you submit a new application, you must start with the eligibility questionnaire.

Resources for Applying for Grants

Application Process Overviews

Replicating Success Grant Application Guidelines

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 Innovations 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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2008 Annual Report

Extending our reach – collaborating in tough economic times. View the annual report.

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Safe Babies

The Period of PURPLE Crying program educates parents on understanding and coping with crying infants.

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Dream School

The Davidson Trust has been a key for Eissabeth Dizon to be able to attend the school of her dreams.

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Mental and Physical Care

Offering mental health services at the doctor's office is helping to reach more people.

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Child Care Outreach

Offering needed child care services helps one church triple attendance.

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