Frequently Asked Questions

Mary Piepenbring, a Vice President at The Duke Endowment, discusses the impact and focus of the Endowment's work supporting health care in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Who is eligible for Health Care grants?

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

• Not-for-profit hospitals
• Not-for-profit health organizations in a county without a not-for-profit hospital
• Academic health centers
• North Carolina Area Health Education Centers and South Carolina Area Health Education Centers

What kinds of projects does the Endowment fund?

Three broad categories define how we fund efforts aimed at improving health.

1. Replicating success grants reflect the value we place on proven programs and effective practices that address access to equitable and quality health care.
2. Strengthening organizations grants reflect our commitment to investing in building the infrastructure of effective enterprises and institutions. In our efforts to improve health care 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 for supporting hospitals and health care providers are lacking. Possible grant requests for this category may include evaluating new models or testing strategies to enhance a promising practice.

When can I submit applications for Health Care grants?

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, consideration will be given to programs directed at providing essential health services and health care for the uninsured.

We encourage you to check our site periodically for grantmaking updates. For more information, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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 James B. 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.