Fostering Excellence Through Education

With a grant from The Duke Endowment, Johnson C. Smith University launched Metropolitan College as a way to help adults finish their undergraduate degrees.

In an increasingly competitive global environment, the need for exceptional educational experiences is critical. The Duke Endowment gives grants for undergraduate programs, scholarships, professorships and faculty, all with the goal of educating people whose future contributions will benefit society.

We work through select colleges and universities to advance the pursuit of educational excellence, make education more affordable for qualified students, and develop initiatives and programs to benefit local communities.

Expanding Opportunities to Research, Learn, Innovate and Achieve

2011 Grantmaking

In our work in higher education, the Endowment seeks to enrich lives on campuses and in communities through opportunities for academic achievement, community involvement and through sustainable construction of facilities. We work through the four select colleges and universities designated by our founder, James B. Duke: Davidson College, Duke University, Furman University and Johnson C. Smith University.

Dr. Ronald Carter, President of Johnson C. Smith University, describes the historical connection between The Duke Endowment and JCSU and the organizations' shared path for the future.
• Scholarship programs: Expand access to Endowment-supported schools through scholarships for academically qualified students.
• Faculty support: Increase the caliber and credentials of faculty through professional opportunities, recruiting activities, endowed chairs and professorships.
• Capital projects: Plan, design, construct, renovate, furnish and maintain facilities that support quality educational experiences. Explore green building practices that help model environmental stewardship for tomorrow's leaders.
• Student life: Improve learning opportunities for students through academics, research, culture, ethics, media, arts and collections of scholarly materials.
• Community engagement: Enrich learning experiences for students while sharing university assets through local partnerships and community programs.
• Academic excellence: Support special programs designed to expand student academic experiences and heighten scholastic achievement.

Higher Education 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, grantmaking will be limited. Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

Candidates for Grants

• Davidson College, Davidson, North Carolina
• Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
• Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina
• Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, North Carolina

More information for grantseekers is available on this site and in our Application Process Guide.

Higher Education Staff

• This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , President
• This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Associate Director

Higher Education staff can be reached at (704) 376-0291.