Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for Rural Church grants?

The following North Carolina organizations are eligible to apply for Rural Church grants:

• United Methodist Churches that serve North Carolina communities of fewer than 1,500 people
• The North Carolina and Western North Carolina conferences and districts of the United Methodist Church
• Duke University Divinity School
• Retired United Methodist pastors and their families on record with the North Carolina and Western North Carolina conferences

See the list (pdf) of eligible United Methodist Churches in North Carolina.

What kinds of projects does the Endowment fund?

Three broad categories define how we fund efforts supporting rural churches.

1. Replicating success grants reflect the value we place on proven programs and strategies. 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. Possible grant requests for this application could include, but are not limited to, programs that support:
   
   • Work with affordable housing
   • Child care programs focused on school readiness
2. Strengthening organizations grants reflect our commitment to investing in building the infrastructure of effective rural churches. In our efforts to improve eligible United Methodist Church facilities and ministries, we are particularly interested in supporting opportunities that show great promise for long-term gains. Possible grant requests for this application could include, but are not limited to, programs that support:
   
   • Sanctuary, education and multi-purpose facilities construction and renovation projects
   • Food ministries
3. Advancing innovation grants reflect our investment in projects that advance innovation when high-achieveing, successful models are lacking. Possible grant requests for this category may include programs or services that are not evidence-based.

Will the Endowment help fund sanctuary, education and multi-purpose facilities construction or renovation?

Yes, applicants seeking funding for construction or renovation may qualify for strengthening organizations grants, but are required to follow a multi-step process before submitting an application or breaking ground.

STEP 1. Review the Readiness Checklist.

STEP 2. Complete and return the Preliminary Planning Guide (formerly called Study Guide).

STEP 3. Agree to comply with the Terms of Agreement.

STEP 4. Schedule a site visit.

STEP 5. Submit preliminary schematic drawings.

STEP 6. Receive a letter from the Endowment approving eligibility to begin construction

STEP 7. Inform the Endowment of construction contract.

STEP 8. Complete the online application.

When are grant applications due?

Generally, the Trustees of The Duke Endowment meet to review Rural Church 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 is Rural Church accepting only certain grant applications at this time?

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. Existing funding commitments will be honored; however, until economic conditions become more favorable, consideration will be given to programs that focus on church based child care, affordable housing, food and hunger, and leadership development.

Why does the Endowment only support rural United Methodist Churches in North Carolina?

Our founder, James B. Duke, was raised in a Methodist family, and he saw and appreciated the impact that churches and their pastors had on rural North Carolina communities. The Dukes were strong supporters of the church and of its various activities. They understood that in rural areas, churches were often the strongest and most effective community institutions.

Does the Endowment award grants to other Methodist denominations, such as Evangelical Methodist or African Methodist Episcopal churches?

No. In keeping with Mr. Duke's instructions, rural church grants can be made only to United Methodist churches.

How do retired United Methodist pastors apply for pension grants from the Endowment?

No application is needed. These grants are made annually to eligible pastors and their families on record with the North Carolina Annual Conference or the Western North Carolina Annual Conference.

Will the Endowment help start a child day care or after-school program?

Yes, as long as the program is operated by an eligible beneficiary [see Guide to Beginning a Child Care Ministry (pdf)].