The Duke Endowment enriches lives and strengthens communities in North Carolina and South Carolina.

We support grantees as they nurture children, promote health, educate minds and uplift spirits

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Child & Family Well-Being

All children deserve to grow up safe from maltreatment, supported by nurturing families and caring adults. The Duke Endowment is dedicated to enabling children in the Carolinas to live successful lives.

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Health Care

The Duke Endowment believes that maintaining good health over time is dependent on a person’s ability to lead a healthy lifestyle and access essential health care services.

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Higher Education

The Duke Endowment supports the four institutions named in Mr. Duke’s Indenture of Trust: Davidson College, Duke University, Furman University and Johnson C. Smith University.

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Rural Church

We are committed to preserving the pivotal role churches play in rural communities. The Duke Endowment supports clergy and congregations — ensuring they have the tools they need to walk faithfully together — as they strengthen rural areas.

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Additional Focus

Through other Endowment initiatives, and particularly our strategic emphasis on early childhood, we respond to today’s needs and intervene early to keep tomorrow’s problems from taking root.

Drawing Strength

We faced a host of challenges in 2021. Even as vaccinations spread and hospitalization rates fell, the impact of COVID-19 remained devastating. Amid all the struggles, however, we at The Duke Endowment have been inspired by the will and determination countless individuals have shown to keep their families safe, their communities healthy and their organizations together.

Read Our 2021 Annual Report

Our Commitment to Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

We are systematically reviewing our grantmaking and organizational culture through the lens of racial equity, diversity and inclusion to better understand and fight the damaging effects of historic inequities and systemic bias across our work.

Learn More

Our Strategic Focus on Ages Zero to Eight 

We believe that a good beginning for children bodes well for their lives as adults and for their communities. The Endowment seeks strong starts for more children.

Learn More

Latest News & Stories

Get the latest from the Endowment and read more about the impact of the work being done by our grantees and individuals in the field

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Strengthening Families Program Celebrates Children and Caregivers Growing Together

The Strengthening Families Program (SFP) is an evidence-based, family-strengthening prevention program, but simply put, it is a special — and often life-changing — opportunity for families to grow together.

June 2, 2023 | Children's Trust of South Carolina

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Empowering Youth Voice to Enhance Positive Child Welfare Outcomes

One young woman's journey from foster care to adulthood shows the importance of incorporating youth feedback into child welfare programming.

May 31, 2023

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Finding the Right Family Match for Children in Foster Care

One child welfare organization's emphasis on carefully matching foster families and children is paying off in strong positive outcomes.

May 22, 2023

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North Carolina and Western NC Conferences Receive Duke Endowment Grant Exceeding $10 Million

The two conferences of the United Methodist Church have each received a grant from the Endowment to support the creation of new United Methodist faith communities and strengthen existing congregations within the UMC conferences.

May 17, 2023

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Faith & Food: Come To The Table In Action

Come to the Table’s mission is to empower faith communities to participate in the creation of a just food system through collaboration, capacity building, and advocacy.

May 16, 2023

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Program Gives Foster Parents Tools for Long-term Success

An evidence-based program is helping foster parents navigate the challenges of child-rearing and the child welfare system.

May 11, 2023

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Apply for a grant

Select 501(c)(3) organizations in North Carolina and South Carolina may be eligible for grants through The Duke Endowment.

Child & Family Well-Being Health Care Rural Church
Or Edit an Existing Application