About The Duke Endowment
Since 1924, The Duke Endowment has worked to help people and strengthen communities in North Carolina and South Carolina by nurturing children, promoting health, educating minds and enriching spirits.
Located in Charlotte, N.C., the Endowment seeks to fulfill the visionary genius and innovative legacy of James Buchanan Duke, one of the great industrialists and philanthropists of the 20th century. Mr. Duke established the Endowment in 1924 with $40 million. In 1925, it was expanded with an additional $67 million from his estate. Adjusted for present value, Mr. Duke’s total gifts would amount to almost $1.4 billion today.
It was by the stroke of his pen that James B. Duke created The Duke Endowment, and the integration of his signature as a graphic element in our logo underscores the legacy that is the foundation and guiding force of The Duke Endowment.
Governed by a board of trustees, Endowment staff conduct grantmaking according to guidelines in Mr. Duke’s original Indenture of Trust (pdf), a legal document that remains relevant and timely after nearly 100 years. In November 2011, Trustees approved six Guiding Principles for our work.
The Duke Endowment’s Indenture of Trust
Over 95 Years of History & Legacy
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.
Our Work
The Endowment has awarded more than $4.3 billion in grants since its inception, including over $1.5 billion to Duke University. With assets of $5.9 billion in 2021, the Endowment is one of the nation’s largest 501(c)(3) private foundations.
In addition to grantmaking work in four program areas, the Endowment shares its knowledge by publishing resources for grantees and other service organizations, including information about what we’re learning from our work in various publications, reports and evaluations. We also operate a fellowship program to cultivate emerging leaders in philanthropy.
Our Commitment to Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
The Duke Endowment is systematically reviewing our work through a racial equity, diversity and inclusion lens.
Apply for a grant
Select 501(c)(3) organizations in North Carolina and South Carolina may be eligible for grants through The Duke Endowment.