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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

100 Years of Commitment to the Carolinas

We are marking 100 years of The Duke Endowment: Established by James B. Duke and inspired by the people of the Carolinas, we invest in a vision for our shared future.

Celebrate With Us

Framing the Future

Decisions today become tomorrow’s reality. These visionary Endowment grantees are helping frame our collective future — from expanding health care and supporting foster families to improving education and connecting neighbors through healthy food. Together, we are making a powerful impact today and adding to the promise of tomorrow.

Read Our 2022 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

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

Blog

A Legacy of Leadership: Women of The Duke Endowment

In honor of Women's History Month, we explore and salute the work of past and present women leaders of The Duke Endowment.

March 28, 2024 | Charity L. Perkins

Blog

A Century of Intentional Support in Pursuit of Shared Opportunities in Higher Education

The Endowment's Director of Higher Education reflects on a century of support for the four institutions of higher learning named in our founder's philanthropic mandate.

February 28, 2024 | Kristi K. Walters

News

Former Church Buildings Find New Purpose

Congregations are banding together to repurpose empty churches as community pillars to address issues like housing.

February 14, 2024 | Public News Service

Blog

Make Giving and Getting Help Easier for Families and Caregivers

February is Family Support Awareness Month.

January 31, 2024 | Phillip H. Redmond Jr.

Blog

Celebrating 100 Years of Commitment to the Carolinas

The Duke Endowment was established a century ago by James B. Duke and continues to be inspired by the people of the Carolinas and a shared vision for our future.

January 18, 2024 | Eric E. Frazier

News

The Duke Endowment Celebrates a Century of Philanthropy to the Carolinas and Announces $175 Million in Higher Education Grants

The Duke Endowment announces plans to celebrate its centennial year throughout 2024.

January 17, 2024

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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