Grants Overview

We make grants to support effective programs and practices, enable innovation and strengthen existing systems and organizations.

The Endowment has awarded approximately $5 billion in grants since its inception, including over $1.9 billion to Duke University. As of December 31, 2024, our assets were $5 billion — making the Endowment one of the nation’s largest 501(c)(3) private foundations. Today, more than 80 percent of our total spending goes to grantmaking.

2024 Giving Chart

The Duke Endowment Supports

Indenture program area

We work through select North Carolina and South Carolina organizations to:

  • Ensure children grow up in families safe from maltreatment
  • Improve the health of Carolinians
  • Advance high-value education for students
  • Preserve the pivotal role United Methodist churches play in rural communities

In 2023, The Duke Endowment approved $209.8 million in new commitments, some of which will be paid in future years. 355 grants for a total of $155.4 million were paid, some of which were commitments approved in previous years.

2023 Grantmaking

2023 Grant Paid
2023 New Commitments

View additional information in the Annual Grantmaking Addendum.