Grants Overview

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

The Endowment has awarded approximately $4.5 billion in grants since its inception, including over $1.5 billion to Duke University. As of December 31, 2022 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.

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 2022, The Duke Endowment approved $220.6 million in new commitments, some of which will be paid in future years. 392 grants for a total of $197.7 million were paid, some of which were commitments approved in previous years.

2022 Grantmaking

Grants Child Family Well Being
Grants Health Care
Grants Higher Education
Grants Rural Church
Grants Additional Focus
Grants Total Grantmaking
Grants New Commitments
Grants North and South Carolina
Grants Grants Made

View additional information in the 2022 Annual Grantmaking Overview and Annual Grantmaking Addendum.

Apply for a grant

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