COMMITTED TO
THE CAROLINAS

Marking a Century of Giving

Commemorating our first century and looking ahead to the next, we intend to invest up to $5 billion over the next 15 years as we advance opportunities, accelerate progress, enrich lives and strengthen communities.

Visit Our Centennial Site Read the Press Release

The Duke Endowment seeks to enrich lives and communities across North Carolina and South Carolina by supporting grantees as they nurture children, promote health, educate minds and uplift spirits. 

Child family well being

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

Health Care

The Duke Endowment believes that all people can achieve their best health when communities are designed to support healthy lifestyles and when our health care system is able to engage patients and provide holistic care that meets the unique needs of each individual.

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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.

Committed to the Carolinas: Reflections on a Century

To mark the 100th anniversary of our commitment to the Carolinas, The Duke Endowment connected with many grantee partners from across our history to hear and tell stories about the impact of Mr. Duke’s legacy. Some of the stories were personal; the whole experience was profound. In this 2023 Annual Report, we’ve spotlighted some of those grantees, who tell their stories — in their own voices.

Read Our 2023 Annual Report

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

News 800 East Moorehead

The Duke Endowment Plans To Give At Least $1.9 Billion To 4 Colleges Over 15 Years

The Duke Endowment plans to distribute up to $5 billion in grants in North Carolina and South Carolina over the next 15 years, including support for four higher education institutions.

December 18, 2024 | Forbes

News Amanda Stroud CO

The Duke Endowment celebrates 100 years, pledges to give $5 billion in grants

The Duke Endowment announced it's intent to give away $5 billion in grants across the Carolinas over the next 15 years as part of 100th anniversary.

December 18, 2024 | The Charlotte Observer

News Duke Endowment building sign 1

Duke Endowment celebrates 100th year with big boost in grantmaking

The Duke Endowment will distribute $5 billion over the next 15 years, about $1 billion more than its current projected philanthropy.

December 18, 2024 | Business North Carolina

News James B Duke

Duke Endowment Pledges $1.9 Billion to 4 Colleges

The Duke Endowment plans to distribute up to $5 billion in grants in North Carolina and South Carolina over the next 15 years, including support for four higher education institutions.

December 18, 2024 | Inside Higher Ed

News Charlie Lucas Announcement

At 100 Years, the Duke Endowment Ups Payout, Stays Perpetual

In recognition of its 100th anniversary, The Duke Endowment will ramp up giving over the coming years.

December 18, 2024 | Inside Philanthropy

News The duke endowment intends to award up to 5 billion over 15 years full image

Duke Endowment intends to award up to $5 billion over 15 years

The Duke Endowment will distribute up to $5 billion in grants over 15 years across North Carolina and South Carolina.

December 18, 2024 | Philanthropy News Digest

See All

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