The Duke Endowment
The Duke Endowment is a private foundation based in Charlotte, an individual recipient Established in 1924 by James B. Duke, it works to improve life for people in two individual recipients through grantmaking in child and family well-being, health care, higher education and rural churches.
The Duke Endowment at a glance
In short: The Duke Endowment gave $251.2M across 480 grants in 2024 (avg $523K), mostly in North Carolina. 26% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $251,218,558
- +12.9% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 480
- +31.5% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $523,372
- -14.1% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $200,000
- Total assets
- $3,567,263,777
- +1.8% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 26% first-time grantees (47 of 180, 2024)
- Primary geography
- North Carolina (77% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Duke Endowment
- How to Apply
-
Submit a letter of inquiry or use the relevant program’s application process. The filing says no specific form is required for letters of inquiry; forms for formal applications are available on the Endowment’s website. Eligible inquiries may be referred to a program officer, who may request a full proposal and arrange meetings or site visits. Higher Education requests are developed through the four eligible institutions’ grant administration offices.
- Review Cycle
- The filing states there are no submission deadlines. Program-specific processes list Health Care pre-application deadlines of May 15 and November 15, followed by full-application deadlines of June 15 and December 15 if invited. Child & Family Well-Being pre-application deadlines are June 15 and December 15.
- Deadline
- The filing states there are no submission deadlines.
- Contact
Application contact: Mr Rhett N Mabry President
Mailing address: 800 East Morehead Street, Charlotte, NC 28202-4012
Phone: (704) 376-0291
Website: https://dukeendowment.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from The Duke Endowment
Duke Endowment: Child and Family Well-Being Grant
The Duke Endowment
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Duke Endowment: Rural Church Grants
The Duke Endowment
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
The Duke Endowment: Health Care Grant
The Duke Endowment
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who The Duke Endowment funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Duke University ($65.2M across 42 grants). Together the top 10 received $161.0M.
Organizations only. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($100,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
2,058 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $100–250K range: 780 grants of 2,058 (38%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Endowment describes its work as focused on two individual recipients In 2024, 77% of reported grant dollars went to recipients in an individual recipient and 19% to recipients in an individual recipient; the remaining reported shares went to New York (3%), Massachusetts (1%) and Illinois (0%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 480 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Duke Endowment open to new grantees?
26%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 47 of 180 grantees (26%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $486K; repeat grants $1.7M. How we count
Medians: $180K first-time, $250K repeat.
- 57% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 44% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 113% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $171.7M (2020) to $251.2M (2024). In 2024 it made 480 grants totaling $251.2M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Duke University Durham, NC | To commemorate the duke endowment's and duke university's shared centennial (expendable). | $6,808,000 |
| Duke University Health System Durham, NC | To continue to strengthen dukes capacity and reputation in the sciences by recruiting and retaining outstanding faculty for the university health system. | $6,750,000 |
| Duke University Durham, NC | To continue to strengthen dukes capacity and reputation in the sciences by recruiting and retaining outstanding faculty for the university. | $6,750,000 |
| Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Asheville, NC | To provide immediate relief in western North Carolina in the aftermath of hurricane helene. | $5,000,000 |
| Davidson College Davidson, NC | To commemorate the duke endowments centennial and expand student access and experiential learning. | $5,000,000 |
| Duke University Durham, NC | To commemorate the duke endowment's and duke university's shared centennial (capital). | $5,000,000 |
| Johnson C Smith University Charlotte, NC | To commemorate the duke endowments centennial, support for implementing the new strategic plan in coordination with the charlotte mayors racial equity campaign. | $5,000,000 |
| Furman University Greenville, SC | To continue to support strengthening and expanding the furman advantage. | $4,250,000 |
| Duke University Durham, NC | To endow a full professorship in the office of black church studies at duke divinity school. | $3,500,000 |
| Davidson College Davidson, NC | To support the renovation of the e.h. Little library. | $3,000,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Duke Endowment?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $3,567,263,777 | $370,592,635 | $301,842,921 | $251,218,558 | 480 | $276,183,294 | $280,395,231 | $244,585,499 |
| 2023 | $3,502,993,986 | $142,024,971 | $254,434,115 | $222,465,328 | 365 | $245,821,364 | $119,075,976 | $241,612,984 |
| 2022 | $3,619,520,233 | $497,718,591 | $255,056,319 | $212,293,248 | 418 | $231,629,972 | $413,641,371 | $257,696,614 |
| 2021 | $3,374,460,396 | $832,404,504 | $220,201,927 | $174,938,934 | 414 | $195,110,364 | $692,698,788 | $246,233,514 |
| 2020 | $2,769,856,640 | $163,153,625 | $208,170,047 | $171,714,056 | 381 | — | $233,802,129 | $181,031,026 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Duke Endowment reported a distributable amount of $244.6M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Endowment’s overarching goal is to improve life for people in two individual recipients Its four main areas are:
- Child & Family Well-Being: Supports work intended to help children grow up safe from maltreatment, including implementation of evidence-based and evidence-informed programs.
- Health Care: Supports efforts to improve health and access to care, including for vulnerable populations.
- Higher Education: Supports Davidson College, Duke University, Furman University and Johnson C. Smith University. Priorities include academic excellence, educational access and success, and community and campus engagement.
- Rural Church: Supports clergy and congregations working to strengthen rural communities, with a focus on United Methodist churches.
The Endowment also identifies early childhood as a strategic emphasis. Its eligible organizations and projects vary by program. For example, its Child & Family Well-Being program works through accredited organizations and other nonprofit groups in North and an individual recipient, while Higher Education grants are limited to the four named institutions.
Examples of grantees include Furman University, whose stated mission is to provide a distinctive liberal arts education, and Children’s Trust of an individual recipient, which says its mission is to strengthen families, organizations and communities to prevent child abuse and neglect. Feeding the Carolinas says its mission is to coordinate, support and advocate for member food banks across the Carolinas to address hunger.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the Endowment reported 480 grants totaling $251,218,558. Grants ranged from $7,000 to $6,808,000, with a median of $200,000. Its largest reported awards included:
The Endowment’s application and review process depends on the program area. Its filing describes letters of inquiry as requiring no specific form; eligible requests may be referred to a program officer, who may request a full proposal with a project description, budget, funding sources, board members and other relevant information. If a meeting is desirable, the program officer may arrange one, along with site visits or other conferences. Complete, eligible proposals may be taken to a committee of trustees. For Higher Education, prospective applicants should work through their institution’s grant administration office; the Endowment does not award grants to individuals. Health Care and Child & Family Well-Being use pre-applications, with invitations required to proceed to a full application.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Charles C. Lucas III as trustee and chair, and Dennis M. Campbell as trustee and vice-chair. Other listed trustees were William Barnet III, John Fav Cecil, Ravenel B. Curry III, Pamela Davies, Harris E. Deloach Jr., Allyson K. Duncan, J. Trent Jones and Constance F. Gray, who was listed as retired on December 31, 2024.
The Duke Endowment is led by Rhett N. Mabry, President on every filing since 2020; 20 of 21 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Rhett N. Mabry
President
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$601K (2020) → $731K (2024)
Charles C. Lucas III
Trustee & Chair
Trustee → Trustee & Chair, 2022
On filings since 2020
10 hrs/week
$160K (2020) → $191K (2024)
Clarence G. Newsome
Trustee
On filings since 2020
5.5 hrs/week
$160K (2020) → $191K (2024)
Constance F. Gray
Trustee
On filings since 2020
5.5 hrs/week
$160K (2020) → $191K (2024)
Dennis M. Campbell
Trustee & Vice Chair
On filings since 2020
5.5 hrs/week
$160K (2020) → $191K (2024)
Harris E. Deloach Jr.
Trustee
On filings since 2020
5.5 hrs/week
$160K (2020) → $191K (2024)
J. Trent Jones
Trustee
On filings since 2020
5.5 hrs/week
$160K (2020) → $191K (2024)
Jean G. Spaulding
Trustee & Vice Chair
On filings since 2020
5.5 hrs/week
$160K (2020) → $191K (2024)
John Fav Cecil
Trustee
On filings since 2020
5.5 hrs/week
$160K (2020) → $191K (2024)
Judy Woodruff
Trustee
On filings since 2020
5.5 hrs/week
$160K (2020) → $191K (2024)
Kenneth D. Weeks Jr.
Trustee
On filings since 2020
5.5 hrs/week
$160K (2020) → $80K (2024)
Minor M. Shaw
Trustee
Trustee & Chair → Trustee, 2022
On filings since 2020
5.5 hrs/week
$160K (2020) → $191K (2024)
Pamela Davies
Trustee
On filings since 2020
5.5 hrs/week
$134K (2020) → $191K (2024)
Ravenel B. Curry III
Trustee
On filings since 2020
5.5 hrs/week
$160K (2020) → $191K (2024)
William Barnet III
Trustee
On filings since 2020
5.5 hrs/week
$160K (2020) → $191K (2024)
Allyson K. Duncan
Trustee
On filings since 2021
5.5 hrs/week
$27K (2021) → $191K (2024)
Susan L. McConnell
Vice President & Director of Human Resources
Vice President, Director of Hr & Higher Executive Director → Vice President & Director of Human Resources, 2023
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$374K (2021) → $414K (2024)
William F. Bacon
Vice President & Director of Evaluation
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$316K (2021) → $409K (2024)
Cammie R. Hauptfuhrer
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
5.5 hrs/week
$48K (2024)
Karen H. Rogers
CFO, Treasurer & Secretary
CFO & Treasurer → CFO, Treasurer & Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$360K (2020) → $418K (2024)
See Stmt
N & A
On filings since 2022
No compensation reported
Former officers (2)
- Former: See Part Vii Explanation (2020–2021)
- Former: Thomas S. Kenan III (2020–2021) — Trustee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $731K, to Rhett N Mabry (President). 20 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Duke Endowment
How much does The Duke Endowment give each year?
The Duke Endowment gave $251.2M across 480 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $222.5M across 365 grants.
What is The Duke Endowment's typical grant size?
The Duke Endowment's median grant in 2024 was $200,000, and its average grant was $523,372, across 480 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Duke Endowment that year got $486K on average.
Where does The Duke Endowment give grants?
The Duke Endowment gives mostly in North Carolina: 77% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was South Carolina (19%). The most frequent recipient cities were Durham, NC (72 grants), Charlotte, NC (60 grants), Greenville, SC (30 grants) and Columbia, SC (29 grants).
Does The Duke Endowment give general operating support?
Yes: 11% of The Duke Endowment's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (52 of 480) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "To Support a Home Repair Ministry." (4 grants).
Who are The Duke Endowment's largest grantees?
The Duke Endowment's largest 2024 grantees include Duke University ($65,165,771 across 42 grants), Furman University ($16,731,440 across 19 grants) and Davidson College ($16,386,842 across 21 grants), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($100,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 39% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Duke Endowment?
The Duke Endowment reported $3.6B in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $276.2M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $244.6M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Duke Endowment fund?
The Endowment’s overarching goal is to improve life for people in two individual recipients Its four main areas are: See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Duke Endowment?
Submit a letter of inquiry or use the relevant program’s application process. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Duke Endowment's EIN?
The Duke Endowment's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 56-0529965. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Duke Endowment's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Duke Endowment funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 11, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-duke-endowment-morg_b02541c98de443dcabb86f70f643edd4
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_560529965_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Duke Endowment funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-duke-endowment-morg_b02541c98de443dcabb86f70f643edd4},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-11. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from The Duke Endowment's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
The Duke Endowment down — hundreds of funders to go?