The Duke Endowment
The Duke Endowment is a private foundation established in 1924 by James Buchanan Duke, one of the great industrialists and philanthropists of the 20th century. Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, the Endowment operates as a 501(c)(3) organization and is governed by a board of trustees. The organization conducts grantmaking according to guidelines in James B. Duke's original Indenture of Trust, a legal document that continues to guide the foundation's work more than 100 years after its creation.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$3.6B
+1.8% YoY
Annual Giving
$251.2M
+12.9% YoY
Grant Count
480
+31.5% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$523K
-14.1% YoY
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.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Duke Endowment works to help people and strengthen communities in North Carolina and South Carolina by nurturing children, promoting health, educating minds, and enriching spirits.
The foundation supports work in four primary program areas defined in James B. Duke's Indenture of Trust:
Child & Family Well-Being — The Endowment supports evidence-based and evidence-informed programs to ensure that vulnerable children are equipped to lead successful lives.
Health Care — The Endowment supports hospitals and health systems, reducing barriers to care and improving the health of Carolinians.
Education — The Endowment advances high-value education for students.
Rural United Methodist Churches — The Endowment works to preserve the pivotal role United Methodist churches play in rural communities.
In November 2011, Trustees approved six Guiding Principles to further direct the organization's work.
Grantmaking
The Duke Endowment has awarded more than $5 billion in grants since its inception, including over $1.9 billion to Duke University.
Grant Range
$200,000
How to Apply
**
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Duke Endowment focuses its grantmaking exclusively on North Carolina and South Carolina.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of December 31, 2024:
- Total Assets: $3,567,263,777
- Net Assets: $3,475,915,883
- Total Liabilities: $91,347,894
Fiscal Year 2024 (Form 990-PF):
- Revenue: $370,592,635
- Expenses: $301,842,921
- Net Income: $68,749,714
- Charitable Disbursements: $276,183,294 (91.5% of total expenses)
- Officer Compensation: $5,530,936 (1.8% of total expenses)
Revenue Sources (2024):
- Dividends: $100,799,619
- Sales of Assets: $269,793,016
Historical Giving:
- 2024: $193,122,406 in grants (392 grants, average $492,659)
- 2023: $170,342,540 in grants (300 grants, average $567,808)
- 2021: $116,843,951 in grants (308 grants, average $379,363)
The Endowment ranks in the top 1% of foundations by assets and is ranked #32 among all U.S. foundations.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $3,567,263,777 | $3,502,993,986 | $3,619,520,233 |
| Revenue | $370,592,635 | $142,024,971 | $497,718,591 |
| Expenses | $301,842,921 | $254,434,115 | $255,056,319 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $276,183,294 | $245,821,364 | $231,629,972 |
| Net Investment Income | $280,395,231 | $119,075,976 | $413,641,371 |
| Distributable Amount | $244,585,499 | $241,612,984 | $257,696,614 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
250 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from The Duke Endowment
Duke Endowment: Child and Family Well-Being Grant
THE DUKE ENDOWMENT
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Duke Endowment: Rural Church Grants
THE DUKE ENDOWMENT
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
The Duke Endowment: Health Care Grant
THE DUKE ENDOWMENT
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Blue Meridian Partners Inc ($2,000,000), Amy Wellness Foundation ($1,050,000), American Red Cross ($1,000,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ADULTS WORKING AND ADVOCATING FOR KIDS EMPOWERMENT (AWAKE) SYLVA, NC | TO DEVELOP A COLLABORATIVE THERAPEUTIC MODEL TO ADDRESS THE MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS OF YOUTH IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. | $50,000 |
| ADULTS WORKING AND ADVOCATING FOR KIDS EMPOWERMENT (AWAKE) SYLVA, NC | TO DEVELOP A COLLABORATIVE THERAPEUTIC MODEL TO ADDRESS THE MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS OF YOUTH IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. | $50,000 |
| ADVENTHEALTH HENDERSONVILLE HENDERSONVILLE, NC | TO ESTABLISH A SHORT-TERM INPATIENT TREATMENT PROGRAM TO ADDRESS ACUTE MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. | $200,000 |
| ALBEMARLE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION ELIZABETH CITY, NC | TO EXPAND A COMMUNITY NETWORK OF CARE FOR THE LOW-INCOME, UNINSURED IN PASQUOTANK AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES. | $200,000 |
| ALLENDALE COUNTY HOSPITAL FAIRFAX, SC | TO IMPLEMENT A FOOD IS MEDICINE INITIATIVE THAT INCLUDES A HEALTHY FOOD PHARMACY AND A PILOT INTERVENTION AMONG PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES. | $90,000 |
| ALLENDALE COUNTY HOSPITAL FAIRFAX, SC | TO ESTABLISH A HEALTHY PEOPLE, HEALTHY CAROLINAS COALITION TO INCREASE CAPACITY AND IMPROVE POPULATION HEALTH IN ALLENDALE COUNTY. | $100,000 |
| AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY FOR COVER SC KENNESAW, NC | PROVIDED VIA AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY TO COVER SC, A COALITION THAT WILL ADVOCATE FOR MEDICAID EXPANSION IN SOUTH CAROLINA. | $85,000 |
| AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES (AIR) CHAPEL HILL, NC | TO EVALUATE AND BUILD EVIDENCE FOR THE RURAL CHURCH SUMMER LITERACY INITIATIVE PROGRAM MODEL IN 2023 AND 2024. | $92,845 |
| AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES (AIR) CHAPEL HILL, NC | TO EVALUATE AND BUILD EVIDENCE FOR THE RURAL CHURCH SUMMER LITERACY INITIATIVE PROGRAM MODEL IN 2023 AND 2024. | $679,302 |
| AMERICAN RED CROSS CHARLOTTE, NC | TO PROVIDE IMMEDIATE RELIEF IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA AND THE UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA IN THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE HELENE. | $1,000,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Board of Trustees (as of 2024):
- Charles C Lucas III (Chair)
- Dennis M Campbell (Vice-Chair)
- Jean G Spaulding (Vice-Chair)
- William Barnet III
- John Fav Cecil
- Ravenel B Curry III
- Pamela Davies
- Harris E Deloach Jr
- Allyson K Duncan
- J Trent Jones
- Clarence G Newsome
- Minor M Shaw
- Kenneth D Weeks Jr
The foundation employs 64 staff members and is likely staffed with dedicated personnel based on reported board members and key employees.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| WILLIAM BARNET III | TRUSTEE | 5.5 | $191,048 |
| DENNIS M CAMPBELL | TRUSTEE/VICE-CHAIR | 5.5 | $191,048 |
| JOHN FAV CECIL | TRUSTEE | 5.5 | $191,048 |
| RAVENEL B CURRY III | TRUSTEE | 5.5 | $191,048 |
| PAMELA DAVIES | TRUSTEE | 5.5 | $191,048 |
| HARRIS E DELOACH JR | TRUSTEE | 5.5 | $191,048 |
| ALLYSON K DUNCAN | TRUSTEE | 5.5 | $191,048 |
| CONSTANCE F GRAY | TRUSTEE (RETIRED ON 12/31/2024) | 5.5 | $191,048 |
| J TRENT JONES | TRUSTEE | 5.5 | $191,048 |
| CHARLES C LUCAS III | TRUSTEE/CHAIR | 10 | $191,048 |
| CLARENCE G NEWSOME | TRUSTEE | 5.5 | $191,048 |
| MINOR M SHAW | TRUSTEE | 5.5 | $191,048 |
| JEAN G SPAULDING | TRUSTEE/VICE-CHAIR | 5.5 | $191,048 |
| KENNETH D WEEKS JR | TRUSTEE (RETIRED ON 5/31/2024) | 5.5 | $79,603 |
| JUDY WOODRUFF | TRUSTEE | 5.5 | $191,048 |
| CAMMIE R HAUPTFUHRER | TRUSTEE (ELECTED ON 10/08/2024) | 5.5 | $47,762 |
| WILLIAM F BACON | VP & DIRECTOR OF EVALUATION | 40 | $408,782 |
| RHETT N MABRY | PRESIDENT | 40 | $731,243 |
| SUSAN L MCCONNELL | VP & DIR. OF HUMAN RESOURCES | 40 | $414,010 |
| KAREN H ROGERS | CFO, TREASURER AND SEC. | 40 | $417,566 |
| SEE STMT 19 PART VII EXPLANATION | N/A | — | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The Duke Endowment and the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) launched a multi-state initiative to improve maternal and infant health
The Duke Endowment | The Duke Endowment and MUSC Launch Multi-State…Atrium Health received $3.2 million to strengthen cancer care, health careers, and school-based behavioral health
The Duke Endowment awards $3.2 million to strengthen Atrium Health’s cancer care, health careers and school-based behavioral health - Atrium Health Foundation CampaignDuke University received $4.5 million to fund an initiative focused on climate and health
The Duke Endowment awards $3.2 million to strengthen Atrium Health’s cancer care, health careers and school-based behavioral health - Atrium Health Foundation CampaignThe Duke Lemur Center received funding to strengthen its operations
Duke Endowment Grant Strengthens Duke Lemur Center | Duke Research & InnovationFrequently Asked Questions
What does The Duke Endowment fund?
The Duke Endowment works to help people and strengthen communities in North Carolina and South Carolina by nurturing children, promoting health, educating minds, and enriching spirits. The foundation supports work in four primary program areas defined in James B. Duke's Indenture of Trust: **Child & Family Well-Being** — The Endowment supports evidence-based and evidence-informed programs to ensure that vulnerable children are equipped to lead successful lives. **Health Care** — The Endowment s…
How do I apply for a grant from The Duke Endowment?
The Duke Endowment has awarded more than $5 billion in grants since its inception, including over $1.9 billion to Duke University. **2024 Grantmaking Activity:** • Approved $252.9 million in new grants • Distributed more than $248 million through 376 grants • More than 80 percent of total spending goes to grantmaking **Grant Characteristics:** • Median grant size: $200,000 • Grant range: $7,000 to $6.8 million • 480 grants on file across recent years • 345 unique recipients funded **Recent Majo…
Where does The Duke Endowment make grants?
The Duke Endowment focuses its grantmaking exclusively on North Carolina and South Carolina.
What size grants does The Duke Endowment award?
In 2024, The Duke Endowment awarded 480 grants totaling $251.2M — an average of about $523K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is The Duke Endowment required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, The Duke Endowment reported a distributable amount of $244.6M on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
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.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Duke Endowment's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated June 2026.
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