After a century of giving, The Duke Endowment intends to distribute up to $5 billion in grants across North Carolina and South Carolina over the next 15 years.

Since its founding in 1924, The Duke Endowment has pursued the bold vision of its founder, James B. Duke: to enrich lives and strengthen communities across North Carolina and South Carolina. Over the past century, the Endowment has awarded $5 billion in grants across four program areas—child and family well-being, health care, higher education, and rural United Methodist churches.

$5 Billion over 100 years

In our centennial year, we celebrated with the people and partners who made this work possible. The Endowment approved $252.9 million in new grants, some of which will be paid in future years. More than $248 million was distributed through 376 grants across the Carolinas, some of which were approved in prior years.

To top off the centennial celebration, the Endowment announced its intent to invest up to $5 billion in grants over the next 15 years. This occurred on December 11—exactly 100 years after Mr. Duke signed the Indenture of Trust. The $5 billion goal reflects a $1 billion increase over current forecasts, allowing the Endowment to deepen existing grantmaking strategies while exploring opportunities to expand evidence-based programs in collaboration with public and private partners. As we look ahead, we’re inspired by the same spirit that shaped our first 100 years—a belief in generosity, partnership, and the power of philanthropy to do big things.