1970
Partnering to Help Fund Health Care Programs
In the 1970s, the Endowment partners with other foundations to fund a health care program called Access to Health Care, helping to expand services and address the problems that prevent people in rural or underdeveloped areas from receiving care.
1979
Surpassing $500 Million in Grants Distributed
In 1979, the Endowment surpasses $500 million in total grants distributed since its inception. The Endowment supports a hospital-based community health project, a significant step in moving acute-care hospitals into prevention and wellness.
1980
Continued Grantmaking Supports Communities
The Endowment supports a hospital-based community health project, a significant step in moving acute-care hospitals into prevention and wellness. By the end of the decade, rural church grantmaking surpasses $20 million.
1982
Mary Duke Biddle Trent Semans Chair of the Board of Trustees
Granddaughter of Ben Duke, Mary D.B.T. Semans continued the family’s charitable legacy by serving as an Endowment Trustee for 55 years and the first female Chair. She served as a Trustee for numerous institutions, including Duke University and the Mary Duke Biddle Foundation. Mrs. Semans received the Duke University Medal for Distinguished Meritorious Service; the National Brotherhood Award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews; and the John Tyler Caldwell Award for the Humanities. She was a 2009 inductee in the North Carolina Women’s Hall of Fame. Mrs. Semans was Chair of The Duke Endowment’s Board from 1982 to 2001 and Chair Emerita 2002 until her death in 2012.
1992
Exceeding $1 Billion in Grants Distributed
In 1992, the Endowment surpasses $1 billion in grants distributed since its inception.
1992
Family Practices in Childrens’ Homes
The Duke Endowment invests in pioneering work to enhance family-centered practices in children’s homes. It awards the first grants for child welfare and early intervention for children at risk of losing their families.