2011
Duke University Receives $80 million for Renovations
The gift — the largest in Duke history — supports renovating West Union and Page and Baldwin Auditoriums.
Photo courtesy of Duke University Photography.
2012
$3 Billion in Grants Distributed
The Duke Endowment surpasses the $3 billion mark in grants distributed since inception.
2014
Grounded in Community 800 East Morehead Location
The Endowment’s first standalone headquarters opens in August in Charlotte with meeting space on the first floor and two levels of office space for staff. Neighbors, grantees and other partners help us celebrate this important milestone in Mr. Duke’s legacy.
2015
Blue Meridian Partners
The Endowment’s Board agrees to join Blue Meridian Partners, a pioneering philanthropic model that finds and funds scalable solutions to problems that limit economic mobility and trap America’s young people and families in poverty.
2015
Focus on Well-Being
The Duke Endowment announces its Healthy People, Healthy Carolinas initiative aimed at taking a community-based approach to addressing chronic health issues such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
2016
The Furman Advantage
At Furman University, the Furman Advantage launches with $47 million from The Duke Endowment. It combines a liberal arts education with immersive experiences outside the classroom, creating a personalized pathway that prepares students for lives of purpose, successful careers, and community benefit.
2017
A New Strategic Emphasis
Approved by Trustees in 2017, The Duke Endowment announces a strategic emphasis on early childhood issues. This Zero to Eight emphasis reinforces the Endowment’s belief that a good beginning for children bodes well for their lives as adults and for their communities.
2017
Philanthropic Approach
The Endowment’s program areas begin to review their grantmaking strategies, seeking input from grantees and others, and making necessary revisions. The goal is to have greater clarity about our work and its impact.
2018
Get Ready Guilford
Through the Get Ready Guilford Initiative, The Duke Endowment is spearheading a multi-year strategy to improve and equalize opportunity in Guilford County, North Carolina, by making large, targeted investments in children and their caregivers.
2019
$4 Billion in Grants Distributed
The Duke Endowment has awarded more than $4 billion in grants since its inception, including over $1.5 billion to Duke University. With assets of $4.7 billion at the end of 2020, it is one of the nation’s largest private foundations.
2020
Our Work Continues during the COVID-19 Crisis
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the Endowment helps organizations in North Carolina and South Carolina address critical community needs with grants totaling more than $35 million. The funding is aimed at providing services and resources for demographic groups that have been disproportionately affected by the crisis.
2020
Roots for Growth
Amid social distancing and social unrest, the Endowment begins to take a deeper look at its grantmaking and organizational culture, reviewing its work through a racial equity, diversity and inclusion lens. Our leaders believe this is essential to achieving greatest impact in the Carolinas.
2022
Looking Ahead
As we look ahead to the Endowment’s 100-year celebration in 2024, we are committed to pursuing our mission to strengthen lives and communities in the Carolinas.