The Duke Endowment

05/29/2026

We are encouraged to see the work of so many dedicated partners recognized during Foster Care Awareness Month. Recently, the governors of North Carolina and South Carolina recognized the importance of supporting children, youth and families impacted by foster care with proclamations.

The Duke Endowment is honored to work alongside organizations across the Carolinas to strengthen child welfare systems, support kinship caregivers and advance approaches that improve outcomes for vulnerable children and families.

Learn more about this work: https://bit.ly/4vyK9Ld

05/28/2026

The Rural Church program of The Duke Endowment has partnered with United Methodist churches in North Carolina for over a century, initiating and supporting programs that help rural congregations foster human, community and economic advancement.

In 2012, the Endowment expanded a multifaceted summer learning approach within churches to improve literacy among elementary school students. More than a decade later, programs anchored by faith communities in rural churches are providing a place for young learners to build strong reading skills.

Across North Carolina, these evidence-informed programs are helping rising first- through third-graders stay on track and avoid learning loss over the summer. On average, students gain about three months of learning when they participate in the program.

Watch how they’re making a difference for children and families.
https://bit.ly/4eU7KRl

05/26/2026

When the house next door to Saluda United Methodist Church went up for sale, the congregants saw more than a property. They saw a way to serve children and families in their community.

Today, that house is home to professional foster parents and children who need stability, care and connection.

Through partnership with Crossnore Communities for Children and support from The Duke Endowment, one rural church turned possibility into action, right next door.

Read the full story on our website: https://bit.ly/3P8sdat

05/21/2026

Congratulations to the graduates of Davidson College, Duke University, Furman University and Johnson C. Smith University, our four longstanding higher education partners.

Their hard work, resilience and commitment have brought them to this moment, and we can’t wait to see what comes next.

We’ve had the privilege of talking with the six Duke Scholars pictured here, who celebrated this milestone earlier this month. Their stories offer a glimpse of the caliber, purpose and potential of today’s graduates, and we’re grateful they shared their journeys with us.

Please take a few minutes to watch their videos and hear their stories. https://bit.ly/48HxBbe

Here’s to the Class of 2026 and all that lies ahead.

05/19/2026

We were delighted to welcome the opening session of this year's N.C. Network of Grantmakers' Nonprofit Internship Program (NPIP). Congrats to the new interns and all of the nonprofits that will receive their enthusiasm and new ideas during their internships.

05/18/2026

During Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re reminded that access to care makes all the difference.

At Prisma Health, providers like Dr. Brittany Peacock are helping close the gap through Collaborative Care — an approach that brings mental health support into primary care settings.

With support from The Duke Endowment, this model was piloted in South Carolina and continues to improve outcomes and make care more accessible.

Read about how Collaborative Care is helping more people get the support they need, when and where they need it. https://bit.ly/473m0Tj

Collaborative Care, supported by The Duke Endowment, helps give patients access to mental health services in their primary care offices.

05/15/2026

We are pleased to announce that Tamika Williams has been promoted to director of our Child and Family Well-Being program area. Phil Redmond, the team's former director, is now special advisor to the president. Congratulations! https://bit.ly/3RGnBsW

Tamika Williams has been promoted to director of the CFWB program area. Phil Redmond has transitioned to special advisor to the president.

05/12/2026

🚨 The Launch Carolinas Leadership Accelerator Program is actively seeking non-profit leader applicants for the 2026-2027 program year. The application window is now open and closes on May 15.

🧑‍🎓 Launch Carolinas is a multi-year leadership, resource, and network-expanding program designed to connect and strengthen relationships between trusted non-profit leaders and philanthropic partners who have a vested interest in addressing social challenges in communities with limited resources in North Carolina and/or South Carolina.

📝 For more details on eligibility, see the attached Launch Carolinas Program Overview or visit www.launchcarolinas.org. GOODSTOCK Consulting, LLC

Launch Carolinas Leadership Accelerator Program is designed to connect and strengthen relationships between trusted non-profit leaders and philanthropic partners vested in addressing priority social challenges in North Carolina and/or South Carolina.

05/11/2026

This Nurses Week, we’re celebrating the future of nursing.

At the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) School of Nursing, students are gaining hands-on experience in geriatric care through virtual reality simulations, clinical training and community partnerships.

With support from The Duke Endowment, this program is preparing nurses to care for older adults with a deeper understanding of their needs.

Read more about how this innovative approach is shaping the next generation of care: https://bit.ly/4cI2yOU

05/07/2026

May is National Foster Care Month.

We support dozens of organizations across North Carolina and South Carolina working every day to strengthen families, support caregivers and help children thrive.

One example is Epworth Children's Home, where partnerships with local churches help meet families where they are, from foster care and prevention programs to counseling and community support.

Watch the video to see how this work makes a difference. https://bit.ly/4d6nEW2