Recent Grantees
The Mary Duke Biddle Foundation awards most of our grants through four funding areas: Duke University, Arts, Arts Education, and Student Academic Success. Mrs. Biddle directed that at least half of grant funds be given to Duke University, which we do through an annual proposal process. Funding for the Arts, Arts Education, and Student Academic Success are made through two open-submission grant cycles each year. These grants are for nonprofits located and working in Chatham, Durham, Orange, and Wake Counties.
In 2024 we launched a new approach for the open-submission grants that focuses on organizational capacity and effectiveness. See the following links for application information for the one-year and multiyear grants.
In addition to grants awarded through our open-submission processes and to Duke, MDBF provides funding that supports our primary funding interests and the nonprofit sector more broadly. MDBF also makes regular grants to several arts organizations and three churches, all institutions important to Mrs. Biddle or her family. Finally, we may also respond to unanticipated situations, such as pandemics or natural disasters.
This listing provides information about the foundation's active grants with nonprofit organizations in the Triangle.
2025 Multiyear Grants
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
MDBF views our arts grantmaking through an equity lens. We are particularly interested in supporting organizations led by people of color, that incorporate arts accessibility into their work, and whose boards and staff reflect the diversity of the Triangle. By accessibility, we mean opportunities to encounter, appreciate, and participate in the arts. We support organizations that embrace and advance DEI practices and work towards equitable access and engagement in the arts.
Grant Guidelines
Looking for the types of grants we offer and eligibility criteria?