Founded in 1924 by James B. Duke, one of the great 20th-century industrialists and philanthropists, The Duke Endowment strengthens communities in North Carolina and South Carolina by nurturing children, promoting health, educating minds and enriching spirits. With four diverse program areas based on the philanthropic intent of its founder, Endowment communications are vital to helping grantees, peer foundations and policy makers understand, relate to, and partner in Endowment efforts to improve lives.