Doris Duke Charitable Foundation
Grantmaking Process &
Funding Opportunities
Grantmaking Process
In creating its grantmaking initiatives, DDCF identifies needs and opportunities in the fields it supports. By utilizing field expertise in its program designs, DDCF is able to maintain a small staff while maximizing the reach of its grant dollars. Accordingly, the Arts Program administers relatively few programs itself but more often awards large initiative grants to intermediary nonprofit organizations, which in turn distribute grants to individual artists and arts organizations through competitive, peer-reviewed selection processes.
Scroll below for links to current funding opportunities. Although unsolicited proposals are not being considered at this time, inquiries about future support for projects that fall within the Arts Program’s funding priorities can be submitted through a two-page letter of inquiry.
Areas Not Funded
In general, the Arts Program does not fund visual arts, museums or galleries; literary arts; symphonies, opera companies, classical chamber music or musical forms beyond jazz; classical ballet companies; avocational arts activities; arts programs for rehabilitative or therapeutic purposes; training and conservatory programs; capital projects; research or publications.
Funding Opportunities
Visit the pages below for information about DDCF-funded grant opportunities available through intermediary organizations for individual performing artists and projects in contemporary dance, jazz, theatre, and multi-disciplinary performing arts:
Fund for National Projects
The Arts Program has created a fund to support projects that strengthen the national infrastructure of the dance, jazz, presenting and/or theatre fields. Letters of inquiry are accepted throughout the year: Details
