2026 Duke Health Donor Impact Report
Dear Friends,
Every day at Duke Health, we come together to tackle the world’s greatest challenges in health — and philanthropy makes that work possible. Because of your generosity, we are advancing breakthrough discoveries, delivering extraordinary care, educating tomorrow’s healthcare leaders, and improving lives in our community and around the globe
With your visionary partnership, we can ask bigger questions, pursue bolder ideas, and accelerate solutions that change lives. Philanthropic support gives our physicians, scientists, educators, and care teams the flexibility to innovate, collaborate, and move promising discoveries closer to the people who need them most.
This year, the Duke Health community came together in powerful ways to invest in the missions they help advance. We successfully launched the All In For Duke Health Employee and Emeriti Giving Campaign, and we engaged one in three School of Medicine alumni, placing the School of Medicine among Duke’s most engaged schools.
At Duke Health, we believe progress begins with the conviction that a healthier future is possible and the determination to pursue it. Time and again, your partnership helps turn that belief into action. Whether advancing research, expanding access to care, or preparing the next generation of leaders, your generosity helps turn bold ideas into real-world impact.
Together, we are MADE FOR THIS — and we are deeply grateful to have you by our side.
Sincerely,
Stacy L. Waters, MBA
Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer, Duke Health
$324 Million
We raised over $324 million in 2025-2026, the largest fundraising year in our history — all due to the support of our extraordinary donors.
21,000
“Thank you for literally saving my life (several times over)! My journey with pancreatic cancer has been incredibly difficult. … You were always professional, full of compassion when everything was crashing down around us. I will never be able to express exactly how grateful I am to be a part of Duke.”
— A Grateful Patient
We are Outrageously Ambitious
$30 million
We received a transformative $30 million grant from the Pritzker Children’s Initiative.
$4.32 Million
The School of Nursing awarded $4.32 million in scholarships to 281 students in 2025-2026, preparing innovators through transformative excellence in education, clinical practice, and nursing science.
We Win as a Team
No. 1
U.S. News & World Report recognized us as North Carolina’s No. 1 hospital and No. 1 children’s hospital, with 11 adult specialties and 10 pediatric specialties earning national rankings.
7.2 Million
Since October 2025, Duke Health has cared for more than 7,287,735 patients, advancing our commitment to exceptional care and healthier communities.
We Always Look for Yes
“The Duke community’s emphasis on leadership development, collaboration, innovation, and advocacy allows me to stay true to who I am meant to be. From the classroom to the wards, I feel constantly challenged to think critically, act compassionately, and dream boldly. This scholarship has given me more than financial support; it has given me the freedom to become. Your generosity reminds me that behind every opportunity are people who believe in the power of education to change lives.”
— Ritushree Dutta, Duke Medical Student
We Get Things Done
DUKE HEALTH IS ADVANCING MADE FOR THIS CAMPAIGN
MADE FOR THIS is Duke University’s ambitious campaign to extend value and impact to the world in areas where we know we can make a difference. Bringing together the global Duke community, the campaign focuses on Duke’s unique strengths:
- Science and Technology: Driving innovation to accelerate human progress and solve complex challenges.
- Climate: Building a resilient, sustainable future through research, education, and action.
- Student Experience: Empowering the next generation of leaders by removing barriers and fostering excellence.
- Health: Advancing medicine and care so communities can thrive locally and around the world.
At Duke Health, that means groundbreaking research, exceptional patient care, transformative education, and a commitment to improving health for all. Your partnership and generosity strengthen our ability to move discoveries from the laboratory to patients, respond to urgent health needs, and care for the whole person. Because of you, we are turning bold ideas into better health for patients, families, and communities everywhere.
Because of you, Duke Health is MADE FOR THIS.