You can apply for a Doris Duke Foundation travel grant to access rare collections at Duke University Libraries, supporting your research or creative work. These grants help cover travel costs so you can engage directly with unique archival materials. Think about how your project could benefit from this opportunity and what you might discover.
Key Takeaways
- Doris Duke Foundation Travel Grants offer up to $1,500 for researchers accessing Doris Duke Foundation collections at Duke University Libraries.
- Applicants must be over 18, live more than 100 miles from Durham, NC, and cannot be current Duke students or employees.
- Grants support scholarly research, exhibitions, films, multimedia, and other creative projects using Rubenstein Library collections.
- Applications are due February 28, 2025, with research visits occurring between May 2025 and June 2026 and reimbursements after the visit.
- Recipients must submit a report on the use of collections and project impact via the Foundation’s Grantee Portal for future funding eligibility.
Overview of Doris Duke Foundation Travel Grants
If you’re a researcher looking to access unique collections, the Doris Duke Foundation offers annual travel grants of up to $1,500 to support your work.
You can use this travel funding for academic publications, exhibitions, or artistic projects that rely on their collections. To apply, submit a detailed grant application outlining your research needs and how your project connects to the materials.
The foundation assesses each application based on relevance and research merit. If awarded, you’ll need to submit a brief report after your visit.
This opportunity is open to researchers beyond 100 miles from Durham, NC, excluding current Duke students or employees.
Purpose and Intended Use of Travel Grants
Having outlined how Doris Duke Foundation Travel Grants support academic and creative research, consider how these funds explicitly shape the research process.
You use the grant to access the Doris Duke Foundation collections at Duke University Libraries, fueling your research opportunities and expanding your project’s scope.
The grant impact is clear: it enables direct engagement with rare archival materials, supporting everything from scholarly publications to creative works.
You’re expected to utilize these resources for meaningful outcomes, ensuring your research advances both your goals and the foundation’s mission.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
You must be over 18 and live more than 100 miles from Durham, N.C., to apply for these travel grants.
Current Duke students and employees can’t apply, but anyone else—including students, faculty, artists, and independent researchers—is welcome.
Your project must use materials from the Rubenstein Library’s research centers and collections.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Doris Duke Foundation Travel Grants, you must live more than 100 miles from Durham, North Carolina, and be at least 18 years old, with current Duke University students and employees specifically excluded from eligibility. This grant application is open to you whether you’re a student, faculty member, artist, writer, filmmaker, public historian, or independent researcher—anyone whose project requires utilizing materials from the Doris Duke Foundation collections at the Rubenstein Library. Eligibility criteria are designed to encourage diversity in research and creative work: your project must directly engage these archival resources, and you’ll need to meet both geographic and institutional restrictions.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 years or older |
| Residency | More than 100 miles from Durham, NC |
| Duke Affiliation | Not a current student or employee of Duke University |
| Project Focus | Must use Doris Duke Foundation collections at Rubenstein Library |
| Applicant Background | Open to all researchers, artists, writers, filmmakers, public historians—no academic status requirement |
Residency Restrictions
Because the Doris Duke Foundation Travel Grants are specifically designed to support research visits to the Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, your eligibility hinges on a strict residency restriction: you can’t live—or, during the research period, study or work—within 100 miles of Durham, North Carolina, and you mustn’t be a current Duke University employee or student.
These residency criteria prevent local applicants from receiving funding, ensuring resources reach those requiring travel.
The program welcomes international applicants without nationality barriers, as long as they meet the location and institutional restrictions and are over 18 years old.
Ineligible Applicants
Although a broad range of researchers and creatives may apply, certain applicants are explicitly ineligible for the Doris Duke Foundation Travel Grants. If you’re a current Duke University student or employee, you cannot qualify for these grants—regardless of your academic status, creative discipline, or research interest. Your physical proximity to Duke also matters: living within a 100-mile radius of Durham, North Carolina, places you in an ineligible category. Age and professional background do not override these restrictions. Even if you’re over 18 and your project uses Doris Duke collections, residency and institutional affiliation remain decisive eligibility criteria for applicant demographics.
| Ineligible Category | Applicant Demographics Effected |
|---|---|
| Current Duke student | Undergraduates, graduates, & staff |
| Current Duke employee | Faculty, librarians, & other staff |
| Within 100 miles of Durham, NC | All applicants regardless of role |
| Under age 18 | All minors |
| Projects not using DDF collections | All fields & disciplines |
Types of Supported Research Projects and Creative Works
You can use the Doris Duke Foundation Travel Grants to support a variety of academic research projects and creative works.
These grants fund activities like academic publications, dissertations, films, multimedia products, and artistic endeavors that specifically use materials from the foundation’s collections.
Whether you’re a student, faculty member, artist, writer, or filmmaker, the grants can help bring your project to life by enabling access to these unique resources.
Academic Research Support
- Scholarly publications and dissertations
- Educational initiatives utilizing archival resources
- Creative works such as films and multimedia products
Access to these collections guarantees your research or creative endeavor gains valuable depth and authenticity through direct archival access.
Creative Project Funding
Creative Project Funding through the Doris Duke Foundation Travel Grants supports a diverse array of research and artistic endeavors that incorporate materials from their collections.
You can pursue anything from academic publications and dissertations to educational initiatives, exhibitions, films, multimedia products, and artistic works, provided your project immerses into these unique archives.
If you’re a visual artist, writer, filmmaker, or working on a creative collaboration, these funding opportunities help you access resources that might otherwise be out of reach.
You must be 18 or older, live outside the 100-mile radius of Durham, N.C., and submit a report to document outcomes.
Details on Doris Duke Foundation Collections
The Doris Duke Foundation Collections contain extensive archives that document Doris Duke’s philanthropic and cultural interests, spanning arts, social issues, and spirituality.
You can investigate these archival resources through Duke University Libraries’ online catalog, which offers diverse formats including documents, photographs, and multimedia.
Understanding the collection significance can improve your research impact by providing unique materials that support academic and creative work.
When planning your projects:
- Consult reference archivists to clarify eligibility and receive guidance
- Use the collections for exhibitions, films, or scholarly publications
- Utilize this rich resource to probe deeply into Doris Duke’s legacy and mission to promote arts and culture
Application Process and Requirements
Although the Doris Duke Foundation itself doesn’t directly offer travel grants, its collections—and access to them—are supported by the Doris Duke Foundation Travel Grants administered through Duke University’s David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.
To apply, prepare a detailed proposal explaining your research project and how it uses materials from these collections. You must live over 100 miles from Durham, N.C., and can’t be a current Duke student or employee.
Submit your application by February 28, 2025, at 6:00 pm EST; decisions come by late April 2025. Funding, up to $1,500, reimburses after your visit, which must occur between May 2025 and June 2026.
Attend the January 15, 2025, online info session for application tips and a submission checklist: clarify your project’s use of collections, demonstrate need for in-person access, and confirm eligibility before applying.
Keep your narrative focused and evidence-based.
Grant Benefits and Funding Details
When you receive a Doris Duke Foundation Travel Grant, you can access up to $1,500 to cover travel expenses for visiting the Duke University Library in person to study unique archival materials.
This grant impact supports your scholarly, creative, or independent research by enabling direct engagement with Rubenstein Library’s collections. The funding opportunities empower diverse projects while fostering collaboration across disciplines.
Key benefits include:
- Coverage of travel costs for projects using the library’s unique archives
- Eligibility for a wide range of applicants beyond a 100-mile radius of Durham, N.C.
- Requirement to submit a brief report showcasing your research outcomes and grant impact
Timeline and Important Dates for 2025-2026 Cycle
You’ll need to submit your application by February 28, 2025, at 6:00 pm EST to be considered for the 2025-2026 Research Travel Grant Program.
Expect to hear back with a decision by the end of April 2025, so you can plan your travel accordingly between May 2025 and June 2026.
Make sure to mark these key dates as you prepare your proposal for the Doris Duke Foundation Travel Grants.
Application Deadline
Once applications open for the 2025–2026 Doris Duke Foundation Travel Grants, it’s essential to mark key dates early and plan your submission with care, since the deadline—Friday, February 28, 2025, at 6:00 pm EST—comes quickly in the new year.
To improve your grant experiences and boost your chances, consider these application tips:
- Join the online information session on January 15, 2025, from 2-3 pm EST to clarify requirements.
- Prepare your application thoroughly ahead of the deadline.
- Remember grants are reimbursed after you complete your research visits, which can take place from May 2025 to June 2026.
Decision Announcement
Although the application deadline for the 2025–2026 Doris Duke Foundation Travel Grants closes on February 28, 2025, decisions on grant awards will be announced by the end of April 2025.
The announcement process assures transparency and timely communication so you can plan your research efficiently. The decision criteria focus on the relevance of your project to the Doris Duke collections and the merit of your proposed research.
This evaluation guarantees that awarded projects align with the Foundation’s priorities. Be prepared to receive funding as reimbursement after your research visit, following the announcement of grant recipients.
Information Session for Applicants
How can you best prepare to apply for a Doris Duke Foundation Travel Grant? Attend the online information session on January 15, 2025, from 2-3 pm EST to engage directly with the application process and get expert tips.
This session is designed to boost your information session preparation and applicant engagement.
- Register in advance to participate live and ask questions.
- Access the recorded session later if you can’t attend live.
- Learn specific application requirements and strategies for success.
This focused preparation will improve your grant application quality and readiness for the February 28, 2025 deadline.
Reporting and Post-Grant Expectations
You’ll need to submit your grant report by the deadline provided in your agreement, typically accessible and submitted through the Doris Duke Foundation’s Grantee Portal.
The report should clearly describe how the grant enabled your access to the Doris Duke Foundation collections and the effect it had on your research or project.
After submission, you can expect follow-up communication regarding your report, so staying engaged guarantees you meet post-grant expectations and maintain eligibility for future funding.
Report Submission Deadline
- Submit your report within the specified timeframe after your research visit concludes.
- Clearly describe how you utilized the Doris Duke Foundation collections and the impact of your project.
- Use the Grantee Portal for report access, editing, and submission as outlined by the foundation.
Timely report submission guarantees accountability and transparency for your awarded funds.
Required Report Content
Although the report you submit after your research visit is brief, it must clearly communicate the significance of your findings and experiences supported by the Doris Duke Foundation Travel Grant.
Your report structure should include a clear overview of how the collection materials facilitated your research and a reflection on the impact of the grant on your academic or creative work.
This findings reflection not only summarizes outcomes but also emphasizes the grant’s role in advancing your project.
Timely submission by the specified deadline is vital, as failure to comply may affect your eligibility for future funding opportunities.
Post-Grant Communication
When you complete your grant-supported research visit, submitting a timely post-grant report becomes an essential step in sharing your findings and experiences with the Doris Duke Foundation.
This report helps us understand your research outcomes and the impact of our collections.
Consider these reporting best practices:
- Detail how the materials contributed to your project or creative initiative.
- Share post grant feedback on the usefulness of the collections.
- Submit your report within a few months of your visit to guarantee timely documentation.
Your insights help us assess grant impact and shape future programs.
How to Access and Explore the Collections
To access and investigate the Doris Duke Foundation collections, start by using the Duke University Libraries online catalog, which offers detailed descriptions of the available materials.
For better collection accessibility and research navigation, consult the Duke Family Research Guide to identify specific collections relevant to your projects.
Don’t hesitate to engage with reference archivists at the Rubenstein Library—they can help you locate and use materials tailored to your needs.
Additionally, attending online information sessions, like the one on January 15, 2025, will provide valuable insights into collection access and the application process.
Use library instructional resources to sharpen your research skills.
Contact Information and Support Resources
If you have questions about your eligibility or need support for the Doris Duke Foundation Travel Grants, contact [email protected] for prompt assistance.
The Rubenstein Library staff offers reliable support resources and clear contact methods to help you navigate the application process and access the collections.
For specific collection inquiries, reach out to Katie Henningsen. You can also sign up for the foundation’s newsletter for updates.
- Email [email protected] for eligibility and application support.
- Contact Katie Henningsen for collection area questions.
- Sign up for the foundation’s newsletter for grant announcements.
National Programs of the Doris Duke Foundation
| Program | Focus Area | Key Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Arts | Performing arts & innovation | Support creative expression |
| Building Bridges | U.S. Muslim storytelling | Foster cultural understanding |
| Environment | Ecosystem & sustainability | Promote thriving natural systems |
| Child Well-being | Healthy child development | Prevent abuse and neglect |
You can count on these programs to drive ethical, strategic advances across communities.
Managing a Grant Through the Grantee Portal
- Submit and track your grant proposals and reports
- Manage awarded funds through a single platform
- Monitor all your grant-related activities in one place
Staying Connected: Newsletter and Updates
When you subscribe to the Doris Duke Foundation newsletter, you gain direct access to timely updates about grant opportunities, award announcements, and community initiatives across the foundation’s diverse programs. This essential communication tool highlights newsletter benefits like increased community engagement and keeps you informed about programs such as the Child Well-being Program and the Doris Duke Artist Awards. Register early to join the online session on January 15, 2025, for Research Travel Grant application guidance. Staying connected guarantees you won’t miss opportunities to engage and contribute.
| Newsletter Benefits | Community Engagement | Key Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Grant updates | Event announcements | Jan 15, 2025 Info Session |
| Award notifications | Program impact stories | Regular email delivery |
| Program highlights | Network building opportunities | Signup required |
| Funding insights | Collaboration invitations | Continuous updates |
| Access to exclusive info | Participation encouragement |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Get Grants to Travel?
Yes, you can get travel funding and adventure grants. Apply for research travel grants to access special collections, support creative projects, and fund your journey—just meet eligibility and submit your application on time.
What Is the Travel Grant for UGC?
The travel grant for UGC offers funding applications to support your research visits, providing travel opportunities when you need access to specialized collections, typically requiring you to demonstrate how your project benefits from onsite materials.
Who Inherited Doris Duke’s Fortune?
Doris Duke’s fortune inheritance went primarily to the Doris Duke Foundation, which manages her philanthropic legacy in arts, culture, and environmental causes, as she had no direct heirs after her daughter died in infancy. Legal disputes challenged her will, but the foundation controls the estate.
What Does Doris Duke Foundation Do?
Philanthropic passion powers the Doris Duke Foundation, driving cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, child well-being, medical research, and fostering creative storytelling through strategic initiatives and grants you can engage with to amplify impact.
Conclusion
You might wonder if travel grants truly open doors for researchers and artists. The truth is, they do. By supporting access to rare collections, the Doris Duke Foundation fuels fresh ideas and meaningful work. Whether you’re a student or an independent scholar, these grants help you dig deeper, ask bold questions, and make real contributions to your field.