Doris Duke Charitable Foundation

Grantmaking Process & Funding Opportunities

Grantmaking Process

In 2011, the Environment Program will award grants through a series of invited proposals. 

Funding opportunities may also be available through organizations administering re-granting programs supported by the foundation (scroll below for details).

Although unsolicited proposals are not being considered at this time, inquiries about future support for projects that fall within the Environment Program’s four primary grant-making strategies can be submitted through a letter of inquiry.

Areas Not Funded


In general, the Environment Program does not make grants outside of its four primary grant-making strategies.

In addition:

  • With the exception of Climate Change Initiative grants related to international climate change and technology policies, funding is currently limited to the United States and projects located therein.
  • Construction capital for green building projects is not available.
  • The foundation does not support projects that focus on marine environments, toxics remediation, litigation, individual research or scholarships (apart from DDCF initiatives), publications or filmmaking.

The Climate Change Initiative does not support:

  • Political organizing, "constituency building" or public education campaigns on climate change;
  • Marketing efforts to promote particular "green" or clean-energy businesses and industries;
  • Basic or applied science or research related to technology development;
  • Technology demonstration projects.

Funding Opportunities

Accelerate Wildlife Habitat Conservation
in an Era of Climate Change


In 2011, the foundation will invite a small number of organizations to apply for grants under this strategy. Capital grants for land and water conservation are expected to resume in 2012.

Additional support for efforts in keeping with this strategy may be available through the Climate Adaptation Fund.

Reduce Impacts on the Landscape from
Increased Energy Development and Energy Demand


In 2011, the foundation does not anticipate inviting grant proposals under this strategy.

Encourage Land Stewardship and Sustainability
in the Tri-State Area


In 2011, the foundation will invite a small number of organizations to apply for grants under this strategy.

Help Build a Clean-Energy Economy
(Climate Change Initiative)


In 2011, the foundation does not anticipate inviting grant proposals under this strategy.

Program News

March 19, 2010
Andrew Bowman, Program Director for the Environment, shares an update on future funding priorities for the DDCF Environment Program:
Future Funding Priorities