DUMAC provides investment management services to Duke University and its affiliated organizations in support of their missions. This partnership is distinctive, as it reflects a shared commitment to excellence, a dedication to being both great and good, and a deep-rooted connection to the Durham community.
DUMAC is professionally staffed organization that manages Duke University’s endowment assets, Duke university’s defined benefit pension plan assets, Duke University Health System’s investments, and the assets of The Duke Endowment, the private charitable trust established by Duke University’s founder, James B. Duke.
DUMAC seeks to achieve an annualized real rate of return of at least 5.0% net of fees to fund the spending needs from the different pools and to allow for growth after considering the effects of inflation. We take a patient, long-term approach to investing, allowing us to weather market volatility and capitalize on opportunities that align with Duke’s mission.
Impact
The mission of Duke University’s endowment is to support the people, programs and activities of the university in perpetuity. Over the years, growth of the endowment through investment return and charitable giving has enabled the university to provide scholarships and fellowships to students, build faculty excellence, launch new programs and research efforts, and support a wide range of important needs.
As of June 30, 2024, about 23% of the endowment was designated for support of financial aid and 21% was designated for support of specific faculty positions. Nearly one-third of the endowment was designated for unrestricted support of the university or one of its schools or budget centers.
Find out more about Giving to Duke and Duke University’s Endowment
Since 1924, The Duke Endowment has worked to help people and strengthen communities in North Carolina and South Carolina by nurturing children, promoting health, educating minds and enriching spirits. The Endowment has awarded more than $5 billion in grants since its inception.
The Duke Endowment is committed to pursuing its mission to strengthen lives and communities in the Carolinas.
