Convening and Events
@ddf
Dialogue, community and creative exchange
The Convening Program collaborates with organizations and leaders to organize high impact convenings in areas complimentary to the foundation’s mission. The program focuses on intimate gatherings of up to 25 people, across a duration of up to 4 days.
Grants alone are insufficient to unlock change at the scale the world needs. To accomplish the lasting and durable impacts the foundation seeks we must use all the tools at our disposal. By getting diverse stakeholders around the table, we can untangle complex topics, unlock resources, craft alliances and take action.
The @DDF program invites mission-aligned organizations and leaders to partner with the Doris Duke Foundation to power a convening or event focused on our shared goals. By getting diverse stakeholders around the table, we can untangle complex topics, unlock resources, craft alliances and take action.
These gatherings take place at one of our world-class centers: Duke Farms in Hillsborough, NJ; Shangri La in Honolulu, Hawai’i, or the Doris Duke Center in New York, NY. Selected applicants will receive subsidized access to these venues, as well as bespoke curation and experience design support from our onsite teams.
Convening
Our Convening Program is designed to support organizations and leaders seeking to organize intimate, high impact gatherings which are generally no larger than 25 participants, and no longer than 4 days.
Artists convening at Shangri La.
Events
The Events Program is for those who may require larger or more complex event production than our convening program. Both of our physical centers are capable of hosting groups up to 90, for a shorter durations of 1-2 days.
Event at Shangri La.
General Open Call
If you are ready to apply, please visit our application page to make sure you have reviewed all of the relevant information, and begin the application process. Applications will be due on [DATE].
Our Centers
Shangri La
Offering a serene, architecturally stunning backdrop, Shangri La has a proven track record of driving internationally transformative convenings—from Track 2 diplomacy and global dialogues to community programs and artistic performances.
Read more
Duke Farms
Located on 2,700 acres in Hillsborough, New Jersey, Duke Farms is a gathering place for global decision-makers and local neighbors to spark change. With LEED Platinum-certified facilities, farm-to-table catering, and curated nature experiences, events at Duke Farms inspire environmental stewardship, collaboration, and systems-level thinking.
Read more
Areas of Focus
Arts & Culture
Through a range of initiatives and our work at Shangri La, we champion performing artists and the power of culture to bring people together and cross social divides.
Nature
We seek to preserve and restore nature through various programs and Duke Farms, a national center for applied conservation and sustainability.
Health & Well-being
We support research to cure diseases and advance efforts to help the most vulnerable children and families.
Our Ideas
FAQs
@DDF is the Doris Duke Foundation’s initiative to support mission-aligned gatherings at our three venues—Duke Farms (NJ), Shangri La (HI), and the Doris Duke Center (NYC). We partner with organizations to host convenings and events that advance creativity, equity, and sustainability.
Eligible applicants include nonprofits, academic institutions, community-based organizations, practitioners, and mission-aligned corporate stakeholders whose work advances DDF’s mission and program strategies. Events must be non-commercial, non-partisan, and centered on public impact.
This was hands down the best climate convening I’ve attended. The intimate size and diversity of voices: investors, carefully curated managers, scientists, and policy leaders, created truly valuable discussions. Absolutely exceptional!”
Helen Clarkson
Artist
The setting was spectacular and uniquely suited to meaningful conversations. Initially skeptical of the outdoor activities, I quickly realized how much they added to the experience. It's rare to find a convening that blends thoughtful programming with such a memorable environment.”
John Doe
Journalist
This was hands down the best climate convening I’ve attended. The intimate size and diversity of voices: investors, carefully curated managers, scientists, and policy leaders, created truly valuable discussions. Absolutely exceptional!”
Helen Clarkson
Artist
The setting was spectacular and uniquely suited to meaningful conversations. Initially skeptical of the outdoor activities, I quickly realized how much they added to the experience. It's rare to find a convening that blends thoughtful programming with such a memorable environment.”
John Doe
Journalist
This was hands down the best climate convening I’ve attended. The intimate size and diversity of voices: investors, carefully curated managers, scientists, and policy leaders, created truly valuable discussions. Absolutely exceptional!”
Helen Clarkson
Artist
The setting was spectacular and uniquely suited to meaningful conversations. Initially skeptical of the outdoor activities, I quickly realized how much they added to the experience. It's rare to find a convening that blends thoughtful programming with such a memorable environment.”
John Doe
Journalist
