International African American Museum Receives $1 Million Gift From The Duke Endowment

International African American Museum Receives $1 Million Gift From The Duke Endowment

The International African American Museum (IAAM), located in Charleston, S.C., has announced it has received a $1 million grant from The Duke Endowment, recognized as the Southeast’s largest private foundation. This generous donation consists of $750,000 in unrestricted funding and an additional $250,000 for the museum’s endowment.

The announcement follows a previous donation of $1.25 million from The Duke Endowment in 2020, marking a continued support for the museum. The contribution comes only months after the IAAM was ranked as one of the Top Ten Best New Museums in the nation.

Since its opening in June 2023, the IAAM has welcomed more than 135,000 visitors and continues to draw attention for its high-quality exhibitions and contributions to African-American history and culture.

Mark of Success and a Catalyst for Future Philanthropy

Speaking on the donation and the success of the museum, Dr. Tonya Matthews, IAAM president and CEO, expressed gratitude towards the foundation and enthusiasm for the future. “This $1 million donation from The Duke Endowment signifies a pivotal moment for the International African American Museum. This milestone underscores the museum’s appeal to significant donors and acts as a powerful catalyst for future philanthropy,” remarked Dr. Matthews.

She further emphasized the criticality of the museum’s first three years and the role that substantial donations play in solidifying its foundation and guaranteeing sustained success.

The Duke Endowment’s Visit to The Museum

The accolade and the substantial donation were underscored when Rhett Mabry, president of The Duke Endowment, visited IAAM recently, along with other trustees and staff members from the endowment. Speaking on the occasion, he stated, “The International African American Museum has proven to be a beacon of education, understanding, and cultural enrichment since its opening, attracting visitors from across the nation and around the world.”

Mabry further emphasized the Endowment’s pride in supporting this groundbreaking institution as it furthers its mission to illuminate the African American experience, promote meaningful dialogues, and inspire future generations.

About The Duke Endowment and IAAM

Founded by industrialist and philanthropist James B. Duke in 1924, the Charlotte-based Duke Endowment is separated from both Duke University and Duke Energy, although sharing the same name. The private foundation is known for its commitment to community strengthening in North and South Carolina, primarily through children’s nurturing, health promotion, mind education, and spiritual enrichment. Since its inception, it has disbursed $4.5 billion in grants.

On the other hand, the International African American Museum (IAAM) explores the history, culture, impact of the African American journey on Charleston, the nation, and the wider world, highlighting the diverse journeys, origin, and accomplishments of descendants of the African Diaspora. Through multiple galleries, a memorial garden, and various art, objects, and multimedia interactions, IAAM promotes genuine, empathetic storytelling of American history from the African American perspective.