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HomeGrown is Duke's institution-wide commitment to helping people in our community get ahead – through better jobs, more opportunities for local businesses, and making it easier for families to stay in the community they call home. We’re working alongside partners across the entire community to build a better future with a total commitment of $203 million to the Durham and Triangle community over the next three years.
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HomeGrown was developed with input from community organizations, employees, neighbors, and local businesses, bringing a sharper focus and transparency to work that's been happening across Duke while adding new, specific commitments with public reporting.
Four Commitments to Our Neighbors
We believe trust is built through openness. We are dedicated to setting public goals and sharing our progress. Whether we are hitting our targets or need to change our approach, we want to be an open book. Each year, we will provide updates on our progress and milestones.
Duke HomeGrown is anchored by four key pillars, each with a set of clear and measurable goals:
Employ, Build, Buy, and Invest. Below are some of the goals for each pillar.
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Employ
Expand local hiring and strengthen career pathways so more residents can start and grow their careers at Duke.
- Increase local hiring from 69% to 80% for key entry-level roles with advancement potential, including patient service associates, facilities staff, and administrative positions.
- Double the hiring of formerly incarcerated residents from 50 to 100.
- Create 75 new paid YouthWorks internships for young people's first professional experience.
- Launch a Pre-Apprenticeship Academy with Durham Technical and Wake Technical Community Colleges.
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BUILD
Create more opportunities for Durham and Triangle-based construction-related businesses to partner with Duke on its capital projects.
- Increase capital project spending with Durham and Triangle construction-related firms by a cumulative $120 million, averaging a $40 million annual increase from FY26.
- Host bi-annual "Open Doors" forums with early-stage forecasts and procurement guidance.
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BUY
Support Durham and Triangle-based businesses in Duke procurement processes to stimulate additional local and regional economic growth.
- Increase spending with local businesses by $45 million.
- Publish a rolling 6–12 month "What's Coming to Bid" forecast for targeted categories.
- Host quarterly supplier access sessions outlining requirements, timelines, and how to become bid-eligible.
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INVEST
Accelerate affordable housing development and expand pathways to homeownership through a variety of programs, including capital investments in local financial institutions.
- Increase deposits with community development financial institutions by $38 million to support affordable housing development.
- Create down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers.
- Create savings support for Duke employees purchasing homes.
Rooted in Community.
Durham and the Triangle area aren't just where we work—this is our home. With 62.5% of our employees living right here in Durham County, the lines between "Duke" and "Durham" often disappear. We are neighbors, parents, and community members first.
We know that the best solutions aren't made in a boardroom—they are built together. HomeGrown is the result of over 100 hours of listening to you, our neighbors, to ensure this work reflects what our community truly needs: a better quality of life and accessible opportunities for everyone.
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A Shared Story
Our stories have been intertwined for a century. Explore the timeline of our partnership, from our founding in 1924 to the launch of our Strategic Community Impact Plan.
Better Together.
We know we can’t do this alone. HomeGrown is a team effort, and we are proud to stand beside the partners who are driving real change in our region.
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Join the Team
We are seeking local talent to build a future at Duke. Visit Duke Careers to view open roles and our commitment to local hiring, or explore Student Employment for internships and work-study positions.
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Work With Us
We are committed to buying and building local and we invite your business to join our growing network. Visit Procurement & Supply Chain for information sessions and to register as a supplier or local vendor.
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Collaborate With Us
We believe in the power of partnership to drive meaningful change. If you have an idea for collaboration, we invite you to contact us, or visit Duke Capital Partners to explore investment and innovation opportunities.
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Contact Us
For more information about HomeGrown, please contact Syretta Hill. For media inquiries, please contact Michelle Benham.