Support
Over the past four decades, Sanford has evolved from a small interdisciplinary institute into one of the nation’s most respected schools of public policy. Today, we continue to advance the major discussions of our time and to educate the next generation of ethical policy leaders.
The school relies on philanthropic donations to make possible the work of the faculty, centers and programs that contribute to the academic experiences of undergraduate, professional and graduate students. Through the Sanford Annual Fund, gifts of all sizes help meet the most pressing needs of the school. Endowment giving establishes permanent resources to support the school.
What Your Gift Supports
Annual Fund dollars underwrite Duke’s commitment to need-blind admissions. Many professional opportunities in public policy fields pay modestly, so reducing student debt upon graduation is critical for students who choose to pursue a life in public service.
Sanford is ranked sixth in public policy analysis among the nation’s graduate schools, according to U.S. News and World Report. We also boast one of the most popular undergraduate majors at Duke. Your gift will help provide the robust academic and research opportunities that keep us competitive.
In addition, to hire and retain dedicated teachers and innovative scholars—particularly in emerging areas of study—the Sanford School needs endowment funds for named chairs and research.
We don’t simply encourage our public policy students to work in the field, we require it. But many of the most dynamic and prestigious public policy internships are unpaid. Annual Fund gifts help provide internship stipends which allow students to focus on their passions and field of study rather than on how they’ll pay the bills.
Gifts are accepted year-round, and can be made with a credit card online, by telephone at 919.613.7325, or with a check mailed to:
Sanford Annual Fund, c/o Alumni & Development Records
Duke University, Box 90581
Durham, NC 27708-0581
Gifts may also be made with a transfer of stock. For information about making a gift of stock, please contact the University's Office of Gift Records via e-mail or call 919.684.2338.
A gift to the Sanford School of Public Policy can be part of a smart financial plan. Let the Sanford development staff and the Office of Gift Planning at Duke University help you and your financial advisors develop a gift plan that meets your financial and philanthropic goals. A properly planned gift may help you reduce or eliminate capital gains and gift and estate taxes. You may realize immediate tax savings as well.
You can explore different gift plans in detail on Duke's Gift Planning website.
For more information on financially supporting Sanford, please contact Josh Bond, Associate Dean of Development and Alumni Relations.
Contact Us
Joshua Bond
Associate Dean for Development & Alumni Relations
Josh Bond is responsible for implementing Sanford's fund-raising strategy and for coordinating these efforts with development colleagues across the schools and units of Duke University. Previously, he was director of development for Duke's Global Health Institute. Josh has an MA from Duke University.
Featured Video
The Helen F. Ladd Fellowship Fund
Professor Emerita Helen Ladd believes in the value of Sanford’s MPP program. As one of the first directors of the program, she helped build it into a top-ranked professional program. She is continuing to build the program through her gift to create the Helen F. Ladd Fellowship Fund.
LADD FELLOW: MARIA CASTRILLON MPP'23
"As a first-generation student from a low-income home, the Ladd fellowship has relieved the financial burden associated with graduate studies and it gives me the freedom to fully commit myself to my studies and school community." - Maria Castrillon MPP'23
Faculty Spotlight
Jay A. Pearson’s research examines how policy-sponsored structural inequality influences health. A native of Hertford County North Carolina, Pearson’s early experiences in the rural agricultural South shaped his academic interests and inform his research agenda. Pearson began his public health career as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Honduras. In 2017 Pearson received the Richard Stubbing Award for excellence in teaching and mentoring graduate students.