Each year our nearly 1.3 million-dollar operating budget comes from a number of sources. The largest part of our funding comes from two sources: Duke University and The National Science Foundation. Additionally, we rely on individual donors and foundations to supplement our budget each year.

National Science Foundation

Duke University

Duke University is the major source of income for the Duke Lemur Center. The university provides approximately 70% of the DLC’s operating costs, maintenance and facility expenses. The National Science Foundation has provided a five-year grant to fund the animal colony. The Duke Lemur Center is in the fourth year of the five year NSF grant which ends on 3/31/2011. There are six endowments that help fund the work at the Center, including one that directly supports undergraduate research and one that funds conservation efforts. Donations and fees include research fees, and gifts from supporters who want to enable the Duke Lemur Center to fulfill its mission of research, conservation, and education. Funds from public donors go for direct and indirect care of the unique and engaging animals at the Center.