A Mission-Driven Gift Opens Doors for Durham Academy Students
By Sarah Graham Motsinger ’00, Director of Philanthropy Operations and Stewardship
Durham Academy is proud to announce a landmark $500,000 gift from the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust to support the school’s commitment to access, opportunity and the full student experience. This generous grant, segmented to support students over the next four years, is designated for immediate-use financial aid, directly benefiting students and families while expanding access to the academic and experiential programs that define a Durham Academy education.
The average award for a William R. Kenan, Jr. Scholar provides critical assistance that makes a DA education possible and ensures that these students can fully participate in every aspect of school life — from academic enrichment and the arts, to athletics and experiential learning opportunities including travel programs.
“Supporting DA’s financial aid program ensures access for all students, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances,” says DA Director of Enrollment Management Kemi Nonez. “This funding allows us to support students like William R. Kenan, Jr. Scholars, who ultimately strengthen our school community.”
In alignment with the Kenan Trust’s vision, the grant was contingent on Durham Academy raising a $500,000 matching component, which was fulfilled through the extraordinary generosity of a DA family who has established a new endowment fund to support financial aid in perpetuity. Together, these commitments represent a powerful partnership — one that not only meets immediate needs but also strengthens the long-term sustainability of financial aid at the school.
Durham Academy’s financial aid program ensures that exceptional students from a wide range of backgrounds can access the DA experience. Financial aid broadens opportunity, strengthens socioeconomic diversity, and ensures that talented, mission-driven students can thrive. Over the past five years, DA has increased its financial aid investment by more than 25%, reflecting the school’s deep commitment to broaden opportunity, strengthen socioeconomic diversity, and ensure that talented, mission-driven students can thrive at Durham Academy.
We are profoundly grateful for the Kenan Trust’s belief in DA’s mission and for the generosity of the family whose matching endowment will sustain this work for years to come. The Kenan family’s decades of generosity have helped the school grow in both scope and impact, providing critical support at key moments of expansion and innovation. Together, these investments are shaping a stronger Durham Academy that continues to thrive while remaining true to its mission of access, excellence and opportunity for all students.