The Mary Duke Biddle Foundation was established as a trust under the laws of New York. According to the terms of the trust, Mary Duke Biddle stipulated that at least one half of the Foundation’s income or principal be directed to Duke University. Mary Duke Biddle attended Durham public schools as a child, and enrolled in Trinity College, where she earned her degree in English in 1907. The institution, later named Duke University, flourished thanks to the financial backing of her grandfather, father, and uncle. After graduation, she engaged in Durham’s social and civic affairs and was active in the Methodist church. The primary purpose of the Mary Duke Biddle Foundation is to further and extend Mrs. Biddle’s lifelong interests in religious, educational and charitable activities.
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