The children’s hospital planned for Apex announced one of the largest philanthropic gifts in state history from The Duke Endowment, The News & Observer first reported Tuesday. The $100 million grant will help develop the state’s first freestanding children’s hospital campus.
North Carolina Children’s has also received public support, with nearly $425 million from state lawmakers. The Duke Endowment grant follows the first major gift announced in January, a $25 million grant from Coca-Cola Consolidated.
What they’re saying: In a release, NC Children’s leaders called it both “a major step” and “the beginning,” with “significant work ahead.” NC Children’s ultimately plans to raise more than $1 billion in philanthropic dollars.
NC Children’s was announced in July 2025 as a partnership between UNC Health and Duke Health. The collaboration within the independent health system will bring specialized care for kids closer to home.
What’s next: Groundbreaking is expected in 2027. The campus is anticipated to open in the 2030s. The complete NC Children’s campus is planned to include a 500-bed children’s hospital, a children’s outpatient care center, an ambulatory surgical center (also known as an outpatient or same-day surgery center), inpatient behavioral health services, and facilities for research and education.
What it means for Western Wake: NC Children’s will bring about 8,000 jobs and be in the massive Veridea development. As The Line previously reported, developers expect Veridea to be home to 10,000 new residents. Veridea will include a retail district, Wake Tech’s Western Wake campus, hotels, a recreation center, parks, and an elementary school.
