#United States #Charlotte #Duke Energy #North Carolina #Environmental Resilience

Duke Energy Foundation Commits Funds to Environmental Resilience

Duke Energy Foundation has announced an impressive commitment of $500,000 aimed at supporting various local environmental resilience projects throughout North Carolina. This funding initiative seeks to conserve natural resources, restore habitats, and improve access to outdoor spaces, a crucial move for sustainability, particularly in the face of climate-related challenges.

Importance of Natural Systems

Healthy ecosystems play a vital role in ensuring that communities can withstand extreme weather events and maintain a high quality of life. As part of its commitment, Duke Energy plans to empower local nonprofit organizations to lead projects that not only benefit the environment but also serve the community’s needs. The Foundation recognizes that local partners have the best insight into what their communities require in order to flourish.

Grant Opportunities

Eligibility criteria allow nonprofit organizations to apply for grants of $25,000 each. The grants are intended to support initiatives that:

• - Expand Access: Enhance public access to parks, trails, and natural spaces, thereby encouraging community interaction with nature.
• - Restore Habitats: Protect clean water sources and biodiversity by restoring natural habitats throughout the region.
• - Promote Conservation: Encourage conservation efforts and outdoor activities to engage more community members in ecological stewardship.

Goals and Vision

The overarching goal of this funding initiative is to empower nonprofits to spearhead practical, localized projects that will not only foster stronger community ties but also ensure the preservation of North Carolina's natural beauty for future generations. By focusing on grassroots efforts, Duke Energy hopes to see a significant positive impact on both the environment and the communities involved.

Voices Supporting the Initiative

Kendal Bowman, the North Carolina state president of Duke Energy, stated, "Local partners understand what their communities need. By supporting their conservation efforts, we're helping enhance the natural spaces that make North Carolina communities stronger and more vibrant." This aligns with the Foundation's broader commitment to enhancing community resilience through sustainable practices.

Kyle Prairie, CEO of Keep North Carolina Beautiful—one of the organizations that benefitted from previous funding—expressed gratitude for Duke Energy's support, noting that it helps to provide essential tools and resources that empower thousands of volunteers to maintain cleaner communities.

Call to Action

Organizations interested in securing funding can apply until March 13, 2026. Detailed application procedures and additional information are accessible via the Duke Energy Foundation's official website. This funding opportunity exemplifies how corporate social responsibility can lead to meaningful, transformative change in local communities.

About Duke Energy Foundation

The Duke Energy Foundation is a significant philanthropic entity, providing over $30 million annually to meet community needs in areas where Duke Energy operates. Funded by Duke Energy shareholders, the Foundation has long maintained a strong presence in supporting community resilience and sustainability initiatives.

Duke Energy Overview

Duke Energy, a Fortune 150 company based in Charlotte, N.C., is one of the largest energy holding companies in America. With electric utilities serving 8.6 million customers across several states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida, it also focuses on clean energy solutions and enhancing grid reliability. The company continues to invest heavily in cleaner energy and modernization of its infrastructure.

For more details about the funding opportunities or Duke Energy's initiatives, visit duke-energy.com or check out the Duke Energy News Center.