Duke Energy Foundation has announced a significant initiative, allocating $500,000 in grants aimed at supporting small businesses across North Carolina. This funding will enable eligible nonprofit organizations to apply for grants of up to $25,000. These nonprofits will subsequently distribute awards of up to $5,000 to individual small businesses, assisting them with vital operational needs.
Applications for this funding opportunity are now open and will remain accessible until October 31, 2025. The grants are intended to help local businesses, including restaurants and retail stores, with expenses such as renovations, equipment purchases, technology upgrades, inventory acquisition, and other essential business requirements.
Supporting Local Economies and Job Creation
The Duke Energy Foundation has a history of supporting small businesses in the region. In 2024, the foundation awarded funding to twenty organizations dedicated to small business support, including the Downtown Greensboro Foundation, the Durham Chamber Legacy Foundation, and the Caraway Foundation in Anson County. Since 2020, the foundation has committed over $2.4 million to small businesses in North Carolina, reinforcing its dedication to economic development in the state.
“Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, especially in North Carolina where they employ nearly half of the state’s workforce,” said Kendal Bowman, President of Duke Energy’s North Carolina division. “Through strategic grantmaking, the Foundation helps to stimulate local economies, create jobs, and foster economic growth in the communities where Duke Energy operates.”
How to Apply for Grants
Eligible nonprofit organizations can visit the Duke Energy Foundation’s website for further details regarding the application process. This initiative not only aims to bolster small businesses but also reflects Duke Energy’s broader commitment to community investment, which sees the foundation providing over $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet local needs.
Duke Energy, a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, serves approximately 8.6 million customers across multiple states including South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. The company is also undertaking significant energy transition initiatives, focusing on enhancing grid reliability and investing in cleaner energy sources.
For more information about the grant program and other initiatives, visit duke-energy.com or follow Duke Energy on social media platforms such as X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
