Duke Energy: Kentucky: Local Impact Grants

The Duke Energy Foundation offers Local Impact Grants of up to $20,000 aimed at supporting vibrant economies, climate resiliency, and justice, equity, and inclusion in Kentucky. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and serve Duke Energy communities, focusing on workforce development, environmental projects, and initiatives promoting access to opportunities for underserved populations. The grants are open year-round, encouraging impactful projects that foster community improvement and sustainability.

Local Impact Grants are grants up to $20,000 for work in the areas of vibrant economies, climate resiliency and justice, equity and inclusion. Our Local Impact grants are open year-round.
Vibrant Economies
Workforce development training for jobs vital to the energy economy, with a focus on underrepresented populationsCommunity revitalization and local economic development effortsEconomic recovery for customers and communities facing unprecedented challengesEnergy and engineering education for K-12 students and teachers
Climate Resiliency
Environmental projects supporting land conservation; clean water; and biodiversity of plant and animal speciesEnvironmental resiliency projects that prepare communities for and mitigate against the effects of climate changeNatural disaster preparedness and responseProjects strengthening thriving natural environments, including access to green space, in historically underserved communities.
Opportunity and Inclusion
Programs supporting a just transition for communities moving toward cleaner energy infrastructureInitiatives supporting upward mobility for families and individuals in the communities we servePrograms reducing structural barriers and promoting access to opportunity for underserved communities

Eligibility

Your organization must meet the following criteria:Have current tax-exempt status as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code, be a governmental entity, including school systems.Serve communities that are also served by Duke Energy.Kentucky counties eligible for foundation funding: Boone, Bracken, Campbell, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton, PendletonServe communities without discrimination against any individual on the basis of race, creed, gender, gender identity, age, sexual orientation or national origin.Have a method by which to measure, track and report one or more program outcomes and specific results that demonstrate measurable community impact.We will consider school grants at the district level.

Ineligibility

Foundation grant support is not available for:Churches or evangelical organizationsOrganizations with a substantial purpose of influencing any political, legislative or regulatory causeFraternal, veteran or labor membership organizations serving only the members of that organizationOrganizations offering or providing either Duke Energy Corporation, the Duke Energy Foundation, or their respective officers or employees any benefit from the grantNonprofit organizations that are opposing or intervening parties (or that fund any such parties) in any proceeding in which Duke Energy is a party, or that fund or produce negative advertisements against Duke Energy.The Foundation does not fund grants for programs and projects associated with, but not limited to, the following:Individual K-12 schools or organizations that operate within an individual school.Sports teams or events.
Religious programs, projects or activities.
Direct cost reduction for electric or gas service provided by Duke Energy.
External fundraising campaigns or events.
General operating expenses.
Capital investments and improvements.
Endowments or other foundations.
Multiple grants to the same institution in a calendar year.
The purchase or installation of any solar panel projects that connect to the electric grid.
General support for emergency preparedness equipment. Duke Energy Foundation will occasionally consider support of emergency preparedness equipment as part of prescriptive request for proposals (RFP) opportunities and not part of our open grants process.