Duke Energy: North Carolina: Local Impact Grants

The Duke Energy Foundation provides Local Impact Grants to strengthen communities in North Carolina, offering up to $20,000 for various initiatives. These include workforce development, climate resiliency projects, and promoting inclusivity. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status, serve Duke Energy communities, and demonstrate measurable impacts. The Foundation prioritizes grants that support economic recovery, environmental conservation, and equitable access to opportunities, thus fostering sustainable growth and resilience across the state.

The Duke Energy Foundation is focused on strengthening and uplifting communities throughout North Carolina with grant funding. We accept grant applications for $20,000 and less throughout the year on a rolling basis for the focus areas describe below.
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

To qualify for grant funding consideration, 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.North Carolina counties eligible for funding: Alamance, Alexander,  Anson, Avery, Beaufort, Bladen, Brunswick, Buncombe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Carteret, Caswell, Catawba, Chatham, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Davidson, Davie, Duplin, Durham, Edgecombe, Forsyth, Franklin, Gaston, Graham, Granville, Greene, Guilford, Halifax, Harnett, Haywood, Henderson, Hoke, Iredell, Jackson, Johnston, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, Lincoln, Macon, Madison,, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Montgomery, Moore, Nash, New Hanover, Onslow, Orange, Pamlico, Pender, Person, Pitt, Polk, Randolph, Richmond, Robeson, Rockingham, Rowan, Rutherford, Sampson, Scotland, Stanly, Stokes, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Union ,Vance, Wake, Warren, Wayne, Wilkes, Wilson, Yadkin, YanceyServe 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.

Ineligibility

Foundation grant support is not available for: Churches or evangelical organizations.Organizations with a substantial purpose of influencing any political, legislative or regulatory cause.Fraternal, veteran or labor membership organizations serving only the members of that organization.Organizations offering or providing either Duke Energy Corp., the Duke Energy Foundation, or their respective officers or employees any benefit from the grant.Nonprofit 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. We will consider school grants at the district level.Sports teams or events.Religious programs, projects or activities.Direct cost reduction for electric or natural 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.