Duke Energy: South Carolina: Local Impact Grants

Duke Energy: South Carolina: Local Impact Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: The Duke Energy Foundation
Amount: Up to US $20,000
Last Updated: March 11, 2026

Summary

The Duke Energy Foundation offers Local Impact Grants to enhance the quality of life in South Carolina. Grants up to $20,000 support initiatives in vibrant economies, climate resiliency, and opportunity and inclusion. Eligible organizations must serve communities powered by Duke Energy and meet specific tax-exempt criteria. The foundation prioritizes projects that promote environmental sustainability and community development, while emphasizing non-discrimination and measurable impact.

Overview

Local Impact Grants The Duke Energy Foundation is focused on strengthening and uplifting communities throughout South 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

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. 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.South Carolina counties eligible for foundation funding: Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Chester, Chesterfield, Clarendon, Darlington, Dillon, Fairfield, Florence, Georgetown (Andrews area only), Greenville, Greenwood, Horry – (Aynor & Green Sea area only), Kershaw, Lancaster, Laurens, Lee, Marion, Marlboro, Newberry, Oconee, Pickens, Saluda, Spartanburg, Sumter, Union, Williamsburg, YorkServe 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 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. We will consider school grants at the district level.Sports teams or events.Religious programs, projects or activitiesDirect cost reduction for electric or natural gas service provided by Duke EnergyExternal fundraising campaigns or eventsGeneral operating expensesCapital investments and improvementsEndowments or other foundationsMultiple grants to the same institution in a calendar year