Duke Energy and the Duke Energy Foundation have awarded $180,000 in grants to five organizations that support Hispanic and Latino communities in Florida. The funding will be used for scholarships, professional development workshops, cultural events, and other initiatives.
The recipients include Prospera Florida, which will receive $50,000 to help Hispanic small business owners with legal, financial, and capital guidance. This grant will also support bilingual educational programs and technical assistance.
Another $50,000 has been allocated to the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando Inc. to increase college scholarships for Hispanic and Latino students and expand workforce entry workshops.
The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando is set to receive $50,000 for the Don Quixote Awards Ball. This event recognizes individuals who exemplify the qualities of Don Quijote.
A grant of $25,000 will go to the Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County Inc. to fund events during Hispanic Heritage Month as well as year-round leadership initiatives. Part of this funding supports The Speakers Bureau pilot program for Spanish-speaking county employees.
Finally, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida Foundation will get $5,000 for its Latina Leadership Development Program aimed at empowering Latina entrepreneurs with business tools and knowledge.
Melissa Seixas, president of Duke Energy Florida said: “Our communities thrive when we support those around us. We’re honored to invest in organizations that advance educational and professional development opportunities. Our shared goal is to see the communities we serve flourish.”
Carolin Requiz Smith, executive director of the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando Inc., stated: “We are proud to recognize the Duke Energy Foundation for their generous $50,000 gift to our scholarship fund, a contribution that will directly expand educational and professional opportunities for talented Hispanic and Latino students in our community. This meaningful support allows us to award more scholarships and provide critical resources to help students on their path to successful, fulfilling careers. Our partnership with Duke Energy is a powerful example of how collaboration can create lasting, positive change.”
Since 2016, Duke Energy and its foundation have contributed over $1.2 million in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month through similar grants across Florida.
The Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support funded by company shareholders.
Duke Energy Florida serves 2 million customers across a 13,000-square-mile area in Florida with 12,500 megawatts of energy capacity.
