Duke Energy Foundation has allocated $125,000 in grants to nine nonprofit organizations across South Carolina. The funding is intended to help these organizations make repairs that allow homes to qualify for energy efficiency upgrades and weatherization programs. Each grant awarded ranges up to $20,000.
Many homes in South Carolina are currently unable to benefit from weatherization initiatives due to existing health and safety issues such as roof leaks, electrical hazards, mold, pest infestations, or structural deficiencies. These conditions must be resolved before energy efficiency improvements can be made.
The selected nonprofits receiving the grants include Citizens United for Redevelopment and Economic Stability of Chester ($10,000), City of Florence ($10,000), Emmanuel’s Hammer ($20,000), Habitat for Humanity Greenville County ($20,000), Habitat for Humanity of York County ($10,000), Helping Florence Flourish ($10,000), Rebuild Upstate ($5,000), Sumter United Ministries ($20,000), and United Way of Hartsville ($20,000).
Jerry Dudley, Planning Director for the City of Florence stated: “The Duke Energy Foundation grant will enhance the city’s Weatherization and Rehabilitation Program by funding critical home repairs for income-challenged households. Several homeowners are in urgent need of roof repairs. These grant dollars will help extend the reach of the city’s program, allowing us to serve more families and address essential housing needs.”
John Lattimore, Chief Program Officer at Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County said: “Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County is excited and honored to continue our partnership with Duke Energy and their commitment to providing a better quality of life for families in need. This specific funding will help provide warm, safe and dry conditions through critical home repairs for several deserving families. The need is great in our community and partners like Duke Energy allow us to meet more of that need.”
Tim Pearson, President of Duke Energy South Carolina added: “Many homes in our state have underlying safety issues that prevent homeowners from participating in energy efficiency and weatherization programs that can significantly moderate energy bills and decrease the growing demand on the energy grid. Recent legislative efforts have made it clear energy efficiency is critical to our long-term efforts to respond to growth in our state, and Duke Energy continues to look at new ways of expanding energy saving opportunities for our customers.”
In addition to these grants supporting pre-weatherization repairs, Duke Energy Progress introduced a pilot program in 2024 offering free energy improvements based on household income and usage levels. In 2025, the company expanded incentives and eligibility criteria for its South Carolina energy efficiency programs so more customers could participate (more information can be found at https://www.duke-energy.com/SummerSavings).
Duke Energy Foundation annually provides over $30 million in philanthropic support funded by shareholders. More details about Duke Energy’s operations—including its electric utilities serving 8.6 million customers across six states—can be found at https://www.duke-energy.com/ or via their social media channels.
