Duke Energy Foundation has announced a new grant program totaling $500,000 to assist small businesses in North Carolina. Nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply for grants of up to $25,000. These nonprofits will then distribute awards of up to $5,000 to individual small businesses. The funding can be used by local businesses such as restaurants and retail stores for purposes including renovations, equipment purchases, technology upgrades, inventory acquisition, or other business needs.
Applications for the grants are open now and will be accepted through October 31, 2025. Interested nonprofit organizations can find more information and apply on the Duke Energy Foundation’s website.
In 2024, twenty organizations in North Carolina received similar funding from the foundation, including the Downtown Greensboro Foundation, the Durham Chamber Legacy Foundation, and the Caraway Foundation in Anson County. Since 2020, Duke Energy Foundation has provided over $2.4 million to support small businesses across the state.
“Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, especially in North Carolina where they employ nearly half of the state’s workforce,” said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president. “Through strategic grantmaking, the Foundation helps to stimulate local economies, create jobs and foster economic growth in the communities where Duke Energy operates.”
The Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to communities served by Duke Energy customers. The foundation is funded by shareholders of Duke Energy.
Duke Energy is a Fortune 150 company based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Its electric utilities serve 8.6 million customers across six states and own a total energy capacity of 55,100 megawatts. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in five states. The company is currently investing in grid upgrades and cleaner energy generation as part of its energy transition strategy.
More information about Duke Energy and its initiatives can be found at duke-energy.com and on its social media channels.
