Duke Energy Foundation has announced a new grant program totaling $500,000 to support small businesses throughout North Carolina. Nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply for grants of up to $25,000, which will be used to provide awards of up to $5,000 to individual small businesses. The funds can help local businesses, such as restaurants and retail stores, with renovations, equipment purchases, technology upgrades, inventory, or other business needs.
Applications for the grants are open now and will be accepted through October 31, 2025. Eligible nonprofits can find more information and apply through the Duke Energy Foundation’s website.
In 2024, twenty organizations in North Carolina received funding for small business support 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 committed over $2.4 million to small business support 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 each year in philanthropic support to communities served by Duke Energy customers. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.
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 of 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity. The company’s natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in five states. Duke Energy is investing in grid upgrades and cleaner energy generation as part of its energy transition strategy.
More information about Duke Energy and its programs is available at duke-energy.com and through its social media channels.
