Duke Energy and the Duke Energy Foundation have awarded $180,000 in grants to five organizations supporting Hispanic and Latino communities in Florida. The funding aims to advance cultural, educational, and leadership initiatives.
Since 2016, Duke Energy and its foundation have invested over $1.2 million in programs tied to Hispanic Heritage Month across the state.
The grants this year will support a range of activities including scholarships for college students, professional development workshops designed to help workforce entry, and cultural events celebrating leadership and heritage within the Hispanic community.
Among the recipients is Prospera Florida, which received $50,000 to assist Hispanic small business owners with legal, financial, and capital guidance. The grant will also fund bilingual educational programs and technical assistance.
The Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando Inc. was allocated $50,000 to expand college scholarships for Hispanic/Latino students and increase professional development opportunities.
The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando received $50,000 for its Don Quixote Awards Ball event that recognizes individuals who demonstrate visionary qualities.
Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County Inc. obtained $25,000 to support both Hispanic Heritage Month events and ongoing cultural initiatives. Part of this funding will go toward The Speakers Bureau pilot program for Spanish-speaking county employees.
Additionally, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida Foundation received $5,000 for its Latina Leadership Development Program aimed at equipping Latina entrepreneurs with tools in marketing, technology use for business growth, finance management, and more.
Melissa Seixas, president of Duke Energy Florida stated: “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., said: “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.”
The Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million each year in philanthropic contributions funded by company shareholders.
Duke Energy Florida serves about 2 million customers across a 13,000-square-mile area in Florida as part of parent company Duke Energy’s larger operations spanning several states.
