Duke Energy Foundation has announced a new grant program totaling $500,000 to support small businesses in North Carolina. Nonprofit organizations in the state are eligible to apply for grants of up to $25,000. These nonprofits will use the funds to provide awards of up to $5,000 to individual small businesses. The funding is intended for local businesses such as restaurants and retail stores, which can use the money for renovations, equipment purchases, inventory, or other business needs.
Applications for these grants are open now through October 31, 2025. Nonprofits interested in applying can find more details and submit their applications on the Duke Energy Foundation’s website.
In 2024, twenty organizations across North Carolina received similar funding from the foundation. Past recipients included 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 supporting small businesses throughout North Carolina.
“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 address community needs where its customers live and work. The foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is among the largest energy holding companies in the United States. Its electric utilities serve 8.6 million customers across six states and its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in five states. The company is investing in grid upgrades and cleaner energy generation including natural gas, nuclear power, renewables and energy storage as part of its ongoing energy transition efforts.
More information about Duke Energy and its initiatives can be found at duke-energy.com and through its various social media channels.
