Duke Energy Foundation, along with Duke Energy and its employees, has contributed $33.8 million since 2016 to nonprofit organizations focused on community resilience, emergency preparedness, and disaster relief across seven states. The funding supports training for first responders, the purchase of lifesaving equipment such as AEDs and drones, improvements to emergency operations centers and shelters, and the distribution of storm kits to vulnerable populations.
The foundation works in partnership with state and local emergency management agencies, national relief organizations, and community nonprofits to provide tailored support before and after storms. Funding is provided through corporate giving, employee donations, volunteer hours, and direct grants.
“When disaster strikes, it’s critical that we respond quickly and show up with humanity,” said Amy Strecker, president of the Duke Energy Foundation. “By supporting the nonprofits and first responders who stand beside our neighbors in their most difficult moments, we help ensure communities have the tools they need to respond and rebuild.”
In North Carolina this year, over $1 million was awarded to local organizations for storm preparedness efforts statewide and long-term recovery in western regions affected by Hurricane Helene in 2024. In South Carolina, the annual Helping Emergency Response Organizations (HERO) grant program distributed $500,000 in May 2025 to improve severe weather emergency preparedness; since its inception four years ago, HERO has funded 137 microgrants totaling $2 million.
In Florida this June, $153,000 was allocated among a dozen organizations to enhance storm readiness by installing AEDs in public areas, expanding CPR training programs, and supplying storm kits for seniors. In Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky this spring, more than $47,000 supported relief efforts following severe flooding and tornadoes.
The Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support within communities served by Duke Energy customers. The foundation is funded by company shareholders.
Duke Energy is a Fortune 150 company based in Charlotte that supplies electric utilities to 8.6 million customers across six states—North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky—and natural gas utilities to 1.7 million customers in five states. The company is currently investing in grid upgrades and cleaner energy generation options including renewables.
More information about these initiatives can be found at https://foundation.duke-energy.com/success-in-action.
