Duke Energy has announced $550,000 in grants to support environmental programs across North Carolina. The funding will be distributed among 19 different initiatives aimed at protecting and improving the state’s natural environments, supporting biodiversity, and enhancing community resilience.
The grants are provided through the Duke Energy Foundation and will go toward projects such as vegetation enhancement, cleanup efforts, and improvements to public natural spaces. Over the past five years, the foundation has awarded more than $6.6 million to similar environmental impact programs in North Carolina.
Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president, said: “North Carolina’s natural surroundings are an asset to our communities, our residents and our economic growth. We’re proud to work alongside local nonprofits to promote our state’s natural resources and build communities that are great places to live, work and play.”
One of the grant recipients is Keep North Carolina Beautiful. Its CEO/Executive Director Kyle Prairie commented: “We are deeply grateful to Duke Energy for their generous support of the 2025 Greatest American Cleanup. Their investment in this statewide effort enables our affiliates and partners to roll up their sleeves and make a tangible impact in communities across North Carolina. Thanks to Duke Energy’s commitment, we’re not only providing the tools and resources needed to tackle litter and recycling – we’re also empowering thousands of volunteers to help create a cleaner, more beautiful North Carolina for everyone.”
Other organizations receiving funding include Alliance for Cape Fear Trees, Broad River Greenway, Carolina Raptor Center, Catawba County Historical Association, City of Greensboro, City of Lumberton, Daniel Jonathan Stowe Conservancy, Gateway Environmental Initiative, Happy Roots, Keep Durham Beautiful, North Carolina Arboretum Society, North Carolina Coastal Federation, North Carolina Wildlife Federation, Sturgeon City of Jacksonville, Town of Cary, Town of Sylva, TreesCharlotte and Wildlife & Outdoor Recreation Foundation.
The Duke Energy Foundation provides over $30 million annually in philanthropic support for communities where its customers live and work. The foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.
Duke Energy is headquartered in Charlotte and serves 8.6 million electric customers across six states while operating 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity. Its gas utilities reach 1.7 million customers in five states. The company continues investments in grid upgrades and cleaner energy sources as part of its ongoing energy transition plans.
More information about these initiatives can be found at duke-energy.com or through the company’s various social media channels.
