Storm Preparedness

Duke Energy plays a vital role in storm readiness, response, recovery and resilience. To continue supporting North Carolina’s communities, Duke Energy Foundation is committing $500,000 in grants to support local storm preparedness across the state.

Opportunity

Duke Energy Foundation is accepting grant applications from eligible organizations for a $25,000 grant. Applications are being accepted until April 25 at 5:00 p.m. EST. Grants will support storm preparedness and natural disaster readiness. Successful applications will describe pressing local preparedness needs and how the organization will use the funds. Examples of potential proposals include:

Heightened collaboration across agencies, sectors and communities in local disaster preparedness and response.
Organized and innovative planning initiatives for local communities to prepare for natural disasters and extreme weather.
Local storm preparedness trainings, materials, kits, and other community engagement and education initiatives.
Specialized training for first responders for natural disaster scenarios.

Proposals from government entities are required to complete vetting through Duke Energy Foundation’s third-party processor before funding consideration. Government applicants should review all materials in advance and plan to apply in advance of the deadline to ensure vetting completion. Duke Energy Foundation’s vetting guide is available here.

Local governments are strongly encouraged to coordinate applications with other government entities and agencies serving their counties and communities.

Grant funds cannot be used to support weatherization, energy efficiency efforts, generators, solar panels and other electric generating equipment.

To qualify for grant funding consideration, your organization must meet the following criteria:
- Have current, tax-exempt status as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. Governmental entities will need to submit a W9.
- Serve communities that are also served by Duke Energy.
- Serve communities without discrimination against any individual on the basis of race, creed, gender, gender identity, age, sexual orientation or national origin.
- Have a method by which to measure, track and report one or more program outcomes and specific results that demonstrate measurable community impact.
Foundation grant support is not available for:
- Churches or evangelical organizations.
- Private foundations (including private operating foundations).
- Foreign organizations.
- For-profit organizations.
- Individuals.
- Organizations with a substantial purpose of influencing any political, legislative or regulatory cause, including 501(c)(4), 501(c)(6), or similar organizations.
- Nonprofit organizations that are not tax exempt under Code section 501(a).
- Fraternal, veteran or labor membership organizations serving only the members of that organization.
- Organizations offering or providing either Duke Energy Corporation, Duke Energy Foundation, or their respective officers or employees any benefit from the grant.
- Nonprofit organizations that are opposing or intervening parties (or that fund any such parties) in any proceeding in which Duke Energy is a party, or that fund or produce negative advertisements against Duke Energy, or actively oppose Duke Energy on social media.
The Foundation does not fund grants for programs and projects associated with, but not limited to, the following:
- Individual K-12 schools or organizations that operate within an individual school. We will consider school grants at the district level.
- Sports teams or events.
- Religious programs, projects or activities.
- Direct cost reduction for electric or gas service provided by Duke Energy.
- External fundraising campaigns or events.
- General operating expenses.
- Capital investments and improvements.
- Endowments or other foundations.
- Multiple grants to the same institution in a calendar year.
- The purchase or installation of any solar panel projects that connect to the electric grid.

Opportunity

Qualifications

Restrictions

Application and Contact Information

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