Western North Carolina Long-Term Recovery

Duke Energy continues supporting communities across Western North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene.

Following more than $2.2 million in initial grants for response and relief in the aftermath of the storm, Duke Energy Foundation is committing an additional $500,000 to western North Carolina’s long-term recovery.

Opportunity

Duke Energy Foundation is accepting grant applications from Western North Carolina’s nonprofit organizations supporting local and regional long-term recovery. Organizations must be based in Western North Carolina.

Eligible nonprofit organizations may apply for up to $25,000. The application is available now, and applications are accepted until Feb. 17, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST.

Grants will be awarded to locally based nonprofits with programs and projects focused on long-term recovery for communities. Successful applications will describe pressing recovery needs and how the organization will apply the funds. Recovery will take many forms across the region, and applications should include local insight on specific needs.

Helpful Links

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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Endowments or other foundations.
- The purchase or installation of any solar panel projects that connect to the electric grid.
- General support for emergency preparedness equipment.

Opportunity

Helpful Links

Qualifications

Restrictions

Application and Contact Information