Urban Revitalization Grants

Please review this flow chart to understand the grantmaking process and opportunities.

Local Impact Grants are grants up to $20,000 that focus on programs aligned with vibrant economies, climate resiliency and justice, equity and inclusion. Our Local Impact grants are open year-round.

The majority of Duke Energy’s grantmaking is made at the $20,000 or below level. If you have a question about a program that does not fit the local impact opportunity or involves a statewide approach, please reach out to the relevant contact.

On an annual basis, we will issue a request for proposal (RFP) for grant programs that focus on timely issues and areas impacting the state. Once these programs are announced, organizations will have the opportunity to apply.

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, be a governmental entity, including school systems.
• 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, the 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.
• General support for emergency preparedness equipment. Duke Energy Foundation will occasionally consider support of emergency preparedness equipment as part of prescriptive request for proposals (RFP) opportunities and not part of our open grants process.