Workforce Development Grants

This grant program will award grants for workforce development and energy workforce pipeline cultivation.

Targeted types of programs in order of preference

Workforce development training for jobs vital to the energy industry

Lineworker training and engineering programs at local community colleges
Engineering, energy and climate programs at four-year universities
Certification programs specific to energy trades

Trades and training programs for the region’s most pressing workforce development needs

Trades training programs with licenses and certifications
Programmatic support of new training programs

Energy and engineering education and career readiness for high school students and teachers

Teacher professional development for teaching energy concepts
Out-of-school programs engaging students in engineering education
District-level initiatives supporting energy and engineering learning

Desired Outcomes

Grants will provide funding to support workforce development programs that meet the region’s pressing needs, deliver upskilling credentials to support local economies.

Grants are not limited to the examples listed, nor are programs stemming from the listed examples guaranteed funding. Average grant award $10,000-$15,000.

Application timeline

Applications due April 30, 2025

Grant awards to be announced by June 1

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 Service areas in Ohio or Kentucky
- 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, for-profit organizations and individuals
- Organizations with a substantial purpose of influencing any political, legislative or regulatory cause, including 501©4, 501©6, or similar organizations
- 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.
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 natural gas service provided by Duke Energy
- External fundraising campaigns or events
- General operating expenses
- Capital investments and improvements
- Endowments or other foundations

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Desired Outcomes

Application timeline

Qualifications

Restrictions

Application and Contact Information

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