The Duke Energy Foundation - Grant Information & Application Details

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $30+ million
Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
Decision Time: Up to 3 months or more
Grant Range: $1,000 - $25,000 (varies by program)
Geographic Focus: Seven states (NC, SC, FL, IN, OH, KY, TN)

Contact Details

Website: https://foundation.duke-energy.com
Email: DEFoundation@duke-energy.com
Phone: 704-382-3853
Online Application Portal: https://dukeenergy.versaic.com
Mailing Address: Duke Energy Foundation, 550 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

Note: The Foundation recommends contacting your state representative to discuss your grant proposal before filing an application. Each state has dedicated contacts available on the foundation's website.

Overview

Founded in 1984 as the Duke Power Company Foundation, the Duke Energy Foundation has evolved over 40 years into a philanthropic powerhouse, awarding more than $500 million to more than 20,000 nonprofits. The Foundation, funded by Duke Energy shareholder dollars, annually contributes more than $30 million in charitable gifts to communities across its seven-state service area. Under the leadership of President Loree Elswick (appointed November 2025), the Foundation's mission focuses on "powering the vitality of the communities we serve by building vibrant economies; strengthening climate resiliency; and promoting opportunity and inclusion." The Foundation operates through state-specific grant programs that respond to unique regional needs while maintaining consistent strategic priorities across all service areas. With Duke Energy employees contributing thousands of volunteer hours each year (valued at nearly $4 million), the Foundation emphasizes both financial support and hands-on community engagement.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Local Impact Grants (Rolling Basis): Up to $20,000

Accepts applications year-round on a rolling basis
Average awards: $10,000-$15,000
Focus on programs aligned with the Foundation's three investment priorities
Reviewed within three months or longer

Powerful Communities Grants: $20,000-$25,000

Strategic education-focused grants for innovative K-12 programs
Supports STEM, literacy, and workforce development initiatives
Awarded through competitive application cycles
Recent example: $3.2 million awarded to 131 K-12 education programs

State-Specific Grant Programs: $1,000-$30,000 (varies by program)

Urban Revitalization Grants (Ohio/Kentucky): Up to $20,000
Small Business Support Grants (Various states): $1,000-$25,000
Senior Support/Home Ramp Programs (South Carolina): Varies
Workforce Development & Child Care Access (Indiana): Up to $50,000
Disaster Preparedness & Recovery Grants (North Carolina): Up to $25,000

HERO (Helping Emergency Response Organizations) Grants (South Carolina): Up to $5,000

Supports equipment needs for emergency response organizations
Focused on disaster preparedness and community resilience

Priority Areas

The Foundation focuses on three main strategic areas:

Vibrant Economies

Workforce development training for jobs vital to the energy economy, with emphasis on underrepresented populations
Energy and engineering education for K-12 students and teachers
Skills development, job entry skills for the new economy, and retraining of unemployed/underemployed workers
Community revitalization and local economic development efforts
Economic recovery for customers and communities facing unprecedented challenges
Small business support and economic competitiveness initiatives

Climate Resiliency

Environmental projects supporting land conservation, clean water, and biodiversity of plant and animal species
Environmental resiliency projects that prepare communities for and mitigate against the effects of climate change
Programs supporting the "just transition" for communities transitioning to cleaner energy generation
Natural disaster preparedness and recovery efforts

Justice, Equity and Inclusion

Diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives supporting upward mobility
Programs that address disparities and promote opportunity for underserved populations
Social justice and racial equity initiatives

What They Don't Fund

Ineligible Organizations:

Private foundations or endowments
Foreign organizations
For-profit organizations
Individuals
Churches or evangelical organizations
Organizations with substantial purpose of influencing political, legislative or regulatory causes, including 501(c)(4), 501(c)(6), or similar organizations
Organizations offering Duke Energy any benefit from the grant
Nonprofit organizations that are opposing or intervening parties in proceedings where Duke Energy is involved, or that fund or produce negative advertisements against Duke Energy, or actively oppose Duke Energy on social media

Ineligible Programs and Projects:

Individual K-12 schools or organizations operating within an individual school (will consider school grants at 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
Projects or equipment that generate or store electricity, including generators and solar panels
General operating expenses (program-specific funding only)
Capital investments and improvements
Endowments

Funding Restrictions:

Multiple grants to the same institution in a calendar year are not funded
Organizations must serve communities that are also served by Duke Energy

Governance and Leadership

Foundation President: Loree Elswick (appointed November 2025)

Loree Elswick brings a deep commitment to community engagement and service to her role as president. Upon her appointment, she stated: "I'm honored to step into this role and continue building strong, resilient communities across our service areas. Philanthropy is not just a function—it's a passion. I'm excited to build on the Duke Energy Foundation's strategic work and deepen our impact in the neighborhoods we serve."

Previous Presidents:

Cari Boyce (became president in 2017, later served as Senior Vice President of Strategy and Sustainability)
Shawn Heath (served as Vice President, Chief of Staff and President beginning October 2019)

Senior Leadership Perspectives:

Pepper Natonski, Senior Vice President at Duke Energy, emphasized the Foundation's role: "As we work to meet the growing energy needs of our customers while keeping costs as low as possible, the Foundation's role in strengthening the places we call home has never been more important. Loree's deep-rooted commitment to service and her passion for community engagement make her the ideal leader to guide this work forward."

Governance Structure: The Foundation operates with oversight from Duke Energy's corporate leadership. Various Duke Energy executives serve on the Foundation board, including representatives from state operations. For example, Julie S. Janson has served on the Board while also serving as President of Duke Energy in Ohio and Kentucky.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Step 1: Pre-Application Review

Review eligibility guidelines and ensure your organization meets requirements
Assess alignment between your proposal and the Foundation's three focus areas
Review state-specific grant programs and opportunities

Step 2: Contact State Representative

Identify your state representative through the Foundation's website
Discuss your grant proposal before submitting a formal application
Seek guidance on which grant program best fits your project
The Foundation strongly recommends this step to ensure fit and eligibility

Step 3: Submit Electronic Application

Access the online grant portal at https://dukeenergy.versaic.com
Complete the electronic grant application form
Upload required supporting documents:
- IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter or proof of governmental entity status
- Organization budget and financial statements
- Program budget for proposed project
- Methods to measure, track, and report program outcomes
- Evidence of measurable community impact

Step 4: Application Review

Foundation staff will vet your organization
May contact you with questions or requests for additional information
Staff will assess alignment with funding priorities and community impact potential

Step 5: Notification

Applicants will be notified of funding decisions
Grant recipients receive award letters with payment and reporting requirements

Decision Timeline

Review Period: Up to 3 months or more from submission to decision
Rolling Basis: For Local Impact Grants up to $20,000, applications accepted year-round
Competitive Cycles: Powerful Communities and state-specific programs may have application windows
Payment Timeline: Not publicly specified, varies by program

Success Rates

The Foundation does not publicly disclose overall success rates or application-to-award ratios. However, recent grant announcements indicate the Foundation awards hundreds of grants annually across its seven-state service area. For example, the Powerful Communities education program alone awarded $3.2 million to 131 organizations in a single cycle.

Reapplication Policy

The Foundation's specific reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly disclosed. However, the following restrictions are clearly stated:

Multiple grants to the same institution in a calendar year are not funded
Organizations should contact their state representative to discuss whether and when to reapply after an unsuccessful application

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Strategic Priorities

The Foundation emphasizes that successful applications demonstrate clear alignment with one or more of the three focus areas: Vibrant Economies, Climate Resiliency, and Justice, Equity & Inclusion. Projects should explicitly connect to these priorities and show how they advance the Foundation's mission.

Measurable Community Impact

Organizations must have robust methods to measure, track, and report program outcomes. The Foundation seeks specific results that demonstrate measurable community impact. Include concrete metrics, evaluation plans, and evidence of past success in achieving similar outcomes.

Connection to Duke Energy Service Area

All funded projects must serve communities that are also served by Duke Energy. Geographic eligibility is essential—projects should clearly identify the specific communities to be served and demonstrate they fall within the Foundation's seven-state service area.

State-Specific Needs

The Foundation responds to unique needs in each state it serves. Research recent grants in your state to understand local priorities and funding patterns. State representatives can provide valuable guidance on regional focus areas.

Collaboration and Leverage

Projects that demonstrate partnerships with other organizations, leverage additional funding sources, or multiply impact through collaboration are viewed favorably. The Foundation seeks to be a catalyst for broader community change.

Examples of Recently Funded Projects

Education & Workforce Development:

Teacher Classroom Mini-Grants for STEM education (Florida)
Programs addressing pandemic learning loss (North Carolina)
Child care access initiatives to support workforce participation (Indiana)
Energy and engineering education programs for K-12 students

Climate Resiliency:

Natural disaster preparedness grants (North Carolina)
Environmental education initiatives (Ohio, Kentucky)
Conservation and clean water projects

Economic Development:

Urban revitalization grants for neighborhood redevelopment (Cincinnati)
Small business support grants for operational improvements (multiple states)
Community economic development initiatives (Florida)

Community Support:

Home ramp programs for low-income seniors and people with disabilities (South Carolina)
Social justice and racial equity programs
Emergency response equipment for first responders (South Carolina HERO grants)

Language and Terminology

The Foundation consistently uses specific terminology that applicants should mirror in proposals:

"Vibrant economies" rather than just "economic development"
"Climate resiliency" rather than "environmental sustainability"
"Justice, equity and inclusion" or "opportunity and inclusion"
"Measurable community impact"
"K to career" for education initiatives
"Energy economy" and "energy sector workforce"
"Just transition" for communities moving to cleaner energy

Strategic Guidance from the Foundation

Pre-Application Consultation: The Foundation explicitly encourages organizations to contact their state representative before applying. This consultation can help ensure proper alignment, identify the most appropriate grant program, and increase the likelihood of success.

State-Specific Approach: Each state has unique grant opportunities and processes. Organizations should review their state's specific page on the Foundation website and follow state-specific flow charts and guidelines.

Multi-Year Impact: While the Foundation does not fund the same organization multiple times per calendar year, they do support organizations over multiple years for different projects or program phases, provided organizations comply with reporting requirements and demonstrate strong impact.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Contact First, Apply Later: The Foundation strongly recommends discussing your proposal with your state representative before submitting an application. This pre-application consultation can save time and significantly improve your chances of success.
Demonstrate Measurable Impact: Generic outcomes won't suffice. Develop concrete, specific metrics that demonstrate measurable community impact. Include evaluation methodologies and evidence of past success achieving similar goals.
Align with Strategic Priorities: Explicitly connect your proposal to one or more of the three focus areas (Vibrant Economies, Climate Resiliency, Justice/Equity/Inclusion). Use the Foundation's language and terminology to demonstrate understanding of their strategic priorities.
Know Your Geography: Eligibility is limited to organizations serving Duke Energy's service area (NC, SC, FL, IN, OH, KY, TN). Clearly identify the specific communities you serve and ensure they fall within eligible regions.
Right-Size Your Request: The majority of grants are awarded in the $10,000-$20,000 range for general Local Impact Grants. Larger requests ($20,000-$25,000) are typically reserved for strategic initiatives like Powerful Communities education grants or state-specific programs. Match your request to the appropriate grant program.
One Grant Per Year: The Foundation does not award multiple grants to the same organization in a calendar year, so make your proposal count. Plan strategically if you have multiple projects—prioritize and submit only your strongest proposal each year.
Emphasize Energy Economy Connection: Projects that connect to workforce development for the energy sector, engineering education, or support for communities in energy transition are particularly aligned with the Foundation's mission as the philanthropic arm of an energy company.

References

Duke Energy Foundation. (2025). "Grants." Retrieved from https://foundation.duke-energy.com/grants
Duke Energy Foundation. (2025). "Grant Funding Guidelines." Retrieved from https://www.duke-energy.com/community/duke-energy-foundation/funding-guidelines
Duke Energy Foundation. (2025). "Duke Energy Foundation powers positive change over 40 years." Duke Energy Illumination. Retrieved from https://illumination.duke-energy.com/articles/duke-energy-foundation-powers-positive-change-over-40-years
Duke Energy. (2025, January 24). "Duke Energy announces Loree Elswick as president of the Duke Energy Foundation." News Center. Retrieved from https://news.duke-energy.com/releases/duke-energy-announces-loree-elswick-as-president-of-the-duke-energy-foundation
Duke Energy. (2024). "Duke Energy awards $3.2 million to innovative education programs as part of its Powerful Communities grant program." News Center. Retrieved from https://news.duke-energy.com/releases/duke-energy-awards-3-2-million-to-innovative-education-programs-as-part-of-its-powerful-communities-grant-program
Duke Energy. (2024). "Duke Energy Foundation Awards $110,000 to Seven Recipients of 2024 Urban Revitalization Grants." News Center. Retrieved from https://news.duke-energy.com/releases/duke-energy-foundation-awards-110-000-to-seven-recipients-of-2024-urban-revitalization-grants
Duke Energy. (2025). "Duke Energy Foundation offers $500,000 in grants to support North Carolina small businesses." News Center. Retrieved from https://news.duke-energy.com/releases/duke-energy-foundation-offers-500-000-in-grants-to-support-north-carolina-small-businesses
Duke Energy. (2024). "Duke Energy offers $200,000 in grants to help nonprofits that support senior citizens in South Carolina." News Center. Retrieved from https://news.duke-energy.com/releases/duke-energy-offers-200-000-in-grants-to-help-nonprofits-that-support-senior-citizens-in-south-carolina
Duke Energy. "Duke Energy Foundation empowers Florida students, teachers and workforce through $1.56 million in grants." News Center. Retrieved from https://news.duke-energy.com/releases/duke-energy-foundation-empowers-florida-students-teachers-and-workforce-through-1-56-million-in-grants
ProPublica. (2024). "The Duke Energy Foundation - Nonprofit Explorer." Retrieved from https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/581586283
Duke Energy. "Duke Energy connects students and educators with STEM, literacy and workforce development opportunities in North Carolina." News Center. Retrieved from https://news.duke-energy.com/releases/duke-energy-connects-students-and-educators-with-stem-literacy-and-workforce-development-opportunities-in-north-carolina
Duke Energy Foundation. "North Carolina Grants." Retrieved from https://www.duke-energy.com/community/duke-energy-foundation/north-carolina
Duke Energy Foundation. "South Carolina Grants - HERO Grants." Retrieved from https://foundation.duke-energy.com/grants/south-carolina/hero-grants
Duke Energy. (2017). "Cari Boyce to lead Duke Energy Foundation." News Center. Retrieved from https://news.duke-energy.com/releases/releases-20170403

All sources accessed between January 13-14, 2025.