The Duke Energy Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: More than $30 million (stated by Duke Energy)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Up to 3 months or more
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $50,000 (varies by programme)
• 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 (who began the role November 1, 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 programmes that respond to unique regional needs whilst 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 emphasises both financial support and hands-on community engagement.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

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 programmes 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 programmes
• Supports STEM, literacy, and workforce development initiatives
• Awarded through competitive application cycles
• Recent example: $3.2 million awarded to 131 K-12 education programmes

State-Specific Grant Programmes: $1,000-$50,000 (varies by programme)

• Urban Revitalisation Grants (Ohio/Kentucky): Up to $20,000
• Small Business Support Grants (Various states): $1,000-$25,000
• Senior Support/Home Ramp Programmes (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 Organisations) Grants (South Carolina): Up to $5,000

• Supports equipment needs for emergency response organisations
• 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 revitalisation 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
• Programmes 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
• Programmes that address disparities and promote opportunity for underserved populations
• Social justice and racial equity initiatives

What They Don't Fund

Ineligible Organisations:

• Private foundations or endowments
• Foreign organisations
• For-profit organisations
• Individuals
• Churches or evangelical organisations
• Organisations with substantial purpose of influencing political, legislative or regulatory causes, including 501(c)(4), 501(c)(6), or similar organisations
• Organisations offering Duke Energy any benefit from the grant
• Nonprofit organisations 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 Programmes and Projects:

• Individual K-12 schools or organisations operating within an individual school (will consider school grants at district level)
• Sports teams or events
• Religious programmes, 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 (programme-specific funding only)
• Capital investments and improvements
• Endowments

Funding Restrictions:

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

Governance and Leadership

Foundation President: Loree Elswick (began role November 1, 2025)

Loree Elswick brings a deep commitment to community engagement and service to her role as president. Upon her appointment, she stated: "I'm honoured 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 neighbourhoods 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, emphasised the Foundation's role: "As we work to meet the growing energy needs of our customers whilst 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 whilst 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 organisation meets requirements
• Assess alignment between your proposal and the Foundation's three focus areas
• Review state-specific grant programmes 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 programme 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
  • Organisation budget and financial statements
  • Programme budget for proposed project
  • Methods to measure, track, and report programme outcomes
  • Evidence of measurable community impact

Step 4: Application Review

• Foundation staff will vet your organisation
• 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 programmes may have application windows
• Payment Timeline: Not publicly specified, varies by programme

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 programme alone awarded $3.2 million to 131 organisations 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
• Organisations 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 emphasises 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

Organisations must have robust methods to measure, track, and report programme 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 organisations, leverage additional funding sources, or multiply impact through collaboration are viewed favourably. 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)
• Programmes addressing pandemic learning loss (North Carolina)
• Child care access initiatives to support workforce participation (Indiana)
• Energy and engineering education programmes 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 revitalisation grants for neighbourhood redevelopment (Cincinnati)
• Small business support grants for operational improvements (multiple states)
• Community economic development initiatives (Florida)

Community Support:

• Home ramp programmes for low-income seniors and people with disabilities (South Carolina)
• Social justice and racial equity programmes
• 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 organisations to contact their state representative before applying. This consultation can help ensure proper alignment, identify the most appropriate grant programme, and increase the likelihood of success.

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

Multi-Year Impact: Whilst the Foundation does not fund the same organisation multiple times per calendar year, they do support organisations over multiple years for different projects or programme phases, provided organisations 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 organisations 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-£50,000) are typically reserved for strategic initiatives like Powerful Communities education grants or state-specific programmes. Match your request to the appropriate grant programme.

• One Grant Per Year: The Foundation does not award multiple grants to the same organisation in a calendar year, so make your proposal count. Plan strategically if you have multiple projects—prioritise and submit only your strongest proposal each year.

• Emphasise 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

1. Duke Energy Foundation. (2025). "Grants." Retrieved from https://foundation.duke-energy.com/grants

2. Duke Energy Foundation. (2025). "Grant Funding Guidelines." Retrieved from https://www.duke-energy.com/community/duke-energy-foundation/funding-guidelines

3. 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

4. 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

5. Duke Energy. (2024). "Duke Energy awards $3.2 million to innovative education programmes as part of its Powerful Communities grant programme." 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

6. Duke Energy. (2024). "Duke Energy Foundation Awards $110,000 to Seven Recipients of 2024 Urban Revitalisation 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. ProPublica. (2024). "The Duke Energy Foundation - Nonprofit Explorer." Retrieved from https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/581586283

11. 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

12. Duke Energy Foundation. "North Carolina Grants." Retrieved from https://www.duke-energy.com/community/duke-energy-foundation/north-carolina

13. Duke Energy Foundation. "South Carolina Grants - HERO Grants." Retrieved from https://foundation.duke-energy.com/grants/south-carolina/hero-grants

14. 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.