Duke Energy Foundation's 'Powerful Communities' program awards over $235,000 for nature grants in Indiana

Rhea-AI Summary

Duke Energy Foundation has awarded 19 grants totaling over $235,000 through its "Powerful Communities" program in Indiana to support significant environmental initiatives. The funding will enhance water quality, conservation, and habitat restoration. Noteworthy recipients include the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation, receiving a $25,000 grant for the Indiana Tree Project, aiming to add 1,000 acres of forested land. The foundation contributes more than $30 million annually to community projects funded by Duke Energy shareholder dollars.

Positive

• 19 grants awarded totaling over $235,000 for environmental initiatives.
• Significant impact on local communities through conservation and habitat restoration efforts.
• Indiana Natural Resources Foundation received $25,000 for the Indiana Tree Project to add 1,000 acres of forest.

Negative

• None.

PLAINFIELD, Ind., Oct. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Duke Energy Foundation has awarded 19 "Powerful Communities" program grants in Indiana totaling more than $235,000 for important environmental programs to support water quality, conservation, and habitat and forest restoration.

"We are proud to support these organizations, which work so faithfully to maintain and improve our natural environment," said Stan Pinegar, Duke Energy state president for Indiana. "Many of these programs provide benefits beyond the local community."

One recipient of a $25,000 grant is Indiana Natural Resources Foundation, which will use the grant for its Indiana Tree Project to add 1,000 acres of forested land in the state.

"It's so rewarding to partner with an organization that invests in their communities and shares our commitment to preserving and protecting our natural resources for future generations," said Jody Kress, executive director of the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation. "We are grateful for Duke Energy's partnership, generosity and genuine desire to make a positive impact on conservation in Indiana."

Other organizations receiving the 2020 foundation grants include:

ORGANIZATION	PROGRAM	GRANT
Art Spaces – Wabash Valley Outdoor Sculpture Collection Inc.	TURN TO THE RIVER Phase 1 of implementation will provide an accessible and meaningful link between Terre Haute's downtown and the Wabash River within a newly revitalized central city/county government plaza.	$10,000
Arts Council of Southern Indiana	This program will enhance the Arts Alliance of Southern Indiana's Monarch butterfly sanctuary.	$5,000
Central Indiana Land Trust	Central Indiana Land Trust will expand trails in two of its most visited and beautiful nature preserves – Laura Hare Preserve at Blossom Hollow (Johnson County) and Fred and Dorothy Meyer Nature Preserve (Morgan County).	$15,000
City of Franklin, Franklin Parks and Recreation	The Youngs Creek Mitigation and Restoration project will bring back the functionality of an area that has been lost to years of development and natural destruction.	$23,334
City of Noblesville	The city of Noblesville will restore native habitat for a central stretch of the White River's east bank in Noblesville, at the same time removing overgrowth of invasive species and opening the river both visually and physically to resident interaction.	$25,000
City of Sullivan	The Greenway project will plant trees, shrubs and flowers and place benches along the developing Greenway Trail System that connects Sullivan County Park and Lake, Sullivan High School and the Sullivan Public Library to downtown.	$20,000
Clay Community Parks	The project is to extend the Craig Municipal Park walking trail and add a bridge over the lake's dam overflow stream.	$5,000
Columbus Redevelopment Commission	The project will remove a low-head dam; ensure accessible pedestrian routes; provide safe and secure access to the river; provide ample access for emergency and public safety personnel for rapid response; and will be designed to reflect reasonable and responsible development of the riverfront.	$5,000
Decatur County Community Foundation	This project will create a memorial walking trail and include learning and STEAM stations. Funds will be used to purchase trees native to Indiana, as well as items for a weather and music station.	$25,000
Indiana University Foundation	Indiana University's Environmental Resilience Institute (ERI) will launch the 2021 Resilience Cohort to bring together local government staff and partners to advance local capacity and produce greenhouse gas inventories for up to six communities in Duke Energy's Indiana service territory.	$10,000
Indiana Wildlife Federation Inc.	This grant will support the addition of a half-mile ADA-accessible interpretive nature trail loop that starts and ends at the new visitor center.	$10,000
Landmark Columbus Foundation	The project will create free public programs in early 2021 and purchase and plant at least 1,300 plants in Bartholomew County.	$3,500
NICHES Land Trust	NICHES will create an outdoor observation and interpretive area with seating for visitors overlooking the natural play area and woodlands at this preserve.	$15,000
Pennsy Trails of Hancock County Inc.	This grant will fund a foundation for wildlife by adding native local wildflower seeds, plants, shrubs and trees to establish a healthy habitat. The grant will also provide signs to educate others on wildlife habitat.	$8,060
ReThink	The program will improve the natural habitat and biodiversity by planting two pollinator gardens in a disadvantaged neighborhood.	$3,000
Southern Indiana Cooperative Weed Management Area	This program will help protect Indiana lands and water by coordinating efforts to identify, prevent and control problematic invasive species.	$10,000
The Nature Conservancy	The Nature Conservancy will coordinate 15 "Weed Wrangles" across Indiana's public green spaces. Each event is a locally led volunteer event that will educate, engage and empower local citizens to combat invasive species and encourage planting native species.	$15,000
Town of Arcadia	The town of Arcadia will develop a new pocket park for its downtown district. It will feature native shrubs and flowers, a bench, a path of pervious pavers and a small picnic table for residents and visitors to enjoy.	$2,500

Duke Energy Indiana

Duke Energy Indiana, a subsidiary of Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), provides about 6,600 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 850,000 customers in a 23,000-square-mile service area, making it Indiana's largest electric supplier.

Duke Energy Foundation

The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation contributes more than $30 million (more than $2 million in Indiana) annually in charitable gifts, and is funded by Duke Energy shareholder dollars. More information about the Foundation and its Powerful Communities program can be found at duke-energy.com/foundation. 

Contact: Lew Middleton
Office: 317.838.1505 | 24-Hour: 800.559.3853

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SOURCE Duke Energy

FAQ

What is the total amount awarded by Duke Energy Foundation in Indiana?

The Duke Energy Foundation awarded over $235,000 in grants.

How many grants were awarded in Indiana by Duke Energy?

Duke Energy Foundation awarded 19 grants in Indiana.

What are the primary focuses of the grants awarded by Duke Energy?

The grants focus on supporting water quality, conservation, and habitat and forest restoration.

Who received the largest grant from Duke Energy Foundation in Indiana?

The Indiana Natural Resources Foundation received the largest grant of $25,000 for the Indiana Tree Project.

How does Duke Energy Foundation fund its grants?

The Duke Energy Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholder dollars and contributes over $30 million annually.