Duke Energy supports first responders with $500,000 in grant opportunities for emergency preparedness in South Carolina

Rhea-AI Summary

Duke Energy Foundation launches $500,000 microgrant program for emergency preparedness in South Carolina, supporting nonprofits and governmental agencies. Grants aim to enhance resiliency to severe weather events through training, equipment, and technology.

Positive

• Duke Energy Foundation investing in emergency preparedness organizations in South Carolina.
• Microgrant program totaling $500,000 to support advanced preparation and planning for severe weather events.
• Grants available for nonprofits and governmental agencies up to $20,000 for equipment, training, and planning initiatives.
• Focus on improving outcomes for low-income communities during extreme weather events.
• Duke Energy has provided 66 microgrants totaling $1 million since 2022.
• Foundation funded by Duke Energy shareholders, providing over $30 million annually in philanthropic support.
• Duke Energy executing a clean energy transition with goals of net-zero methane emissions by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Negative

• None.

• Grants will pay for training, life-saving equipment and new technology to aid in disaster planning and recovery operations
• Application now open for nonprofits, governmental agencies

GREENVILLE, S.C., Feb. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Duke Energy Foundation is launching the third year of its $500,000 microgrant program to invest in emergency preparedness organizations across South Carolina to increase their resiliency to major weather events through advanced preparation, planning, equipment and training.

The application process is open now through April 12.

"When severe weather impacts communities across our state, we work alongside local emergency management and law enforcement teams to restore life back to normal," said Mike Callahan, Duke Energy's South Carolina state president. "These grants will help provide our fellow first responders with the tools and training to handle whatever Mother Nature throws our way."

Nonprofits and governmental agencies across the state are eligible to apply and may request funds up to $20,000.

Grant applications may include, but are not limited to, projects that focus on:

• Equipment necessary for severe weather rescues to preserve human life
• Emergency communication tools for severe weather scenarios
• Specialized training for first responders for severe weather scenarios
• Organized planning initiatives for communities to prepare for extreme weather
• Community storm preparedness trainings, materials, kits or shelters
• Improved outcomes for low-income communities experiencing extreme weather

Since 2022, Duke Energy has provided 66 microgrants totaling $1 million to nonprofits and local agencies across the Palmetto State supporting training, essential equipment and life-saving technology to aid in disaster planning and response.

"In any type of major event, communication is a critical component of the public safety response to that event," said Oconee County Sheriff Mike Crenshaw. "The purchase of radio equipment last year, via the grant from the Duke Energy Foundation, will help public safety agencies in Oconee County accomplish those tasks more efficiently for the safety of our citizens, which is our number one priority. The grant allowed for the purchase of handheld radios that we will give to the South Carolina Highway Patrol as well as the Department of Natural Resources that will allow them to directly communicate with our deputies."

Duke Energy Foundation
The Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. Its electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 27,600 people.

Duke Energy is executing an aggressive clean energy transition to achieve its goals of net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company has interim carbon emission targets of at least 50% reduction from electric generation by 2030, 50% for Scope 2 and certain Scope 3 upstream and downstream emissions by 2035, and 80% from electric generation by 2040. In addition, the company is investing in major electric grid enhancements and energy storage, and exploring zero-emission power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear. 

Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2023 "World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' "World's Best Employers" list. More information is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos and videos. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Contact: Ryan Mosier
24-Hour: 800.559.3853

 

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SOURCE Duke Energy

FAQ

What is the purpose of Duke Energy Foundation's $500,000 microgrant program?

The microgrant program aims to invest in emergency preparedness organizations in South Carolina to enhance resiliency to severe weather events through training, equipment, and technology.

Who is eligible to apply for the grants?

Nonprofits and governmental agencies across South Carolina can apply for grants up to $20,000.

How many microgrants has Duke Energy provided since 2022?

Duke Energy has provided 66 microgrants totaling $1 million since 2022.

What are the focus areas for grant applications?

Grant applications may include projects focusing on equipment for severe weather rescues, emergency communication tools, specialized training for first responders, organized planning initiatives, and community storm preparedness.

What are Duke Energy's clean energy transition goals?

Duke Energy aims to achieve net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050.