Duke Energy Foundation gives $500K for SC Emergency Prep
Duke Energy Foundation gives $500K for SC Emergency Prep
Duke Energy Foundation is investing $500,000 in South Carolina communities through its Helping Emergency Response Organizations (HERO) grant program to support weather-related emergency preparedness and response across the Palmetto State.
Why it matters: Earlier this year, South Carolina experienced severe weather across the state, including in communities that were hard-hit by Hurricane Helene. As extreme weather grows in intensity, first responders constantly work to find ways to increase their resiliency and prepare for future major weather events. Duke Energy Foundation microgrants help local government and nonprofits fill the gap when storms create overlapping emergencies.
Beginning March 19, South Carolina government agencies and qualified nonprofits can apply for grants up to $20,000 to fund training, equipment, and materials to increase resiliency to major weather events and recovery operations. Applications close April 25.
Funding is available to support community storm preparedness training, materials, kits, or shelters, specialized training for first responders, and equipment necessary for severe weather rescues and scenarios.
This is the fifth year of the $500,000 microgrant program – bringing total support to $2.5 million.
Since 2022, Duke Energy’s HERO grants have funded 137 microgrants in South Carolina. Read more about the impact of these investments.
Tim Pearson, Duke Energy’s South Carolina president: “When severe weather impacts communities across our state, we work alongside first responders and understand the challenges they face to restore life back to normal. This year’s HERO grants continue to help fill gaps in storm response identified by severe weather events and help provide additional tools and training to our fellow first responders.”
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.
Learn more and apply at duke-energy.com/SCHEROgrants.