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Grant Funding Guidelines

Applying for grants

The Duke Energy Foundation receives grant applications through its various state initiatives and each state has unique processes for receiving grant applications.  Please follow your state's flow chart for more information on how your organization should apply for grant funding with the Duke Energy Foundation.
To qualify for grant funding consideration, your organization must meet the following criteria:
  • Have current tax-exempt status as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code, be a governmental entity, including school systems.
  • Serve communities that are also served by Duke Energy
  • Serve communities without discrimination against any individual on the basis of race, creed, gender, gender identity, age, sexual orientation or national origin
  • Have a method by which to measure, track and report one or more program outcomes and specific results that demonstrate measurable community impact

Foundation grant support is not available for:
  • Churches or evangelical organizations
  • Organizations with a substantial purpose of influencing any political, legislative or regulatory cause
  • Fraternal, veteran or labor membership organizations serving only the members of that organization
  • Organizations offering or providing either Duke Energy Corporation, the Duke Energy Foundation, or their respective officers or employees any benefit from the grant 
  • Nonprofit organizations that are opposing or intervening parties (or that fund any such parties) in any proceeding in which Duke Energy is a party, or that fund or produce negative advertisements against Duke Energy.
The Foundation does not fund grants for programs and projects associated with, but not limited to, the following:
  • Individual K-12 schools or organizations that operate within an individual school. We will consider school grants at the district level.
  • Sports teams or events. 
  • Religious programs, projects or activities
  • Direct cost reduction for electric or natural gas service provided by Duke Energy
  • External fundraising campaigns or events
  • General operating expenses
  • Capital investments and improvements
  • Endowments or other foundations
  • Multiple grants to the same institution in a calendar year.

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