Ohio Grants - Duke Energy Foundation

Powering Ohio

Creating meaningful impact in our communities.

Attention Grant Seekers

The Duke Energy Foundation has adopted a new grant management system. Before applying for a grant, please make sure your organization is registered in the new system.

The Duke Energy Foundation is focused on strengthening and uplifting communities throughout Ohio with grant funding. We accept grant applications for $20,000 and less throughout the year on a rolling basis for the focus areas describe below. Please see the Application Process Step-By-Step link on the right for an overview of our grantmaking process.

Vibrant Economies

Workforce development training for jobs vital to the energy economy, with a focus on underrepresented populations
Community revitalization and local economic development efforts
Economic recovery for customers and communities facing unprecedented challenges
Energy and engineering education for K-12 students and teachers

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
Natural disaster preparedness and response

Justice, Equity and Inclusion

Thriving natural environments, including access to green space, in historically underserved and environmental justice communities*
Programs supporting the “just transition” for communities transitioning to cleaner energy generation**
Diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives supporting upward mobility

*Learn more about environmental justice on the EPA’s website.
**View one description of a just transition.

Please review this flow chart to understand the grantmaking process and opportunities.

Local Impact Grants are grants up to $20,000 that focus on programs aligned with vibrant economies, climate resiliency and justice, equity and inclusion. Our Local Impact grants are open year-round.

The majority of Duke Energy’s grantmaking is made at the $20,000 or below level. If you have a question about a program that does not fit the local impact opportunity or involves a statewide approach, please reach out to the relevant contact in Ohio.

On an annual basis, Ohio will issue a request for proposal (RFP) for grant programs that focus on timely issues and areas impacting the state. Once these programs are announced, organizations will have the opportunity to apply. This information will be shared by news release and posted on this page.
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

Powering Ohio

Creating meaningful impact in our communities.

Application Process

Qualifications

Restrictions

Helpful Links