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Powerful Communities: Ohio Strategic Impact Grants


Our investments in local initiatives help keep our communities vibrant and prepared for the future.

Powerful Communities: Urban Revitalization Grants

After years of slower economic growth throughout communities in Ohio and Kentucky, these grants support redevelopment opportunities that will address urban blight and building vacancies while promoting business retention and revitalization. The intention is to bring businesses and jobs to targeted areas.

Application Period April 1 – May 30; grant decisions by August 30

APPLY NOWGrant applications may include, but are not limited to, projects that focus on: 
  • Help to deter the decline of our inner-core cities and neighborhoods
  • Impact job growth or retention in urban core communities
  • Support local community vitality
  • Act as catalysts in urban communities to spur additional commercial redevelopment activities. 
  • Spurs job creation through commercial redevelopment 
Urban core areas are defined as historic river communities, Cincinnati neighborhoods (except the Central Business District and Over the Rhine, where significant redevelopment is already taking place) and the first ring suburbs. Duke Energy reserves the right to determine other communities that would qualify as urban centers in the counties we serve. 

Example grants include, but are not limited to:
  • Small Business Assistance
  • Professional Services – predevelopment expenses, such as architectural design services and engineering services
  • Environmental Services 
  • Consulting Services – real estate market analysis, financial feasibility analysis
What’s not funded:
  • Organization operating funds
  • Capital or endowment campaigns
  • Bricks and mortar
  • Equipment purchases (e.g., windows, new roof, etc.)
  • Travel expenses
  • Municipal street lighting projects
  • Installation of underground electric service
  • Streetscapes
Urban core areas are eligible to apply. Projects serving underserved, diverse and low-income populations will be given preference.

Applicants may request funds up to $50,000. Both nonprofits and governmental entities are eligible to apply. 

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. Governmental entities, including school systems will need to:
    1. Submit an IRS letter of determination. To request an IRS letter of determination, contact the IRS at 877.829.5500 or view this sample letter OR
    2. Supply a letter to the Duke Energy Foundation on their governmental / school system letterhead affirming they are a governmental entity.
  • 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 

Restrictions 

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, with the exception of Power for Students
  • 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
 
 

Helpful Links for Hamilton County and Urban Revitalization Grants

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