Workforce Development Grants

Our investments in workforce development and training programs help meet the challenging demands of the energy industry’s future.

Application period open Feb. 1 – April 30; grant decisions by June 30

These grants support:

• Workforce development programs that address the most pressing skills gaps in communities that we serve.
• Programs cultivating the energy-sector's future workforce will be given priority in this grant cycle.

• 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 

• 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.

• Individual 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