10/28/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/28/2021 09:46
Investments range from tree planting and wetlands preservation to providing equitable park access and farmland for people of color.
Since 2015, Duke Energy Foundation has awarded more than 150 nature grants in North Carolina totaling nearly $7 million.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Duke Energy Foundation has awarded $170,000 in nature grants to support a wide range of environmental initiatives across North Carolina, funding stewardship and educational programs that help communities protect their natural resources and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Since 2015, the Duke Energy Foundation has awarded more than 150 nature grants in North Carolina totaling nearly $7 million, investing in and working beside environmentally focused community partners to protect and increase access to the state's natural resources.
"As we move ahead with North Carolina's clean energy transition, we remain committed to investing in organizations that help ensure future generations enjoy our state's amazing natural heritage," said Stephen De May, Duke Energy's North Carolina president. "By supporting nonprofits that are delivering meaningful results in this important work, we help preserve natural resources as well as ensure equitable program access in the communities we serve."
The Nature Conservancy, which has received more than $1.2 million in Duke Energy Foundation funding for a variety of initiatives in North Carolina over the last decade, will use this year's $25,000 grant to document the history of indigenous and enslaved communities on its preserves in Bladen, Brunswick, Henderson, Hoke, Pender, Robeson and Sampson counties - specifically, TNC's Dunohoe Bay, Calloway Forest, Green Swamp, Nags Head Woods, Bat Cave and Black River sites.
"This Duke Energy grant will provide resources to research the history of our preserves and gain an understanding of their significance to indigenous people and enslaved Africans," said Debbie Crane, communications director of The Nature Conservancy's North Carolina chapter. "When The Nature Conservancy acquires land, we typically focus on its location, biodiversity, riparian corridors and the current landowners. Understanding the deeper history of these preserves is one way the Conservancy can respect and take an initial step toward honoring the native and enslaved communities who came before us.
"Duke Energy has been a valued partner in our work throughout North Carolina for more than a decade," she continued. "Such year-in, year-out continuity is critical for nonprofits like ours as we help people connect with nature."
This year's nature grants were awarded to the following community organizations. Quotes from each on the impact of the grants can be found here.
2021 Nature Grant Recipients
Statewide
Regional
Duke Energy Foundation
The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation contributes more than $30 million annually in charitable gifts, and is funded by Duke Energy shareholder dollars. More information about the Foundation can be found at duke-energy.com/foundation.
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. Its electric utilities serve 7.9 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 51,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 27,500 people.
Duke Energy is executing an aggressive clean energy strategy to create a smarter energy future for its customers and communities - with goals of at least a 50 percent carbon reduction by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The company is a top U.S. renewable energy provider, on track to own or purchase 16,000 megawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2025. The company also is investing in major electric grid upgrades and expanded battery storage, and exploring zero-emitting power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear.
Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2021 "World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' "America's Best Employers" list. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos, videos and other materials. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
Media contact: Bill Norton
800.559.3853