Duke Energy Foundation announces $500,000 in grants to boost storm preparedness across NC
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — As businesses and homes in western NC are still recovering from last year's devastating hurricane, Duke Energy is finding more ways to help people prepare for the next damaging storm.
The Duke Energy Foundation announced Thursday that it's dedicating $500,000 in grants to support storm preparedness and natural disaster response. Organizations across North Carolina can apply for the grants, which are awarded in increments up to $25,000, between now and April 25.
'The impact of Hurricane Helene last fall showed us the importance of strong collaboration between emergency management agencies, first responders and nonprofit organizations when it comes to natural disasters,' said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy North Carolina state president. 'We're proud to support storm preparedness efforts in the communities we serve as they continue to grow and see new opportunities to bolster resilience to severe weather events.'
HELENE RECOVERY: Bill filed in NC Senate seeks $150 million for housing efforts in Helene-impacted areas
Here are the types of programs and initiatives the Duke Energy Foundation is looking for:
Collaborative programming across agencies, organizations and communities for disaster preparedness and response
Initiatives for local communities to prepare for natural disasters or extreme weather
Training, developing materials, kits and other community engagement and education initiatives to localize storm preparedness
First responder training specifically for natural disaster scenarios
HELENE RECOVERY: Part of I-40 in western NC to open by March
This is not a new thing for the Duke Energy Foundation, as they have awarded nearly $5.6 million to storm preparedness since 2020, including funding for the City of Wimington to install new flood gauges, funding for the City of Raleigh to distribute weather radios to vulnerable neighborhoods and funding for a drone program in Person County for public safety measures during natural and manmade disasters.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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