Duke Energy and the Duke Energy Foundation have awarded $180,000 in grants to five organizations that support cultural, educational, and leadership initiatives for Hispanic and Latino communities in Florida. This year’s grants bring the company’s total investment in Hispanic and Latino programs to $1.2 million since 2016.
The funding will be used for a variety of programs, including college scholarships, professional development workshops, cultural events celebrating heritage and leadership, and resources for small business owners.
Prospera Florida received $50,000 to assist Hispanic small business owners with legal, financial, and capital guidance. The grant will also help Prospera offer bilingual educational programs and technical assistance.
The Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando Inc. was allocated $50,000 to increase college scholarships for Hispanic/Latino students and expand professional development workshops aimed at workforce entry.
Another $50,000 went to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando to support the Don Quixote Awards Ball. This event recognizes individuals who embody the qualities of Don Quijote through community-building efforts.
The Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County Inc. received $25,000 to fund Hispanic Heritage Month events as well as year-round cultural and leadership initiatives. The grant will also advance The Speakers Bureau pilot program designed to equip Spanish-speaking county employees with tools to better serve multilingual residents.
A grant of $5,000 was provided to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida Foundation for its Latina Leadership Development Program. This initiative is focused on empowering Latina entrepreneurs by offering training in marketing tools, technology use for business growth, finance management, and other key skills.
Melissa Seixas, president of Duke Energy Florida said: “Our communities thrive when we support those around us. We’re honored to invest in organizations that advance educational and professional development opportunities. Our shared goal is to see the communities we serve flourish.”
Carolin Requiz Smith, executive director of the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando Inc., stated: “We are proud to recognize the Duke Energy Foundation for their generous $50,000 gift to our scholarship fund, a contribution that will directly expand educational and professional opportunities for talented Hispanic and Latino students in our community. This meaningful support allows us to award more scholarships and provide critical resources to help students on their path to successful, fulfilling careers. Our partnership with Duke Energy is a powerful example of how collaboration can create lasting, positive change.”
The Duke Energy Foundation provides over $30 million annually in philanthropic support funded by company shareholders. Duke Energy operates electric utilities serving 8.6 million customers across six states and owns significant energy capacity nationwide.
Duke Energy Florida supplies electricity across a 13,000-square-mile area in Florida with 12,500 megawatts of energy capacity serving about two million customers.
