The Duke Energy Foundation announced on April 16 that it has awarded more than $250,000 in grants to support the revitalization of parks, playgrounds, and shared green spaces across six states. The funding will go to 32 local nonprofit organizations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Florida.
These grants are part of the Foundation’s America250 initiative—a program committing over $1 million to community-driven projects recognizing America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The announcement comes as Duke Energy employees participate in Earth Day volunteer efforts focused on park cleanups and beautification activities.
According to the company statement, the grant money will fund a range of projects including community-led cleanups, public landscaping efforts, playground improvements, and trail enhancements. These initiatives aim to strengthen outdoor spaces where families gather for recreation and community events.
The Foundation said additional America250 grant recipients will be named later this spring. Future awards are expected to support veterans’ workforce pathways as well as programs expanding access to history and civics education.
The Duke Energy Foundation provides nearly $30 million each year in philanthropic support funded by company shareholders. Duke Energy itself is one of the largest energy holding companies in the United States with electric utilities serving 8.7 million customers across multiple states.
