As communities across the country prepare for another active storm season, Duke Energy Foundation is committing $1.5 million through the 2025 Helping Emergency Response Organizations (HERO) grant program to help boost community readiness and resilience. The funding includes support for local agencies across Duke Energy’s service territories and a continued partnership with the American Red Cross.
What's happening: As extreme weather events grow more frequent and intense, Duke Energy Foundation is investing $1.5 million to help fund training, lifesaving equipment and innovative technology to aid in weather-related disaster planning and recovery operations.
Why it matters: The 2025 HERO grant program supports local nonprofits, first responders and emergency management agencies across Duke Energy’s service areas to help communities prepare for severe weather emergencies.
“These grants are an investment in the resilience of our communities,” said Amy Strecker, president of Duke Energy Foundation. “When the unexpected strikes, our partners on the front lines need resources they can rely on – and we’re proud to help power their efforts.”
By the numbers: Over 120 government agencies and nonprofits across six states received funding.
Zoom in: The Red Cross grant will expand its Emergency App – giving families real-time alerts, preparedness tips and recovery resources at their fingertips. The free app is available in both Spanish and English.
“When disasters strike, strong partnerships make all the difference,” said Rebecca Pittman, national operations cadre manager at American Red Cross. “With Duke Energy Foundation’s ongoing support, we can better deliver essential relief services and lifesaving information and provide comfort and hope when people need it most.
Flashback: Last year alone, during one of the most destructive storm seasons in recent memory, Duke Energy, its Foundation and employees contributed more than $900,000 to the American Red Cross to help affected communities.
The big picture: This new round of funding builds on Duke Energy Foundation’s long-standing commitment to emergency preparedness – with more than $8 million in grants across North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee during the last five years.
This latest investment also strengthens Duke Energy’s partnership with the American Red Cross – with combined support from the company, its Foundation and employees totaling more than $2.5 million during the same five years.
What’s next: It’s all part of Duke Energy’s strategy to build a smarter energy future – one where our communities are more resilient in the face of increasing severe weather.
Duke Energy Foundation
Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.
Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.
Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage.
More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.
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Duke Energy
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Patricia D'Alessandro Government & Community Relations Manager
- June 05, 2025
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