This Earth Day, the Duke Energy Foundation awarded $500,000 in grants to local nonprofits in North Carolina focused on environmental justice and climate resiliency.
“North Carolina is at the forefront of the energy transition, with local communities experiencing unprecedented growth and opportunity,” said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president. “We remain committed to investing in our resilient state, working alongside nonprofits to strengthen our communities, economy, environment and natural resources.”
Eighteen organizations will receive grants. While some are focused on keeping ecosystems healthy in North Carolina – including the 51,165 acres of Duke Energy protected habitat for plants and wildlife at lakes and rivers – others are dedicated to preparing vulnerable communities for impacts of climate change.
"Communities across North Carolina have seen firsthand the lasting impacts from storms and excessive rainfall,” said Cynthia Satterfield, executive director of Conservation Trust for North Carolina. “We are grateful that Duke Energy recognizes the importance of building resilient communities equipped to reduce and manage flood risk and that they are helping fund this critical mission.”
Duke Energy employees and retirees are also volunteering their time and efforts throughout the month of April to support environmental programs in their local communities. The North Carolina Wildlife Federation, a long-standing Duke Energy philanthropic partner, sees this as an important avenue for environmental progress.
“Earth Day is an important reminder that all of us can play a part in mitigating climate change impacts,” said Tim Gestwicki, CEO of the NC Wildlife Federation.
“Particularly in urban, marginalized NC communities – where the heat island effect is exacerbated and negatively affects both people and wildlife – something as simple as planting a tree or picking up trash can go a long way to help restore wildlife habitat.”
“North Carolina is at the forefront of the energy transition, with local communities experiencing unprecedented growth and opportunity,” said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president. “We remain committed to investing in our resilient state, working alongside nonprofits to strengthen our communities, economy, environment and natural resources.”
Eighteen organizations will receive grants. While some are focused on keeping ecosystems healthy in North Carolina – including the 51,165 acres of Duke Energy protected habitat for plants and wildlife at lakes and rivers – others are dedicated to preparing vulnerable communities for impacts of climate change.
"Communities across North Carolina have seen firsthand the lasting impacts from storms and excessive rainfall,” said Cynthia Satterfield, executive director of Conservation Trust for North Carolina. “We are grateful that Duke Energy recognizes the importance of building resilient communities equipped to reduce and manage flood risk and that they are helping fund this critical mission.”
Duke Energy employees and retirees are also volunteering their time and efforts throughout the month of April to support environmental programs in their local communities. The North Carolina Wildlife Federation, a long-standing Duke Energy philanthropic partner, sees this as an important avenue for environmental progress.
“Earth Day is an important reminder that all of us can play a part in mitigating climate change impacts,” said Tim Gestwicki, CEO of the NC Wildlife Federation.
“Particularly in urban, marginalized NC communities – where the heat island effect is exacerbated and negatively affects both people and wildlife – something as simple as planting a tree or picking up trash can go a long way to help restore wildlife habitat.”