The Duke Energy Foundation announced on April 28 that it is awarding $275,000 to 15 nonprofit organizations in Florida to help meet basic and essential needs, including increasing access to health care, affordable housing, and workforce development.
The grants are distributed across the state with $25,000 going statewide to the Florida Council on Aging. In the Tampa Bay area, $120,000 will be shared among organizations such as Bay Area Chamber Foundation/Leadership St. Pete ($10,000), Feeding Tampa Bay ($20,000), Interactive Food Truck Academy ($15,000), The Jackson Copeland Foundation ($10,000), St. Petersburg Free Clinic ($45,000), Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA ($5,000), and Wheels of Success ($15,000). Central Florida recipients will receive a total of $130,000 divided among Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida ($50,000), Find, Feed & Restore ($20,000), HOPE Helps ($10,000), Neighborhood Center of West Volusia ($10,000), Rescue Outreach Mission of Central Florida ($10,000), Shepherd’s Hope ($20,000) and West Orange Habitat for Humanity ($10,000).
Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president, said the grants reflect the company’s commitment to supporting the communities where its employees and customers live.
“Duke Energy doesn’t just work in these communities – many of our employees live here too. It’s incredibly important to all of us that we give back and help create lasting positive change for our friends and neighbors. We’re thankful for the opportunity to partner with organizations already doing just that and we look forward to seeing how our efforts will allow Floridians to live their best lives and ultimately instill generational success.”
Representatives from several recipient organizations also discussed the impact the funding will have on their communities.
Colette Vallee, COO of the Florida Council on Aging, said the partnership will help older adults prepare for emergencies while also connecting them with energy-efficiency resources and financial assistance programs.
“This collaboration with Duke Energy is more than a financial contribution to purchase shelf-stable meals. It will help older adults prepare for potential emergencies with the additional benefit of educating them about energy efficiency and financial assistance programs. Together we are building a relationship with seniors and vulnerable populations so they can weather the storm.”
Savannah-Jane Griffin, CEO of the Neighborhood Center of West Volusia, said the organization’s partnership with the Duke Energy Foundation will help preserve affordable and transitional housing for families facing financial hardship.
“Partnering with Duke Energy Foundation to advance housing affordability means more than restoring buildings – it means restoring stability and dignity for families facing financial crisis. Reliable safe and energy-efficient housing is foundational to long-term success and this collaboration allows us to preserve critical shelter and transitional housing resources for our community’s most vulnerable neighbors. We are deeply grateful for Duke Energy’s investment in strengthening families and powering pathways out of homelessness.”
Sophia Moe, director of events and logistics at Leadership St. Pete, said the grant will help create a safe gathering place for local children and families.
“On behalf of Leadership St. Pete we are incredibly grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for investing in our community project with the Lealman and Asian Neighborhood Family Center. Your support strengthens vital programs and will help us build a safe welcoming place for children and families in Lealman to gather learn and play. We look forward to building a meaningful partnership that creates lasting impact together.”
Jennifer Yeagley, CEO of St. Petersburg Free Clinic, said Duke Energy has supported the organization for more than 25 years.
“We’re grateful for the support Duke Energy has provided St. Petersburg Free Clinic for more than 25 years. Grants from the Duke Energy Foundation have helped our neighbors address pressing medical concerns and most recently have helped ensure that our community has access to nutritious food. We sincerely appreciate their partnership.”
Susan Eklin, interim president and CEO of Shepherd’s Hope, said the partnership will help expand access to health care services for uninsured residents in Central Florida.
“Our partnership with the Duke Energy Foundation strengthens Shepherd’s Hope’s mission to ensure that every uninsured neighbor in Central Florida has access to compassionate high-quality health care. Together through the Promoting Equitable Access to Healthcare and Wellness initiative we are breaking down barriers expanding vital services and creating pathways to wellness for those who need it most. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to equity dignity and the belief that access to health care is essential for every person and every community to thrive.”
The foundation provides nearly $30 million annually in philanthropic support funded by shareholders.
More information about this initiative can be found at the organization’s press release.
