Duke Energy and its charitable arm, the Duke Energy Foundation, have awarded $255,000 in grants to 20 organizations across Florida. The funding aims to help these groups attract new businesses, strengthen the state’s workforce, and encourage economic growth.
Since 2020, Duke Energy and the Duke Energy Foundation have distributed nearly $2 million in economic development grants to organizations in Florida. The company said each grant supports a specific strategy to improve business operations or promote career opportunities in industries that are currently in high demand.
Among the recipients are Citrus County, which received $15,000 for website improvements and digital resources; the North Florida Economic Development Partnership Foundation, Inc., with $15,000 allocated for developing a matrix of grant programs addressing infrastructure needs in 15 rural counties; and the Central Florida Development Council, also receiving $15,000 to align local investments with high-potential companies.
Melissa Seixas, president of Duke Energy Florida, said: “Florida’s economic strength instinctively makes our state a great place to establish and grow a business, so it’s our privilege to build upon these competitive advantages through innovative, strategic resource grants.”
Sean Malott, president and CEO of Central Florida Development Council, added: “This grant from Duke Energy will play a critical role in shaping the future of Polk County’s economy. By updating our target industry study, we will gain additional insights needed to continue attracting high-quality jobs, support local businesses and align Polk’s workforce and infrastructure investments with the industries that drive long-term growth. We are grateful for Duke Energy’s continued partnership in building a stronger, more resilient economic future for our community.”
The full list of recipients includes organizations such as Florida Economic Development Council Foundation; Hernando County Office of Economic Development; Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.; Taylor County Development Authority; Lake Economic Area Development Partnership; Florida’s Great Northwest Foundation Inc.; Wakulla County Board of County Commission; Orlando Economic Partnership; Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership Foundation; Team Volusia Economic Development Council; FloridaMakes Inc.; Haines City Economic Development Council; Highlands County Economic Development; Winter Haven Economic Development Council; Levy County Board of County Commissioners; Apalachee Regional Planning Council; Seminole County Economic Development; and Central Florida Development Council.
Duke Energy Florida supplies electricity to about two million customers over a 13,000-square-mile area within the state. The Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually nationwide to meet community needs. More information about their philanthropic efforts is available at https://www.duke-energy.com/community/duke-energy-foundation/Florida.
Duke Energy is one of the largest energy holding companies in the United States. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., it serves millions of electric and natural gas customers across several states while investing in grid upgrades and cleaner energy sources such as renewables and storage. Additional details can be found at https://www.duke-energy.com or through their news center.
