Duke Energy and its foundation have awarded $180,000 in grants to five organizations supporting cultural, education, and leadership initiatives for Hispanic and Latino communities in Florida. The announcement coincides with Hispanic Heritage Month and continues the company’s commitment to community investment.
The funding supports a range of programs. Prospera Florida will receive $50,000 to assist Hispanic small business owners with legal, financial, and capital guidance. The grant will also help Prospera provide bilingual educational programs and technical assistance.
Another $50,000 is allocated to the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando Inc., which will use the funds to increase college scholarships for Hispanic/Latino students and expand professional development workshops aimed at helping students enter the workforce.
The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando is set to receive $50,000 for the Don Quixote Awards Ball. This event recognizes individuals who demonstrate visionary leadership qualities associated with Don Quijote.
A grant of $25,000 goes to the Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County Inc. The funding will support events during Hispanic Heritage Month as well as year-round cultural and leadership initiatives. It will also help advance The Speakers Bureau program that equips Spanish-speaking county employees with tools for serving a multilingual population.
Additionally, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida Foundation will get $5,000 for its Latina Leadership Development Program. This initiative focuses on providing Latina entrepreneurs with skills in marketing, technology for business growth, finance management, and other areas essential for running successful businesses.
Since 2016, Duke Energy and its foundation have contributed more than $1.2 million to similar organizations across Florida in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Melissa Seixas, president of Duke Energy Florida said: “Our communities thrive when we support those around us. We’re honored to invest in organizations that advance educational and professional development opportunities. Our shared goal is to see the communities we serve flourish.”
Carolin Requiz Smith, executive director of the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando Inc., added: “We are proud to recognize the Duke Energy Foundation for their generous $50,000 gift to our scholarship fund, a contribution that will directly expand educational and professional opportunities for talented Hispanic and Latino students in our community. This meaningful support allows us to award more scholarships and provide critical resources to help students on their path to successful, fulfilling careers. Our partnership with Duke Energy is a powerful example of how collaboration can create lasting, positive change.”
The Duke Energy Foundation provides over $30 million annually in philanthropic support funded by shareholders. According to company information (https://www.duke-energy.com/our-company/community/duke-energy-foundation), these contributions are aimed at meeting needs within communities where customers live and work.
Duke Energy serves approximately 8.6 million electric utility customers across six states including Florida (https://www.duke-energy.com/home). Its subsidiary Duke Energy Florida supplies electricity throughout a 13,000-square-mile service area reaching about two million customers.
