Georgetown County Emergency Management receives $5,000 Duke Energy Foundation Grant for disaster response equipment
June 17, 2026
Georgetown County Emergency Management has received a $5,000 grant through the Duke Energy Foundation’s 2026 Helping Emergency Response Organizations (HERO) Grant Program.
The grant is among 34 awards totaling $500,000 distributed statewide to nonprofits and government agencies through the program, now in its fifth year. Since 2022, the HERO Grant Program has awarded 133 grants totaling $2.5 million across South Carolina.
(L to R) Assistant County Administrator and Emergency Services Director Brandon Ellis, Emergency Manager Loren Wallace and Mindy Taylor of Duke Energy display a ceremonial check representing a $5,000 Duke Energy Foundation HERO grant awarded to Georgetown County Emergency Management.
Georgetown County will use the funds to purchase supplies for a Rapid Points of Distribution (POD) Deployment operation, including traffic control equipment, safety gear and material handling tools. The supplies are designed to help the county quickly establish distribution sites for emergency commodities — such as water and food — during hurricanes, flooding and other disasters, either independently or in support of community-level distribution by local nonprofits while awaiting state resources.
“Georgetown County is extremely vulnerable to hurricanes and flooding, and the ability to quickly stand up Points of Distribution is critical in the early hours of a disaster response,” said Georgetown County Emergency Manager Loren Wallace. “This grant allows us to build out that capability so we can get essential commodities to residents faster. We’re grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for investing in our community’s preparedness.”
Having dedicated, standardized equipment on hand reduces setup time, improves safety and allows the county to begin distribution operations quickly.
“Preparation is key when it comes to emergency response and Duke Energy is proud to help Georgetown County prepare to help protect their community,” said Mindy Taylor, Duke Energy Government and Community Relations Director. “Safety is always a top priority for Duke Energy, and we hope this grant can help emergency managers, first responders and community leaders prepare and protect their community.
The Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.
