Duke Energy invests nearly $200,000 in small grants to schools across South Carolina for supplies

The Duke Energy Foundation is providing nearly $200,000 in small grants to schools across the Palmetto State to help teachers fill any gaps in supplies for returning students as the school year begins. The grants are part of an initiative focused on projects to help underserved communities thrive and prosper.

The effort will focus on schools that have 75% or more of their students who qualify for free and reduced lunches in the company’s South Carolina service territory. In all, 43 districts including 275 schools are eligible to file for the grants.

“Bright futures begin in the classroom, and every child deserves a fair chance at academic success,” said Kodwo Ghartey-Tagoe, South Carolina state president for Duke Energy. “Unfortunately, we know many students heading back to school this week will not have all of the necessary supplies they will need in their studies. Our hope is these funds will help set these classrooms and students up for a successful school year.”

Each qualifying school is eligible for up to $700 in grant funds to purchase basic school supplies for students in need. The individual school districts will apply for the funding for all of that district’s qualifying schools, and will distribute the funds once awarded.

Qualifying school districts that want to learn more about how to apply for the grants should send a request for information to [email protected].

The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The foundation contributes more than $30 million annually in charitable gifts, and is funded by Duke Energy shareholder dollars. In 2018, the company donated more than $2 million to nonprofit organizations in South Carolina.