Duke Energy has announced it's foundation will be investing $500,000 through the Helping Emergency Response Organizations (HERO) grant program. The funding is designed to assist weather-related emergency response and preparedness for South Carolina state agencies and eligible nonprofits.
The program is now in its fifth year, and since launching in 2022, the Duke Energy Foundation has awarded 137 microgrants.
Virgil Smith, a coordinator with Oconee County Emergency Services said the funds have improved operations at the public safety office.
"The investment that Duke Energy continues to place in emergency preparedness and response is essential to bolstering our local capabilities and we are grateful for the partnership," Smith said. The ability to have a second shelter trailer has been an invaluable addition. During our recent winter weather, we were able to open two simultaneous shelters with 25-person capacity, one also able to accommodate special medical needs.”
With the devastation of recent natural disasters such as Hurricane Helene— the deadliest hurricane in the contiguous U.S. since Hurricane Katrina in 2005— affecting the southeastern region of the country, Duke Energy is working to make proactive efforts to help local governments and nonprofit organizations "fill the gap when storms create overlapping emergencies," per the energy service's press release.
The application for South Carolina government agencies and qualified nonprofits to receive funding of up to $20,000 per entity begins March 19 and will conclude April 25. Funding is available to support training, materials, kits, shelters, necessary equipment and more. To learn more and apply, you can do so here.