Duke Energy and the Duke Energy Foundation have awarded $180,000 in grants to five organizations supporting cultural, educational, and leadership initiatives for Hispanic and Latino communities in Florida. This year’s grants increase the company’s total investment in Hispanic and Latino programs to more than $1.2 million since 2016.
The funding will support a variety of efforts, including college scholarships, professional development workshops aimed at workforce entry, and cultural events that celebrate leadership and heritage within the Hispanic community.
The recipients include Prospera Florida, which will receive $50,000 to provide legal, financial, and capital guidance for Hispanic small business owners. The funds will also help Prospera offer bilingual educational programs and technical assistance.
The Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando Inc. has been allocated $50,000 to expand college scholarships for Hispanic/Latino students and enhance professional development opportunities.
Another $50,000 will go to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando to support the Don Quixote Awards Ball. This event recognizes individuals who embody the qualities associated with Don Quijote.
The Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County Inc. is set to receive $25,000 for events during Hispanic Heritage Month as well as year-round cultural and leadership initiatives. Part of this funding will advance The Speakers Bureau pilot program designed to help Spanish-speaking county employees better serve a multilingual population.
Finally, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida Foundation will use a $5,000 grant for its Latina Leadership Development Program. This initiative aims to equip Latina entrepreneurs with knowledge about marketing tools, technology for business growth, finance management, and other essential skills.
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., stated: “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 each year in philanthropic support funded by company shareholders.
Duke Energy serves 8.6 million electric customers across six states—including North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky—and owns 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity nationwide through its electric utilities. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers across several states as well.
Duke Energy Florida operates as a subsidiary supplying electricity from 12,500 megawatts of energy capacity across a 13,000-square-mile service area serving two million customers statewide.
