As Winter Storm Fern affects parts of Indiana, the Duke Energy Foundation has announced it will provide $55,000 in rapid response grants to 21 nonprofits and community agencies across the state. The funding aims to help communities manage the effects of severe winter weather and prolonged cold temperatures expected over the coming days.
The grants are intended to support local efforts such as operating warming shelters, distributing emergency supplies, and providing blankets for those in need. Stan Pinegar, president of Duke Energy Indiana, stated: “While our crews work out in the field, we want to make sure our fellow first responders and community support systems are also cared for. We’re glad to be able to support organizations across the state that are doing great work for Indiana’s communities every day, and particularly during this storm.”
Each grant recipient will receive either $2,500 or $5,000 depending on their county and organization. Among those receiving funds are Bartholomew Emergency Management Agency, Brown County YMCA, Homeless Coalition of Southern Indiana (serving Clark and Floyd counties), Salvation Army – Princeton in Gibson County, Lafayette Urban Ministry in Tippecanoe County (receiving $5,000), as well as several city governments and local foundations.
Residents seeking shelter or disaster relief services can use the American Red Cross Emergency app. Sponsored by the Duke Energy Foundation, this app provides checklists for emergencies, maps showing open shelters, and tools for monitoring weather alerts at multiple locations.
The Duke Energy Foundation distributes more than $30 million annually in philanthropic aid to communities served by Duke Energy customers. The foundation is funded by company shareholders.
Duke Energy Indiana is a subsidiary of Duke Energy. It supplies about 6,300 megawatts of electric capacity to approximately 920,000 customers across a 23,000-square-mile area—making it the largest electric supplier in Indiana.
For further information or assistance related to these grants or storm impacts, contact Tina Noel at 800-559-3853.
