Duke Energy and the Duke Energy Foundation have awarded $180,000 in grants to five organizations that support cultural, education, and leadership programs for Hispanic and Latino communities in Florida. The latest round of funding brings the company’s total investment in Hispanic and Latino initiatives to $1.2 million since 2016.
The grants will fund a variety of efforts, including college scholarships, professional development workshops aimed at workforce entry, cultural events celebrating heritage and leadership, and other initiatives.
Among the recipients is Prospera Florida, which will receive $50,000 to help Hispanic small business owners with legal, financial, and capital guidance. The funds will also support bilingual educational programs and technical assistance.
The Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando Inc. was allocated $50,000 to increase college scholarships for Hispanic/Latino students and expand professional development workshops.
Another $50,000 goes to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando for its Don Quixote Awards Ball. This event recognizes individuals who embody qualities associated with Don Quijote.
The Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County Inc. will receive $25,000 for events during Hispanic Heritage Month as well as year-round cultural and leadership activities. Part of this grant will support The Speakers Bureau pilot program designed to equip Spanish-speaking county employees with tools to better serve multilingual residents.
The Latina Leadership Development Program run by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida Foundation is receiving $5,000. This program aims to empower Latina entrepreneurs through training on marketing tools, technology use for business growth, finance management, and more.
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 shareholders.
Duke Energy serves 8.6 million electric customers across six states including Florida—where its subsidiary Duke Energy Florida supplies electricity across a 13,000-square-mile area—and operates significant energy capacity throughout its service territories.
