Duke Energy Foundation gives boost to local economies with $500,000 in support for North Carolina small businesses

Rhea-AI Summary

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) announced on Dec 11, 2025 that the Duke Energy Foundation will provide $500,000 in grants to support North Carolina small businesses.

Twenty nonprofit organizations will each receive $25,000 to distribute awards of up to $5,000 to individual businesses for renovations, equipment, inventory or other business needs. The Foundation has provided over $2.4 million to small business support initiatives since 2020 and is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

Key Figures

Small-business grant pool $500,000 Total Duke Energy Foundation grants for North Carolina small businesses in this program

Nonprofit grantees 20 organizations Nonprofits selected to receive $25,000 each to support local small businesses

Nonprofit grant size $25,000 Grant amount per nonprofit to distribute to local small businesses

Max business award $5,000 Maximum award per individual small business under this program

Prior small business support $2.4 million Duke Energy Foundation small business initiatives funding since 2020

Annual philanthropy More than $30 million Approximate yearly Duke Energy Foundation philanthropic support

Electric customers 8.4 million Customers served by Duke Energy electric utilities across six states

Owned capacity 54,800 megawatts Energy capacity collectively owned by Duke Energy’s electric utilities

Market Reality Check

$114.00 Last Close

Volume Volume 3,300,319 is close to the 20-day average of 3,456,249, indicating typical trading activity before this announcement. normal

Technical Shares at $114 were trading below the 200-day MA of $120.49 ahead of the news.

Peers on Argus

Ahead of this philanthropy-focused release, DUK was down 1.08%, while key regulated electric peers also traded lower: SO -1.29%, AEP -2.14%, NGG -0.45%, D -0.58%, EXC -1.1%, suggesting broader sector softness rather than company-specific pressure.

Common Catalyst Peer news (e.g., EXC/ComEd grid and renewables investments) also centered on infrastructure and clean energy, aligning with the sector’s ongoing transition narrative.

Historical Context

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Dec 04	Nuclear strategy update	Positive	-0.6%	Reaffirmed role in DOE-backed SMR project and long-term nuclear strategy.
Dec 02	Philanthropy, hunger relief	Positive	-0.9%	Announced nearly $275,000 in Giving Tuesday microgrants fighting hunger.
Nov 20	NC rate plan filing	Positive	+0.2%	Filed multiyear North Carolina rate plan with $1.729B annual revenue increase.
Nov 19	Leadership change	Neutral	-1.3%	Named new head of supply chain and real estate, succeeding long-time executive.
Nov 07	Customer programs	Neutral	-0.3%	Shared energy-saving tips and program impacts ahead of seasonal cold weather.

Pattern Detected

Recent Duke Energy headlines on community support, customer programs, and strategic initiatives have often coincided with flat-to-negative next-day moves, indicating the stock has not consistently rewarded positive or ESG-oriented news in the short term.

Recent Company History

Over the last month, Duke Energy issued several updates spanning nuclear strategy, philanthropy, rate proposals, leadership changes and customer programs. On Nov. 7, it highlighted energy‑saving initiatives and customer bill savings. On Nov. 19, it announced a new chief procurement officer. A major North Carolina rate plan filing on Nov. 20 detailed multiyear investments and revenue increases. Early December brought community and hunger-relief giving totaling over $600,000 in South Carolina and support for new SMR nuclear deployment. Today’s North Carolina small‑business grants continue that community investment theme.

Regulatory & Risk Context

Active S-3 Shelf Registration 2025-09-30

$4,000,000,000 registered capacity

An effective S-3ASR shelf registered on Sep. 30, 2025 allows Duke Energy to issue up to $4,000,000,000 in PremierNotes demand notes, providing flexible unsecured funding capacity with floating rates and on-demand maturities. The registration shows substantial existing consolidated indebtedness, which investors may weigh when assessing future capital structure decisions.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlighted a new $500,000 Duke Energy Foundation program for North Carolina small businesses, with 20 nonprofits each distributing $25,000 in grants of up to $5,000 per business. It extends more than $2.4 million in prior small-business support and complements the Foundation’s annual giving of over $30 million. Investors may track how such community investments interact with Duke Energy’s broader capital needs, including its registered $4,000,000,000 PremierNotes program.

Key Terms

megawatts technical

"collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity."

A megawatt is a measure of electrical power equal to one million watts, describing how much electricity a plant or device can generate or use at a single moment. Investors use megawatts to compare the size and earning potential of energy projects—larger capacity usually means more electricity to sell—much like comparing the horsepower of engines to judge how much work they can do. Knowing megawatts helps assess scale, revenue potential, and grid impact of energy assets.

natural gas technical

"Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina..."

Natural gas is a flammable gas mixture, mostly methane, extracted from underground and used to heat homes, generate electricity and power factories—think of it as the fuel that keeps heaters, power plants and many industrial processes running. Investors care because its price and supply affect energy company profits, utility bills and inflation, and can swing quickly with weather, production changes or geopolitical events, much like how gasoline prices influence many businesses and consumer costs.

renewables technical

"including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage."

Renewables are energy sources that are naturally replenished over short time spans—like sunlight, wind, flowing water, and plant-based fuels—used to generate electricity, heat, or fuel. For investors, renewables matter because they represent a shifting energy mix with long-term demand potential, often requiring big upfront investment but offering predictable operating costs and exposure to government policies and incentives; think of them like a rechargeable power supply replacing one-time fuels.

energy storage technical

"including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage."

Energy storage involves capturing and holding excess energy produced during periods of low demand for later use when demand is higher. Think of it like a rechargeable battery that saves power for when it’s needed most. For investors, energy storage is important because it helps balance supply and demand, making energy systems more reliable and efficient, which can influence the value of energy-related assets and technologies.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

• Grants will help small businesses expand - lifting economic activity and creating jobs.
  
  
• Twenty nonprofit organizations selected to receive grants of $25,000 to distribute to local small businesses.

RALEIGH, N.C., Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy Foundation today announced the recipients for $500,000 in grants designed to boost local economies by supporting small businesses in communities across North Carolina.

How it works: Twenty nonprofit organizations have been selected to receive $25,000 grants, which will then fund awards of up to $5,000 to individual small businesses. Funds can be used by local businesses like restaurants and retail stores to complete renovations, buy equipment or technology, purchase inventory or meet other business needs.

The impact: Small businesses employ nearly half of North Carolina's workforce and play a critical role in driving economic activity. Duke Energy Foundation has provided over $2.4 million to small business support initiatives since 2020.

What they're saying:

• Kendal Bowman, North Carolina state president for Duke Energy: "Supporting small businesses boosts local economic activity, which has a positive impact on the communities and customers we serve. We're proud to work alongside our community partners to help entrepreneurs and local businesses make their dreams a reality."
  
  
• Nicole J. Thompson, President and CEO of Downtown Durham, Inc.: "With Duke Energy's support, DDI will turn business-led ideas into practical improvements that elevate safety, visibility and vitality. Upgrading the alleys that connect parking to Main Street will help storefronts shine, help create an engaging environment and attract more customers to discover all that downtown has to offer."
  
  
• Catherine Glover, Executive Director for Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce Community Foundation: "With support from the Duke Energy Foundation, ten Beaufort County small businesses will each receive a $2,500 grant to make meaningful improvements that strengthen their operations, expand their reach, and enhance their customer experience. Small businesses are the backbone of Eastern North Carolina, and this funding will help ten outstanding local businesses continue to grow and thrive."

Leading the charge:

The following organizations have been selected to distribute funds to small businesses in their local communities.

• Beaufort Business Association
• Chimney Rock Economic Development and Investment Team
• Downtown Salisbury Inc.
• Fuquay Varina Downtown Association
• Greater Eden Chamber Foundation
• Launchhollysprings Inc.
• McDowell Chamber Community and Business Impact
• Mitchell Community College Foundation
• Mitchell County Development Foundation
• Montcross Area Chamber
• Moore County Economic Development Partnership
• Partnership For a Sustainable Community
• Person County Business & Industrial Center
• Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce Foundation
• Region A Council
• Renaissance Downtown Durham
• Rolesville Downtown Development Association
• Stokes County Arts Council
• The Surry County Economic Development Foundation Inc
• Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce Community Foundation

Duke Energy Foundation
Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage.

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.

Contact: Garrett Poorman
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
Twitter: @DukeEnergyNC

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/duke-energy-foundation-gives-boost-to-local-economies-with-500-000-in-support-for-north-carolina-small-businesses-302639583.html

SOURCE Duke Energy

FAQ

What exactly did Duke Energy Foundation announce on Dec 11, 2025 regarding North Carolina small businesses?

The Foundation announced $500,000 in grants to be distributed via 20 nonprofits to support local small businesses.

How are the Duke Energy Foundation grants distributed to small businesses under DUK's program?

Twenty nonprofits receive $25,000 each, then award individual grants of up to $5,000 to qualifying small businesses.

What can North Carolina small businesses use the DUK-funded grants for?

Grants may be used for renovations, equipment or technology purchases, inventory, and other business needs.

Which organizations will distribute the Duke Energy Foundation small-business grants in North Carolina?

Selected distributors include local chambers, downtown associations, and development foundations across multiple counties in North Carolina.

How much has Duke Energy Foundation given to small business support since 2020?

The Foundation has provided over $2.4 million to small business support initiatives since 2020.

Is the Duke Energy Foundation funding sourced from shareholders of DUK?

Yes, the Duke Energy Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.