Duke Energy Foundation honors South Carolina veterans this Memorial Day with $30,000 in grants for workforce development

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Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK), through the Duke Energy Foundation, is awarding $30,000 in Memorial Day grants to South Carolina nonprofits supporting veterans' workforce development as part of its America250 initiative.

$15,000 each goes to Hidden Wounds and Upstate Warrior Solution, aiding job readiness across eight counties and contributing to more than $550,000 invested in the Palmetto State.

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• Funding celebrates America250 by supporting organizations that provide job readiness programs to those who served and their families

GREENVILLE, S.C., May 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As communities honor the sacrifices of U.S. service members and their families this Memorial Day, the Duke Energy Foundation is awarding $30,000 to South Carolina nonprofit organizations who focus on the needs of veterans through the second round of funding as part of its America250 initiative.

Where the money goes: The grants – part of a total investment of more than $550,000 in the Palmetto State – have been awarded to Upstate Warrior Solution and Hidden Wounds, and will help expand workforce development programs for veterans across eight counties.

Why it matters: "As we prepare to celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary, I can't help but think of our nation's veterans who made this celebration possible. It's important for us to invest in those who served and their families by getting them the training and skills they need to succeed after their military service," said Tim Pearson, Duke Energy South Carolina president. "By partnering with these organizations, we can help directly support veterans in communities across our state."

High Impact Investments:

• Hidden Wounds received $15,000 from the Duke Energy Foundation to execute Operation Hidden Wounds Employment (OHWE) a comprehensive support system for job readiness and employment of veterans, which includes leveraging partnerships for training opportunities, assessment and skills testing for veterans and building a network of veteran-friendly employers in Sumter, Lee, Clarendon and Kershaw counties.
  
  
• With $15,000 from the Duke Energy Foundation, Upstate Warrior Solution will expand workforce development services for justice-involved veterans reentering their communities in Greenville, Spartanburg, Oconee and Anderson counties. The funding will strengthen employment services within the Veteran Outreach program and support career services and staff time dedicated to career counseling, resume development, employer outreach, and job placement for veterans with criminal records.

Positive response:

• Theresa Thompson, Chief Operating Officer, Upstate Warrior Solution:
  "We are honored to be selected by the Duke Energy Foundation as part of this important America250 initiative. As our nation prepares to commemorate 250 years of history, this support allows us to create meaningful opportunities for veterans, first responders, and our community to reflect on the service, sacrifice, and shared values that continue to shape our country. We are grateful for Duke Energy Foundation's investment in preserving stories, fostering connection, and celebrating the spirit of America in the Upstate."

• Dr. Lance Newman, Executive Director, Hidden Wounds:
  "Hidden Wounds is beyond excited and incredibly grateful to receive this grant opportunity from Duke Energy that will help veterans gain meaningful and sustainable employment throughout our service area. This support will create life-changing opportunities for those who have served our country by helping them build stability, purpose, and long-term success. Together, we are continuing our mission to ensure veterans and their families have the resources and support they deserve."

Where the money goes: These grants build on Duke Energy Foundation's more than $1 million investment through its America250 initiative. The initiative focuses on community-driven projects throughout the company's six state service territories to recognize America's 250th anniversary. Earlier this spring, the Foundation announced grants supporting projects that revitalize local parks, green spaces and shared community spaces. In South Carolina, $275,000 went to organizations as part of a total investment of more than $550,000 in the Palmetto State. The third and final round of grant recipients supports initiatives that expand access to history and civics education and will be announced in June.

Duke Energy Foundation

The Duke Energy Foundation provides nearly $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 8.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,700 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an energy modernization strategy, keeping customer value at the forefront as it invests in electric grid upgrades and efficient generation resources to strengthen the system and serve growing energy needs.

More information is available at duke-energy.com. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook for stories about the people and innovations powering its communities.

Media Contact: Catherine Ramirez
24-Hour: 800.559.3853

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SOURCE Duke Energy

FAQ

What did Duke Energy (DUK) announce on May 20, 2026, for South Carolina veterans?

Duke Energy announced $30,000 in grants to two South Carolina nonprofits supporting veteran workforce development. According to Duke Energy, the funding is part of its America250 initiative and will expand job readiness and employment services for veterans across eight counties.

How are the $30,000 Duke Energy (DUK) Memorial Day grants to veterans organizations allocated?

The Duke Energy Foundation is providing $15,000 each to Hidden Wounds and Upstate Warrior Solution. According to Duke Energy, these funds support Operation Hidden Wounds Employment and workforce services for justice-involved veterans across eight South Carolina counties, focusing on training, counseling, and employer outreach.

What is the America250 initiative mentioned in the Duke Energy (DUK) South Carolina grant announcement?

America250 is a Duke Energy Foundation initiative supporting community projects recognizing America’s 250th anniversary. According to Duke Energy, it has directed more than $1 million through America250, including over $550,000 in South Carolina for parks, shared spaces, and veterans’ workforce programs.

Which South Carolina counties benefit from the Duke Energy (DUK) veteran workforce development grants?

The grants support veterans in Sumter, Lee, Clarendon, Kershaw, Greenville, Spartanburg, Oconee, and Anderson counties. According to Duke Energy, Hidden Wounds and Upstate Warrior Solution will use funds for training, skills assessment, counseling, resume support, and employer outreach in these areas.

How much philanthropic support does the Duke Energy Foundation provide annually?

The Duke Energy Foundation provides nearly $30 million in philanthropic support each year. According to Duke Energy, this funding backs community needs in its six-state service territories, including initiatives like America250 that aid veterans, enhance public spaces, and expand history and civics education.

How does the Duke Energy (DUK) America250 funding in South Carolina extend beyond veteran grants?

Beyond veteran workforce grants, America250 funding in South Carolina includes $275,000 for parks, green spaces, and community areas. According to Duke Energy, a third round will support history and civics education initiatives, with final grant recipients to be announced in June.