The Piedmont Natural Gas Foundation is part of the Duke Energy Foundation. Together, we continue to power the vitality of our communities through philanthropy focused on vibrant economies; climate resiliency; and justice, equity and inclusion.


Note: Prior to filing a grant, you must have registered in the new grant management system. This process can take up to three weeks. Register Now


If you have used Benevity in the past to file grants with other foundations, that same user name and password will allow you to file a grant with our foundation. A separate registration is not required.


We accept grant applications for $20,000 and less throughout the year on a rolling basis for the focus areas described below.


Vibrant Economies

  • Workforce development training for jobs vital to the energy economy, with a focus on underrepresented populations
  • Community revitalization and local economic development efforts
  • Economic recovery for customers and communities facing unprecedented challenges
  • Energy and engineering education for K-12 students and teachers

Climate Resiliency

  • Environmental projects supporting land conservation; clean water; and biodiversity of plant and animal species
  • Environmental resiliency projects that prepare communities for and mitigate against the effects of climate change
  • Natural disaster preparedness and response

Justice, Equity and Inclusion

  • Thriving natural environments, including access to green space, in historically underserved and environmental justice communities*
  • Programs supporting the “just transition” for communities transitioning to cleaner energy generation**
  • Diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives supporting upward mobility

*Learn more about environmental justice on the EPA’s website.
**View one description of a just transition.


Application Process

Local Impact Grants are grants up to $20,000 that focus on programs aligned with vibrant economies, climate resiliency and justice, equity and inclusion.


Our Local Impact grants are open year-round.


The majority of Piedmont’s grantmaking is made at the $20,000 or below level. If you have a question about your program and its alignment with our focus areas, email communityaffairs@duke-energy.com.


Qualifications

To qualify for grant funding consideration, your organization must meet the following criteria:

  • Have current tax-exempt status as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code, be a governmental entity, including school systems.
  • Serve communities that are also served by Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas.
  • Serve communities without discrimination against any individual on the basis of race, creed, gender, gender identity, age, sexual orientation or national origin
  • Have a method by which to measure, track and report one or more program outcomes and specific results that demonstrate measurable community impact

Restrictions

Foundation grant support is not available for:

  • Churches or evangelical organizations
  • Organizations with a substantial purpose of influencing any political, legislative or regulatory cause
  • Fraternal, veteran or labor membership organizations serving only the members of that organization
  • Organizations offering or providing either Duke Energy Corporation, the Duke Energy Foundation, or their respective officers or employees any benefit from the grant
  • Nonprofit organizations that are opposing or intervening parties (or that fund any such parties) in any proceeding in which Duke Energy is a party, or that fund or produce negative advertisements against Duke Energy.

The Foundation does not fund grants for programs and projects associated with, but not limited to, the following:

  • Individual K-12 schools or organizations that operate within an individual school. We will consider school grants at the district level.
  • Sports teams or events.
  • Religious programs, projects or activities
  • Direct cost reduction for electric or natural gas service provided by Duke Energy
  • External fundraising campaigns or events
  • General operating expenses
  • Capital investments and improvements
  • Endowments or other foundations
  • Multiple grants to the same institution in a calendar year

Helpful Links