Duke Energy and the Duke Energy Foundation have announced $180,000 in grants to five community organizations that support cultural, educational, and leadership initiatives for Hispanic and Latino communities in Florida. This year’s grants increase the company’s total investment in Hispanic and Latino programs to $1.2 million since 2016.
The awarded funds will be used for a range of programs including college scholarships, professional development workshops aimed at workforce entry, and cultural events recognizing leadership and heritage within the Hispanic community.
The recipients include Prospera Florida, which will receive $50,000 to assist Hispanic small business owners with legal, financial, and capital guidance as well as provide bilingual educational resources. The Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando Inc. is also allocated $50,000 to expand its college scholarship offerings and professional development workshops for Hispanic/Latino students.
Another $50,000 goes to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando in support of the Don Quixote Awards Ball, an event recognizing individuals who demonstrate visionary leadership qualities associated with Don Quijote. The Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County Inc. will receive $25,000 for events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and ongoing cultural and leadership initiatives; part of this funding supports The Speakers Bureau pilot program designed to help Spanish-speaking county employees serve multilingual populations more effectively.
Additionally, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida Foundation will use its $5,000 grant for the Latina Leadership Development Program focused on providing Latina entrepreneurs with business skills such as marketing tools, technology use for growth, and finance management.
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 across areas where Duke Energy customers reside. Funding comes from company shareholders.
Duke Energy operates electric utilities serving 8.6 million customers across six states including Florida. Its subsidiary Duke Energy Florida delivers electricity across a 13,000-square-mile area with 12,500 megawatts capacity.
