Duke Energy Foundation invests nearly $450,000 in Florida environmental nonprofits

• 2016 environmental grants will benefit 12 organizations

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Duke Energy is providing $449,441 in grants to 12 Florida-based environmental organizations through its foundation.

The grants will fund environmental projects, as well as educational and research programs throughout the state.

“Duke Energy is dedicated to being a good steward of the environment,” said Alex Glenn, Duke Energy state president – Florida. “We are proud to support local programs in the communities we serve that share our commitment to protect and restore wildlife and natural resources.”

The largest grant, totaling $150,000, was awarded to the Audubon of Florida’s “Water for Florida’s Future” and “Eagle Eyes for the Environment” programs. The grant will support water and energy educational and conservation efforts that benefit Florida’s natural environment.

“Audubon Florida is pleased to work with Duke Energy on Water for Florida's Future: A Partnership to Inform and Inspire Water and Energy Conservation Benefitting Florida’s Natural Environment,” said Eric Draper, executive director of Audubon Florida. “We are grateful for the funds provided by the Duke Energy Foundation. The grant allows Audubon to train people to conserve water, which will benefit our environment.”

Some of the largest donations this year include:

• Audubon of Florida ($150,000)
• University of Florida Museum of Natural History ($84,909)
• Clearwater Audubon Society ($67,000)
• Tampa Baywatch, Inc. ($30,000)
• Franklin’s Promise Coalition, Inc. ($28,000)
• Oakland Nature Preserve, Inc. ($25,000)
• Bok Tower Gardens, Inc. ($25,000)
• St. Francis Wildlife Association, Inc. ($13,000)
• Florida Coastal Conservancy ($10,000)

Duke Energy has given more than $56 million to Florida charitable organizations since 2000. The grants are administered through the Duke Energy Foundation, which provides philanthropic support to address the needs vital to the health of communities served by Duke Energy, with a focus on education and workforce development, the environment, and community impact.

Additionally, Duke Energy Florida employees volunteered more than 45,000 hours of community service within the last five years through the “Duke Energy in Action” program. A wrap-up video highlighting Duke Energy Florida volunteer events is available at http://bit.ly/DEFcommunities.

For additional information on Duke Energy’s community giving programs visit duke-energy.com/foundation.