Duke Energy awards $778,000 in environmental, wildlife grants

A dozen nonprofit groups in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia recently learned they would share $778,000 in Duke Energy grants to support their environment and wildlife efforts. The money will come from Duke's $10 million Water Resources Fund, which the company established in 2014.

"In two years, the Water Resources Fund has benefited 59 projects across the Carolinas and Virginia, providing over $5 million in support," said Duke Energy Foundation President Shawn Heath. "These projects are strengthening water quality and reinforcing the importance of conservation for citizens and visitors across the region."

Each year, an independent body of environmental experts and Duke employees decides how to allocate the year's funds. The most recent grants include $38,000 to help make Lake Higgins in Greensboro, North Carolina, more ADA-accessible.

"Everything we do is about building better lives to build a better community," said Greensboro Parks and Recreation Director Wade Walcutt. "The partnership and grant with the Duke Energy Water Resources Fund allows us do just that, by making Lake Higgins more accessible to residents of all abilities. We're grateful to the foundation for helping us improve our residents' health and wellness, as well as their quality of life."

Others grant recipients include North Carolina's Land of Sky Regional Council in North Carolina, the North Carolina Museum of Art Foundation, the North Carolina Wildlife Federation, the Southwestern North Carolina Resource Conservation and Development Council, Surry County Parks and Recreation in North Carolina, the Town of Elizabethtown in North Carolina, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, the Water Watch of Lake Water Association in South Carolina; South Carolina's Pee Dee Land Trust, and the Town of Halifax, Virginia.