Duke Energy and the Duke Energy Foundation have distributed $180,000 in grants to five organizations supporting Hispanic and Latino communities in Florida. The funding aims to advance cultural, educational, and leadership initiatives.
The organizations receiving support include Prospera Florida, which will use its $50,000 grant to assist Hispanic small business owners with legal, financial, and capital guidance. The funds will also help provide bilingual educational programs and technical assistance.
The Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando Inc. was allocated $50,000 to increase college scholarships for Hispanic/Latino students and expand professional development workshops that help prepare students for the workforce.
Another $50,000 was given to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando to support the Don Quixote Awards Ball. This event recognizes individuals who demonstrate visionary qualities similar to those of Don Quijote.
The Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County Inc. received $25,000 for events during Hispanic Heritage Month as well as year-round cultural and leadership programs. Part of this funding will go toward The Speakers Bureau pilot program, which helps Spanish-speaking county employees better serve a multilingual population.
Additionally, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida Foundation was awarded $5,000 for its Latina Leadership Development Program. This initiative provides Latina entrepreneurs with resources on marketing tools, technology for business growth, finance management, and more.
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.”
Since 2016, Duke Energy and its foundation have contributed over $1.2 million in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month through similar grants across Florida.
The Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million each year in philanthropic support funded by company shareholders. Duke Energy serves electric customers across six states including Florida through its subsidiary Duke Energy Florida.
Duke Energy Florida supplies electricity across a 13,000-square-mile area in Florida serving approximately 2 million customers.
