Duke Energy Awards $500,000 in HERO Grants for South Carolina Disaster Preparedness
As hurricane season gets underway, community leaders, emergency managers, and first responders are turning their attention toward preparing for potential impacts from severe storms — and Duke Energy is, too.
What’s happening:
Duke Energy Foundation is allocating $500,000 through its 2025 Helping Emergency Response Organizations (HERO) Grant Program to aid severe weather preparedness across South Carolina.
Where the funding is going:
More than 30 government agencies and nonprofit organizations are receiving grants of up to $20,000 each. These microgrants will enable recipients to provide training, purchase life-saving equipment, and implement new technologies to help fill preparedness gaps and aid in recovery after major storms. A complete list of recipients is available here.
Why it matters:
Recent severe storms, including Hurricane Helene, have had a significant impact on South Carolina’s people, their properties, and their way of life — forcing both communities and first responders to reconsider their preparedness strategies. The funding from the Duke Energy Foundation aims to help these organizations respond more effectively and efficiently in future disasters.
By the numbers:
What’s happening:
Duke Energy Foundation is allocating $500,000 through its 2025 Helping Emergency Response Organizations (HERO) Grant Program to aid severe weather preparedness across South Carolina.
Where the funding is going:
More than 30 government agencies and nonprofit organizations are receiving grants of up to $20,000 each. These microgrants will enable recipients to provide training, purchase life-saving equipment, and implement new technologies to help fill preparedness gaps and aid in recovery after major storms. A complete list of recipients is available here.
Why it matters:
Recent severe storms, including Hurricane Helene, have had a significant impact on South Carolina’s people, their properties, and their way of life — forcing both communities and first responders to reconsider their preparedness strategies. The funding from the Duke Energy Foundation aims to help these organizations respond more effectively and efficiently in future disasters.
By the numbers:
- This marks the fourth year of the $500,000 annual microgrant program — adding up to $2 million in total funding.
- Since 2022, the HERO Grant Program has supported 137 microgrants, strengthening the ability of South Carolina’s local organizations to respond to crises.
What stakeholders are saying:
- Tim Pearson, South Carolina President, Duke Energy: “One thing we’ve learned in the wake of Hurricane Helene is that you can’t be overprepared for severe storms. We’re more dedicated than ever to providing first responders with the training and resources they need to keep their communities safe in difficult situations.”
- Nicholas W. Ray, Deputy Chief, North Spartanburg Firefighters Foundation: “This new drone, made possible by HERO funding, strengthens our ability to aid in search-and-rescue operations — something that’s already made a lifesaving difference during Hurricane Helene.”
- Shannon Tanner, Fire Chief, Florence Fire Department: “Effective emergency response depends on reliable communications. This funding lets us add a vehicle repeater system, ensuring we can keep first responders connected and coordinate their operations under pressure.”
- Dr. Mandy Gattis, Project and Grants Manager, South Carolina EMS Association: “Hurricane Helene revealed gaps in our preparedness and coordination. This funding is a crucial step toward strengthening South Carolina’s ability to respond efficiently and save lives when every moment is critical.”
- Justin Turner, Emergency Management Director, Marion County: “Looking back at the past helps us prepare for the future. The lessons we’ve learned enable us to make smarter, more-informed decisions and keep our communities safer when the next storm arrives.”
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