CHARLOTTE – As North Carolina communities continue to feel financial strain from the rising cost of basic needs, the Duke Energy Foundation is providing $1 million to support nonprofits dedicated to serving low-income communities.

These grants will strengthen capacity and increase the impact of local agencies that are on the forefront of helping North Carolinians with essential services like meals and shelter.

Among the grants made by Duke Energy was $25,000 in capacity-building grants to United Way of Wayne County.

“We are grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for the support to Basic Needs in the Wayne County community,” said Sherry Archibald, Executive Director of United Way of Wayne County. “With multiple calls a day, we are hearing from community members who are more challenged than ever with providing basic needs for their families such as food, shelter and transportation. “This grant will allow us to manage those needs and provide direct services.” –

Kendal Bowman, president of Duke Energy North Carolina added, “Duke Energy’s long-term success is deeply intertwined with the well-being of the communities we serve. Many nonprofits have experienced unprecedented demand in the last few years. These grants focus on building nonprofits’ capacities so they can meet the increased need.”

In Raleigh, Oak City Cares has seen a rapid increase in demand from Wake County and the capital region. They are now serving 97% more individuals and families than last year.

“We are so grateful for the ongoing partnership we have with Duke Energy and the Duke Energy Foundation,” said Kathy Johnson, executive director of Oak City Cares. “We have seen a 97% increase in guests seeking services at our center and Duke Energy Foundation’s investment will help Oak City Cares expand our capacity to serve of our guests in meeting their basic needs and achieving stable housing. Not only are they providing this financial investment, but they are true partners on the ground in our work, providing both volunteers and in-kind resources to support our work.”

In Winston-Salem, Crisis Control Ministry has seen a significant rise in requests for assistance, with volunteers interviewing over 200 potential clients weekly. In its 50-year history, the organization has helped more than 100,000 residents in Stokes and 2 Forsyth County meet basic needs and they expect the need for assistance with rent, food, and prescriptions to continue to rise.

“Over the years, Duke Energy has been a wonderful partner to Crisis Control Ministry in our mission to support our neighbors in times of crisis,” said Margaret Elliott, Executive Director of Crisis Control Ministry. “We are always looking for ways to better serve our community, and the recent grant awarded by Duke Energy will make it easier and more convenient for our neighbors to access our services.”