PLAINFIELD — The Duke Energy Foundation is handing out over $200,000 in grant money to nonprofit organizations in Indiana committed to social justice and racial equality.
Duke went to its Advocates for African Americans (A3), an employee-led resource group, as well as other diversity and inclusion councils to help identify and determine which organizations should receive the grants.
“I am excited to know that Duke Energy is leaning heavily on A3's input on where to direct these social justice grants,” said Dwayne Wright, president of the Indiana chapter of Duke Energy’s employee resource group Advocates for African Americans. “It shows that Duke Energy trusts and values the feedback of their African American employees. I am fortunate to work for a company that takes this seriously.”
One example of an Indiana organization receiving support is New Direction S.A.V.E.S., which helps teens and families with jobs and life skills training.
“S.A.V.E.S. is partnering with other organizations that serve Indianapolis's east side, to bring holistic and multifaceted support to these families who have shown so much strength,” said Tiffany Jackson, board chair, New Direction S.A.V.E.S. “This generous gift from Duke Energy allows us to begin the program implementation phase earlier than anticipated, with the ability to expand capacity to even more youth and families.”
Here's a list of the organizations receiving the grants:
- 100 Black Men of Indianapolis
- American Association of Blacks in Energy – Indiana chapter
- Boys and Girls Club of Terre Haute
- Center for Leadership Development
- Central Indiana Community Foundation
- Hanna Community Center
- Indiana Minority Health Coalition
- Indianapolis Urban League
- New Direction S.A.V.E.S.
- Noblesville Diversity Coalition
- Ross Foundation
- United Negro College Fund
