Duke Energy Foundation investing nearly $200,000 in South Carolina communities to support Main Street revitalization efforts

• Funding supports more than 20 organizations with grants up to $10,000

GREENVILLE, S.C., Oct. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The heart of the local economy in many communities across South Carolina is a vibrant and bustling Main Street or similar business district.

That's why the Duke Energy Foundation is investing $190,000 in South Carolina communities to strengthen these downtown districts, neighborhood centers and commercial corridors. Funds will be used for facade improvements, wayfinding signage, public gathering spaces and small business incentive programs or microgrants.

Our view: "Strong communities start with vibrant places where people can connect and support one another," said Tim Pearson, Duke Energy South Carolina president. "Through our Main Street revitalization grants, we're helping communities invest in the projects that matter most to them. These investments can make a meaningful difference in creating places that support residents, encourage economic growth and improve quality of life for the people who call these places home."

Where the money goes: Twenty-two organizations have received a grant that will help support community-led projects aimed at transforming downtowns, businesses and neighborhood centers into vibrant places to live, work and gather.

Positive Response:

Andrew Strickland, City of Anderson assistant city manager: "We're grateful to Duke Energy for this grant to support a new trailhead sign at Linley Park. We recently completed the Whitner Creek Greenway connection from the Recreation Center to the revitalized park, giving residents and visitors more opportunities to walk and enjoy the outdoors. This sign will help people find their way and feel welcome exploring the trail."

Curtis Boyd, City of Darlington mayor: "We are so grateful for Duke Energy Foundation's investment in the continued revitalization of Darlington and in the local businesses that are at the heart of our community. With this support, our businesses will be able to make meaningful improvements to their storefronts and building facades that will enhance the appearance and vitality of our downtown. Partnerships like this help a small community like ours build on the progress already underway, strengthen community pride, and encourage continued economic investment."

Dabs Davis, Laurens County Chamber of Commerce president/CEO: "This grant from the Duke Energy Foundation allows us to invest directly in the small businesses that are such an important part of the fabric of Laurens County. These microgrants will help established businesses make meaningful improvements, strengthen their operations and continue investing in our community, creating a ripple effect that supports revitalization, encourages local spending and strengthens our local economy."

Tally McColl, City of Dillon mayor: "We are extremely grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for this $10,000 investment in downtown Dillon. This grant will allow us to create a more welcoming and connected downtown while sharing the history of important places throughout the City of Dillon. The Historic Dillon tour banners will guide residents and visitors along Main Street and connect them to the photographs and stories that tell the broader story of our community. The grant will also give our Uniform Sign Program a fresh new look and continue making our local businesses easier to identify. Partnerships like this allow small cities to turn good ideas into visible progress, and we are thankful for the opportunity to work alongside Duke Energy as we continue strengthening our downtown."

Duke Energy Foundation

Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,700 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an energy modernization strategy, keeping customer value at the forefront as it invests in electric grid upgrades and efficient generation resources to strengthen the system and serve growing energy needs.

More information is available at duke-energy.com. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook for stories about the people and innovations powering its communities. 

Media Contact: Catherine Ramirez
24-Hour: 800.559.3853

SOURCE Duke Energy