Duke Energy Foundation supports PalmettoPride and Keep South Carolina Beautiful affiliates through America250 grants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Columbia, SC (July 1, 2026) – The Duke Energy Foundation awarded $50,000 to PalmettoPride through its America250 initiative to support cleanup and beautification projects led by Keep South Carolina Beautiful affiliates across the state. This grant will be distributed to Keep South Carolina Beautiful (KSCB) affiliates to support cleanup and beautification efforts across South Carolina.  

As part of the initiative, the Duke Energy Foundation plans to invest more than $550,000 in South Carolina communities. In the first round of funding, 11 nonprofits received a combined $275,000, including a $50,000 grant to PalmettoPride.

“As we look back on our country’s 250th anniversary, it’s an opportunity to reflect on our nation’s history while working to support the next generation,” said Tim Pearson, Duke Energy South Carolina president. “We are proud to partner with local organizations who can help care for the Palmetto State now, so future generations can enjoy its beauty. Together, we can create lasting impact in the communities where we live and work.” 

PalmettoPride coordinates the KSCB network, South Carolina’s state affiliate of Keep America Beautiful (KAB). Through 40 local affiliates, the organization supports community-driven litter prevention and beautification efforts statewide by providing funding, training, professional development, and educational resources. Support from the Duke Energy Foundation will help affiliates implement cleanup initiatives and revitalize green spaces in their communities.

The funding will be allocated to the following affiliates within Duke Energy coverage areas:

Many of the supported projects will contribute to KAB’s Greatest American Cleanup, a national effort mobilizing communities to clean and beautify parks, waterways, roadways, and public spaces ahead of America’s 250th anniversary. 

“Duke Energy has been a long-time supporter of community improvement in South Carolina, particularly through our Keep South Carolina Beautiful affiliates,” said Sarah Lyles, executive director of PalmettoPride. “This grant will go a long way in supporting cleanup efforts and beautification projects as we prepare our communities to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our great country.”

The Duke Energy Foundation’s America250 initiative is expected to mobilize volunteers and community partners in at least 15 South Carolina counties. For more information about PalmettoPride and its statewide litter prevention and beautification programs, visit palmettopride.org or contact info@palmettopride.org.

About Duke Energy Foundation: The Duke Energy Foundation provides nearly $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.

About 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.

About PalmettoPride: PalmettoPride leads statewide efforts that inspire and empower community action, build public awareness and support local solutions that reduce litter and care for South Carolina’s environment. Created as the South Carolina Governor’s Task Force on Litter by the SC General Assembly in 1997, the organization became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2001 and was renamed PalmettoPride — a public-private partnership united by a shared goal: preventing litter by shifting attitudes, habits and expectations around waste in South Carolina.

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Media Contact: Hannah Feeley, Communications Manager | mhfeeley@palmettopride.org