Duke Energy Awards Grants to Local Economic Development Organizations

The grants are aimed to boost growth, job creation in southeast Indiana

(Plainfield, Ind.) – Duke Energy has selected four economic development organizations in southeast Indiana for inclusion in its 2025 Partnership Program, which funds marketing and strategic efforts to attract new jobs and investment to Indiana.

“This program gives our local economic development partners the tools they need to showcase the strengths of their communities – both at home and on the national stage,” said Erin Schneider, managing director of economic development at Duke Energy. “It’s just one of the many ways we’re helping influence growth in the state to build competitive, thriving communities.”

Partnership Program grant funds can be used to support a wide array of marketing initiatives, including trade show attendance, website redesign, promotional materials, and presentations or tours to introduce prospective companies and site selectors to a community. To qualify for program consideration, each applicant submitted a plan that would have a direct impact on their community’s economic growth. Grant amounts varied depending on the size and scope of the project.

This year, grants were awarded to the following southeast Indiana organizations:

• City of Batesville – $5,000 Grant funds will support the development and execution of a marketing plan highlighting quality of life initiatives that attract workers and residents to a community, such as the Batesville Historical Society’s signature holiday events. 
• Greensburg/Decatur County Economic Development Corporation – $5,000 Grant funds will support the redevelopment of the organization’s website – a critical tool for site selectors, local leaders and entrepreneurs who rely on it as a primary source of information. Duke Energy News Release 2
• I-74 Business Corridor – $5,000 Grant funds will support the organization’s sponsorship of the Global Entrepreneurship Congress in Indianapolis in June 2025.
• One Dearborn – $5,000 Grant funds will support One Dearborn’s membership with the REDI Cincinnati regional economic development organization..