LEAVENWORTH, INDIANA- The Duke Energy Foundation is funding $200,000 in grants to Indiana economic development organizations offering crisis relief to small businesses in the state.  Crawford County Economic Development Corporation received $5,000 and identified two Duke Energy business customers to distribute the funds. “The Crawford County EDC is grateful to Duke Energy for their support of our small businesses.  Every resource will help our small businesses as they are critical in our economic standing.  This particular grant shows the best in collaboration needed to advance.  It encourages our people to shop local and be resilient.” -Micheal Thissen, Director of CCED.

Recipient: Windhorst for the Home, “It has been challenging doing business in this unknown environment and to know that Duke Energy is thinking of us local English, Indiana businesses is heartwarming and reassuring that we are not in this alone”
Recipient: The Happy Hive, “This grant means my employees would know their job is secure. The community would know that I am able to keep serving their needs.  Many customers have expressed worry and concern about my business and what would happen to the community, if it had to close.  During this time I have transitioned from primarily a restaurant & boutique to offering grocery services as well as sourcing items like hand sanitizer and vinyl gloves that are difficult to find at this time.  I now source meats, fresh fruits & vegetables and other items they need from suppliers to get our community through this difficult time.  It’s been my pleasure to try keeping the doors open and meet these needs even though I had to close 2 days that I’m normally open.  In addition, I’ve become a personal grocery shopper for those that are high risk for the Covid virus and are afraid to venture out.  This grant will be such a blessing to our business and to the community by allowing me to continue these services for a community that has limited options for grocery service and delivery services of any kind.”
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Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation contributes more than $30 million annually in charitable gifts and is funded by Duke Energy shareholder dollars.  Learn more