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

PR Newswire•12/10/2026•10:20 ET
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Key Highlights

  • ➤Duke Energy Foundation investing $190,000 across South Carolina communities
  • ➤Twenty-two organizations received grants of up to $10,000
  • ➤Funding supports facade improvements, signage, gathering spaces and small-business microgrants

Expert Statements

Tim Pearson, Duke Energy South Carolina president

“Strong communities start with vibrant places where people can connect and support one another”

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.”

Tim Pearson, Duke Energy South Carolina president

“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.”

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 investing nearly $200,000 in South Carolina communities to support Main Street revitalization efforts PR Newswire

* 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.

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