The Duke Endowment Commits $15 Million to Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts in Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina
Summary
Charlotte, NC, Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Duke Endowment announced today that it is committing $15 million to help meet immediate relief needs in western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina following Hurricane Helene.From the $15 million, initial grants totaling $7.5 million will support two funds established to work with trusted organizations across the Carolinas. "It has been overwhelming to see the devastation in Western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina," said Charles C. Lucas III, chair of The Duke Endowments Board of Trustees. "Our hope is that these initial dollars will go towards addressing short-term and urgent needs for those affected. As the region transitions to recovery and rebuilding, this is the right way to start.Staff will be vetting organizations that might receive the remaining $7.5 million of immediate relief funding. With so much work ahead to respond, recover and rebuild, our team continues to be in conversation with partners and other funders about how we can best work together to address the devastation in these communities.Based in Charlotte and established in 1924 by industrialist and philanthropist James B. Duke, The Duke Endowment is a private foundation that strengthens communities in North Carolina and South Carolina by nurturing children, promoting health, educating minds and enriching spirits.