Duke Energy recently awarded a $5,000 grant to Jackson County Industrial Development Corp. as part of the company’s Partnership Program.

To qualify, applicants submitted plans that would have direct impact on the community’s economic growth. The awards help local and regional economic development organizations fund marketing and strategic efforts in the communities they serve. Amounts varied depending on the size and scope of the project.

“We believe that when our communities thrive, we thrive,” said Erin Schneider, managing director of Midwest economic development for Duke Energy. “That’s why we work hand in hand with local and regional economic development organizations to bring new jobs and capital investment to the communities we serve, and our Partnership Program is one example of that.”

Grant dollars are used to support marketing campaigns and promotional materials, website development and updates, conference and tradeshow registrations and continuing education.

Overall this year, Duke awarded more than $125,000 in grants to 26 local and regional economic development organizations to spur news jobs and investment.

Since the program was established in 2017, Duke Energy has contributed nearly $600,000 in grant funding to organizations that are helping create vibrant economies in the state.

Duke Energy Indiana, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides about 6,300 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 870,000 customers in a 23,000-square-mile service area, which includes Brownstown, Crothersville, Medora and Seymour in Jackson County.