Duke Energy, Charlotte, NC

Duke Energy is the largest electric power holding company in the United States. Through civic leadership, volunteerism, and financial contributions, the company fosters arts initiatives that support economic development and cultural diversity in the regions it serves. Duke Energy was named a BCA 10: Best Businesses Partnering with the Arts in America honoree in 2009.

The company’s contributions helped to create the Levine Center for the Arts in Charlotte and helped ensure the continuation of a partnership between the Charlotte Symphony and Opera Carolina. In addition, Duke Energy is the title sponsor of the Duke Energy Children’s Museum in Cincinnati, which has consistently ranked in the top 10 children’s museums in the world.

“Duke Energy is committed to supporting the vitality of the communities we serve,” said Lynn Good, Duke Energy vice chair and CEO. “That includes introducing our young people to the arts at an early age. Study after study shows that children benefit immensely from exposure to the arts. Investing in the arts makes good sense, for our business and for our communities.” Good also serves on the board of the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art.

Duke Energy’s employees and retirees are able to maximize their personal contributions to nonprofit organizations, including arts organizations, through the company’s matching gifts program. Employees also participate in workplace giving campaigns through the Arts & Science Council in Charlotte and ArtsWave in Cincinnati. For over 20 years, the company has ranked among the top 10 Fine Arts Fund campaign contributors in support of arts and culture in the greater Cincinnati area.

“Charlotte-Mecklenburg's cultural community is grateful for Duke Energy's consistent and generous support of arts and cultural organizations and programs that educate, entertain, and enrich the quality of life for our residents and visitors,” said Robert Bush, President of the Arts & Science Council in Charlotte. “Duke Energy’s leadership has played a key role in building Charlotte’s extraordinary cultural institutions, not just through its generosity, but through the volunteer leadership from Duke in the cultural sector.”