Duke Energy is awarding more than $125,000 in grants to 26 local and regional economic development organizations to spur new jobs and investment in Indiana communities.

The grants are through Duke Energy’s Partnership Program, which funds marketing and strategic efforts to grow cities and towns.

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

Since the Partnership Program was established in 2017, Duke Energy has contributed more than $700,000 in grant funding to organizations that are helping create vibrant economies in Indiana.

To qualify for program consideration, each applicant submitted a plan that would have a direct impact on their community’s economic growth. These 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.

Among the grants awarded:

Shelby County Development Corporation – $5,000

East Central Indiana Regional Partnership – $5,000

Greensburg-Decatur County Economic Development Corporation – $5,000

Hancock Economic Development Council – $5,000

I-74 Business Corridor – $5,000