CAYCE, S.C. (Aug. 18) -- Dominion Energy is encouraging nonprofit and educational organizations to apply for a total of $1 million in environmental grants, distributed this year through the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation. The grant process is designed to support work that improves the environment and provides educational experiences to communities served by Dominion Energy.

"As a company we strive to be good stewards of our environment and natural resources. We’re proud to support local organizations leading exciting and impactful programs to protect and conserve our environment,” said Hunter A. Applewhite, President of the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation. “These grants make the outdoor spaces in our communities more accessible and sustainable.”

Dominion Energy will consider grant requests that focus on one or more of the following priorities:

• Educating K-12 students and the public about environmental science
• Protecting and preserving natural habitats
• Improving open spaces and making nature accessible

Since 2003, nearly $39 million has been donated to projects that protect and improve the environment.

“Dominion Energy’s funding was essential to bring on an intern to provide on-the-job training in bird research techniques for a student starting out in the conservation field,” said Engagement Management Jennifer Tyrrell of Audubon South Carolina’s Project PROTHO. “This grant made so much of our conservation work possible this year and we hope to continue and expand this outreach and important research to ensure these birds remain in the Lowcountry for future generations to enjoy.”

Project PROTHO is dedicated to supporting bird conservation research and educational outreach efforts related to the Prothonotary Warbler, a bird species that breeds and nests at the Audubon Center and Sanctuary at Francis Beidler Forest.

Some South Carolina 2021 recipients include:

• Beaufort County Open Land Trust, Beaufort: funds the design and installation of three environmental education kiosks placed at Widgen Point Preserve and Capers Creek Scenic Vista. The 170-acre Widgen Point includes a three-fourths mile walking trail. The Capers Creek Vista provides a rich marsh habitat.
• Camp Discovery at His Acres, Blythewood: supports Cultivating Citizen Scientists, a hands-on experiential learning initiative for public school students offered through NASA's GLOBE Citizen Science Program. Funding has connected children, teachers, and families to NASA subject matter experts and promote conservation and environmental stewardship through both virtual and on-site sessions.
• Richland Soil and Water Conservation District: creates a physical location for the Seed Sanctuary: Reseed Richland program, which distributes free vegetable, herb, and wildflower seeds to residents to promote home gardening, food security, and pollinator conservation.

Nonprofit organizations may apply for grants up to $50,000 to support specific projects that promise measurable results to improve the environment. Also, public and private K-12 schools can apply for classroom grants up to $5,000 for environmental education programs.

Eligible organizations in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Utah, Connecticut, Idaho, Wyoming and other areas in Dominion Energy's footprint are encouraged to apply.

For more information and to apply, visit dominionenergy.com/envirogrants.

About the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation
About 7 million customers in 15 states energize their homes and businesses with electricity or natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE: D). Through its Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation, as well as EnergyShare and other programs, Dominion Energy contributed nearly $50 million in 2021 to community causes. The Foundation supports nonprofit causes that meet basic human needs, protect the environment, promote education, and encourage community vitality. Please visit DominionEnergy.com to learn more.

About Dominion Energy
About 7 million customers in 15 states energize their homes and businesses with electricity or natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE: D), headquartered in Richmond, Va. The company is committed to safely providing reliable, affordable and sustainable energy and to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050. Please visit DominionEnergy.com to learn more.