Bell’s Brewery Announces ‘Inspired Giving’ with First Ever Grassroots Grant Cycle

From Bell’s:

Bell’s to donate $480,000 in 2022 to NPO’s working to solve society’s most pressing environmental and social challenges

COMSTOCK, MI , Aug 15, 2022 – Bell’s Brewery today announced the launch of Inspired Giving, and the company’s first official grassroots grant program dedicated to giving back to the communities where Bell’s beer is distributed. During a time of historic distrust and division in society, Bell’s Brewery is taking a major step forward in its commitment to use business and beer as a tool to bridge divides, inspire optimism, and strengthen communities through a new promise to donate $1 from every barrel of beer sold to support organizations working to solve society’s most pressing social and environmental
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Inspired Giving serves to distribute funds and other donations from Bell’s scalable new philanthropy commitment, which will ensure Bell’s’ giving grows as the business grows. The company announced the delivery of nearly half a million dollars in 2022, as Inspired Giving’s inaugural year.

Bell’s has a historic commitment of inspired brewing. Through direct giving and cause rooted product releases, Bell’s has cultivated charitable relationships throughout the state of Michigan since its founding in 1985. Today, with the launch of the first grassroots grants cycle, Bell’s is broadening that footprint to include additional communities across the country where Bell’s products are distributed. This year’s grant program is focused on water stewardship, improving the health of the natural environment and inspiring others to embrace sustainability practices through water conservation efforts. Bell’s is seeking applications from nonprofits and organizations supporting clean water protection and habitat conservation in need of additional funding.

“As a Michigan-based company bordered by the largest fresh water resource on the planet, the Great Lakes, we recognize the responsibility we have to protect our lakes and rivers and their critical importance to our business, and our community,” said Walker Modic, Director of Environmental Programs at Bell’s Brewery. “It’s crucial that we take steps now to ensure equitable access to clean, safe, high quality water resources for all, for centuries to come.”

Nonprofits, programs, and those supporting clean water and water habitat protection can apply for grants between the dates of August 15, 2022, and October 15, 2022. A grant committee made up of Bell’s employees from the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) team and Coworker Grants Committee will review applications for 30 days before awarding funding in amounts ranging between $500 and $5,000, up to $100,000. Interested parties can visit bellsbeer.com/inspired-giving to apply.

Bell’s Inspired Giving will also provide in-kind donations of Bell’s merchandise and gift baskets to fundraisers and events for 501c3 nonprofit organizations in Michigan. Interested organizations can apply here. The program also encourages Bell’s employees to donate through the Workplace Giving payroll deduction program, where Bell’s will match up to $500 in donations from each employee. Bell’s employees will also receive one additional day of paid time off to volunteer.

“I hope that supporters of our business think beyond our beer when they think of Bell’s Brewery,” said Carrie Yunker, Bell’s Brewery Executive Vice President. “Inspired Giving is our most ambitious donation campaign yet, and I am so excited to see how we can amplify our impact as responsible stewards of our environment and community through these new partnerships”. For full details on Bell’s Brewery’s Inspired Giving programs, please visit the link below: bellsbeer.com/inspired-giving

ABOUT BELL’S BREWERY
Bell’s Brewery began in 1985 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with Larry Bell, a quest for better beer and a 15-gallon soup kettle. Since then, Bell’s has grown into one of the largest craft breweries in America, distributing to 43 states, in addition to Puerto Rico and Washington DC. The dedication to brewing flavorful, unfiltered, quality craft beers that started when Larry was a homebrewer continues today with iconic brands such as Oberon Ale and Two Hearted Ale, as well as Light Hearted Ale and Official Hazy IPA. Bell’s currently brews more than 20 beers for distribution out of its Comstock brewery as well as many small-batch beers that are served at the Eccentric Café in Kalamazoo. Over the years, Bell’s has become an industry leader in safety, quality, and human resources, paving the way for the hundreds of craft breweries across Michigan. Bell’s ongoing goal is to brew thoughtful, creative, and artistic ales, and strives to make craft beer welcoming and open to all. For more information, please visit BellsBeer.com.