It’s certainly accurate to say that the craft beer industry puts its money where its mouth feel is when it comes to charitable giving. Unlike the macros—who certainly give, and into the millions—most of the craft community is personal and directly impacts the surrounding neighborhoods. Whether it’s a business development fund or a polar plunge, food assistance or family support, giving back to the local community through grants and service is a big part of the honest pint crowd. Here are four local movers and brewers that you should check out and support.
Harpoon Brewery: The list is long and quite impressive when it comes to charitable giving and those that benefit from the brewers’ Harpoon Helps program. Currently, the Harpoon Shamrock Splash is on deck; it will benefit the Save the Harbor/Save the Bay Beaches program and kicks off at the M Street Beach, BCYF Curley Community Center in South Boston this Sunday, March 6. Throw on a shamrock speedo and jump in!
shamrocksplash.org and harpoonhelps.com
Eat Boston: Don’t be confused by the name; when Aaron Cohen came up with the idea to create the Boston Bacon and Beer Festival, it didn’t take a rocket scientist to realize the impact and success he’d enjoy or that beer was going to be front and center. What many people don’t know is that almost all of the proceeds of his now-national events go to charity. Lovin’ Spoonfuls and Community Servings are just two of many local organizations that have received over $150K in donations thus far. Stay tuned for hopefully more local events and definitely more bacon in 2016.
Boston Beer Company: Founded in 2008, the Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream program provides funding and mentoring for small businesses in the food and beverage industry. Partnering with ACCION USA, a microloan provider, Boston Beer Company put up an initial $250K to seed the program, but it has also been involved in the mentoring and coaching process since day one, providing access to its employees and mission to small business owners.
Cambridge Brewing Company: In 2014, the CBC hosted the First Annual Best of Show Homebrew Competition, and by all accounts it was a huge success. It raised $3,000 for the local charity East End House in Cambridge, and the winner, Li’l Hal Peno, got a chance to brew with its team and help the community in the process. While there’s no update yet as to the next Home Brew Competition, CBC has long supported local businesses and communities through its mission and goals as a local brewer and neighborhood partner.
cambridgebrewingcompany.com
