Last year, we expanded our Beer is Love program to reach beyond beer donations. We donated an amazing total of $126,168.00 to nonprofits across our distribution territory. Below is a recap of what our Beer is Love program was up to in 2017 and how these funds are working in our communities.
In-Kind Beer Donations to Organizations Across 12 States
The biggest part of the Beer is Love Program is our in-kind donations of product. We donate beer to registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations throughout every community where our beer is sold and enjoyed. We donate beer to events of all sizes: whether it’s an annual gala or a volunteer appreciation meeting, we have nonprofits covered. Learn more about our Beer is Love program here.
Believer Campaign: Supporting Team River Runner, Women Who Code, and Conscious Alliance
We kicked off 2017 with the Believer Campaign. This campaign focused on the return of the beloved Believer Double Red Ale and a portion of sales from this beer were donated to three nonprofits: Team River Runner, Women Who Code, and Conscious Alliance.
Pints for a Cause® Events at the Ninkasi Tasting Room
Since 2011, Pints for a Cause has been a way for us to give back to local nonprofits. Every Thursday at the Ninkasi Tasting Room, we donate a $1 of every pint sold to a local nonprofit. Over the years, Pints for a Cause has made it to other cities and states where we can help nonprofits that are local to those areas.
Giving on Social Media
Throughout the year, we held quick and fun social media contests to giveaway $500 to follower-nominated nonprofits. We loved having the opportunity to get to know nonprofits from all over the country and give back in a spontaneous way!
Funds for Firefighters: Helping Local Communities and Families
Funds for Firefighters is a program we started 2015 to give back to the fire fighters union in Portland. Fast forward to 2017 and we had seven Funds for Firefighters programs throughout the state of Oregon.
Pacific Rain Campaign: Promoting Clean Water
With the launch of Pacific Rain Pale Ale, we wanted to give back to nonprofits whose primary focus was keeping our water clean. We worked with organizations in Nevada, Oregon, and Washington to not only help them with beer – but we had the chance to get our hands dirty too! Alongside this campaign, we volunteered with organizations like SOLVE Oregon and Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful to help clean up rivers.
Homers for Public School: Local Schools Score at PK Park
Everyone likes a home run but do you know what makes a home run even sweeter? Homers for Public Schools! During the Eugene Emerald’s 2017 season, for every home run that was hit by the home team, we donated money to our local public-school districts.
Kegs for the McKenzie
Starting Earth Day, April 22, to June 30, 2017, we set out to raise up to $50,000 to preserve our main water source—the McKenzie River. In a program called Kegs for the McKenzie, the we donated $20 of every Ninkasi keg sold at participating bars and restaurants in the area to benefit the McKenzie River Trust and its McKenzie Homewaters Campaign.
Looking forward into 2018
Do you have a nonprofit that you care about who could use some beer love in 2018? Please tell us your favorite organizations in the comments below or request a donation here!
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About the Author
Emilie is our resident beer fairy. As the national donations manager for our Beer is Love program, Emilie spends her days donating beer to people doing amazing work in every state where our beer is enjoyed. When not donating beer, you can find Emilie hunting down the best bloody mary, hanging with her dog Scout, or exploring the Central Oregon wilderness.
