The BA is committed to fostering a diverse craft brewing community by providing resources, educational opportunities, and a powerful community of advocates to make craft beer more welcoming for all.
News
Mark Your Calendar
- Mentorship Program
- Fall 2023 Cohort Begins: September 12, 2023
- Fall 2023 Cohort Ends: December 4, 2023
- Application Window for Spring 2024 Cohort Opens: December 11, 2023
- Application Window for Spring 2024 Cohort Closes: February 9, 2024
- Spring 2024 Cohort Begins: March 25, 2024
- Spring 2024 Cohort Ends: June 21, 2024
- CBC Travel Grants
- Application Window for CBC 2024 Opens: September 7
- Applications Window for CBC 2024 Closes: October 27
- DEI Mini-Grants
- Proposal Submission Window Opens: November 1, 2022
- Proposal Submission Window Closes: October 31, 2023
- Announcement of 2024 Funding Opportunities: September 2023
Mentorship Program
The BA envisions a craft brewing industry that provides unmatched opportunities for learning, professional development, employment, entrepreneurship, belonging, and empowerment to everyone regardless of identities, experiences, or perspectives.
The program seeks to increase the diversity of the workforce, leadership, and ownership of small and independent breweries by providing structured mentoring and advocacy to those experiencing barriers to access or advancement in the industry.
Program Overview
Each cohort of participants will complete a 12-week mentorship program. The program will begin with a one-week orientation and include 11 weeks of structured mentoring with a group of experienced leaders. Participants who are enrolled in the program will be paired with multiple experienced and knowledgeable professionals across a number of theme areas for guided conversations, collaborative activities, and practical advisement.
Participants may enter one of three mentoring tracks:
The Aspiring Professionals track is for those who are new to the craft beer community and have little to no work experience in the industry.
The Advancing Professionals track is for those who currently work in the industry and seek to advance, expand, or change their career trajectories.
The Brewery Start-Up track is for those who aspire to start a brewery and have taken tangible steps toward doing so, and for breweries that have operated for less than one year.
Mentorship Program News and Updates
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Mini-Grants
Program Snapshot
- Maximum Award Amount:
25% of the total project budget, up to $5,000. - Eligibility:
Individuals and organizations. Priority given to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. - Proposals Submission Window:
Accepted on a rolling basis from November 1, 2022 through October 31, 2023. - Notification Date:
Notification of receipt will be provided within 5 business days of submission. Funding decisions will be provided within 45 days following notification of receipt. - Contact:
Inquiries related to this program can be directed to Dr. J Jackson-Beckham – drj@brewersassociation.org.
The BA is proud to fund grants in support of local and regional events, media production projects, and educational and training initiatives that thoughtfully and intentionally promote and foster a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive craft beer community. The BA Philanthropy and Outreach Subcommittee invites proposals from individuals and organizations who are developing virtual, in-person, or hybrid events, media projects, and educational and training initiatives that will be developed and/or executed in 2023.
About the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Mini-Grants
- Funding Priorities
- Past Grant Awards
- Grant Proposal Guidelines
- How To Apply
- Terms and Conditions for Awards
- Reporting Requirements for Awards
- Submit a Proposal
Funding Priorities
Funding priorities for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Mini-Grants program are for events, media production projects, and educational and training initiatives that work to create a more inclusive and diverse craft brewing community for brewers, industry partners, and beer lovers everywhere.
Strategic Goals for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Mini-Grants Program
- Increase access to and responsible appreciation of craft beer for underrepresented populations and those who have experienced barriers to accessing the broader craft brewing community.
- Promote employment and ownership opportunities in the craft brewing community for members of underrepresented populations and those in the craft brewing community who have experienced barriers to access and advancement.
- Celebrate the diversity of the craft brewing community and increase the visibility of underrepresented groups and experiences.
- Develop the cultural competence and increase the adoption of diversity, equity, and inclusion best practices among members of the broader craft brewing community.
- Leverage the strengths of the craft brewing community to fight injustice, eliminate disparities, and provide solutions to an array of challenges that impact those who produce and enjoy craft beer.
Past Grant Awards
For updates on granting activity during the current funding year, see Association News posts. Past year funding activity is archived here.
2022 Grant Awards – Events
Pink Boots Annual Conference
Pink Boots Society
Charlotte, N.C. (in-person & virtual)
The Brewsters Brunch
Lifting Lucy
Charlotte, N.C.
All the Way Up!
Brew Lala
Baltimore, Md.
Mass Bay Hop Forward Equality Career Fair
Mass Bay Brewing Company
Boston, Mass.
Women’s International Beer Summit
Womxn’s Craft Fermentation Alliance
Virtual
Crafted For Action Conference
Crafted For Action
Atlanta, Ga. (in-person & virtual)
GRINDfest
Black Wall Street AVL
Ashville, N.C.
Change in the Air Festival
Connecticut Brewers Guild & Change in the Air Foundation
New Haven, Conn.
Mobile Black Wall Street Juneteenth
Cincinnati Music Accelerator
Cincinnati, Ohio
Left Hand Brewing Pride Event
Left Hand Brewing Co.
Longmont, Colo.
Big Queer Beer Fest
Gold Spot Brewing & Lady Justice Brewing
Denver, Colo.
Pittsburgh Mixed Culture Fest
Cinderlands Beer Co. & Trace Brewing
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Fermenta Michigan Annual Meeting & Anniversary Event
Fermenta Michigan
Kalamazoo, Mich.
FemAle Brew Fest
FemAle Brew Fest
Fort Lauderdale Beach, Fla.
Rocktoberfest
Harlem Brew South
Rocky Mount, N.C.
Cheluna 6th Anniversary Pachanga
Cheluna Brewing Company
Aurora, Colo.
Beer Culture Summit
Chicago Brewseum
Chicago, Ill.
2022 Grant Awards – Media
Black is Beautiful Documentary
Flagship Video Works
Bitch Beer Podcast
Caroline King, Bitch Beer Podcast
This Belongs To Us Documentary
Atinuke Diver
The Food Engineer Podcast
Christian Mercado
2022 Grant Awards – Education and Training
All About Craft Beer: Education, Employment & Enjoyment Course
Mickey Bryant, Black and Brew Chicago
Entrepreneurship & Equity in Brewing School
EEB
2021 Grant Awards
Crafted For Action Craft Beer Con
The Atlanta Beer Boutique
Atlanta. Ga. / Virtual
It Starts At The Top
Massachusetts Brewers Guild
Framingham, Mass.
Arts On Tap
Alliance for the Arts
Fort Myers, Fla.
2020 Grant Awards
Suave Fest
Raices Brewing Company
Denver, Colo.
FemAle Brew Fest
Dania Beach, Fla.
Dames + Dregs Beer Festival
Atlanta, Ga.
Family Afternoons Out
BEERSGIVING
Fort Worth, Texas
Beers With(out) Beards
Hop Culture
Virtual
Brewers of Pennsylvania Symposium
Brewers of Pennsylvania
State College, Pa.
Beer Culture Summit
Chicago Brewseum
Virtual
2019 Grant Awards
Tapping Opportunity
Great Lakes Brewing Company
Cleveland, Ohio
Beers With(out) Beards
Hop Culture
Brooklyn, N.Y.
HeART and Soul Brew Fest
Like the Fruit, LLC
Richmond, Va.
Suave Fest
Raices Brewing Company
Denver, Colo.
Fresh Fest Beer Fest
Fresh Fest Beer Fest, LLC
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Craft Beer Employment Fair
Mass Bay Brewing Company
Boston, Mass.
Grant Proposal Guidelines
Budget Year
The budget year for the 2023 Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Mini-Grant cycle runs from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023.
Duration of Funding
Funding commitments are for:
- Events that will take place by the end of the budget year.
- Media production projects that will be at least 50% completed by the end of the budget year.
- Training or educational efforts that will be developed and/or executed by the end of the budget year.
Eligibility
- All individuals and organizations are eligible to apply. However, priority is given to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.
- An applicant may not submit multiple proposals under this announcement. The BA will consider parent organizations and their subordinates to be a single entity for purposes of eligibility. If for any reason a proposal is submitted more than once before the deadline, the BA will only accept your most recent submission.
- Organizations who have previously been award funding through Diversity and Inclusion Event Grants program are eligible to apply. However, events that have been awarded for two contiguous funding cycles must take a year off before resubmitting a proposal.
Maximum Award Amount
Requested funds should not exceed 25% of the proposed budget and may be awarded up to $5,000.
Proposal Submission Window
Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis from November 1, 2022, through October 31, 2023.
Notification Date
Notification of receipt will be provided within 5 business days of submission. Funding decisions will be provided within 45 days following notification of receipt.
Adherence to BA Policies
Event organizers, vendors, and volunteers must adhere to the Brewers Association Code of Conduct, and all marketing collateral, social media messaging, signage, and communications about the event must adhere to the Brewers Association Marketing and Advertising Code.
Contact
All questions and inquiries related to the Diversity & Inclusion Event Grants program should be directed to Dr. J Jackson-Beckham – drj@brewersassociation.org. Additionally, BrA members may find more information and discussion about this program on the DEI board in the BA Forums.
Allowable Costs
For Events:
- fees for consultants and contractors.
- rental fees for venues and equipment.
- supplies and materials.
- advertising and marketing costs.
- catering, food, and beverage costs.
- fees for licensing of media and performers.
For Media Production:
- fees for consultants and contractors.
- rental fees equipment.
- licensing and subscription fees.
- supplies and materials.
- approved transportation expenses.
For Education and Training:
- fees for consultants and contractors.
- licensing and subscription fees.
- supplies and materials.
- advertising and marketing costs.
- approved transportation expenses.
- catering, food, and beverage costs.
** Please note: the DEI Mini-Grant program does not directly fund scholarships, grants, or other direct giving. It is intended to fund the development and administration of programs that directly provide education and training.
How to Apply
Terms and Conditions for Awards
Utilization of Grant Funds
Grant funds must be used in accordance with the event detailed in your proposal.
Non-Disclosure of Grant Awards
The amount granted is not permitted to be shared publicly.
Pre-Event Requirements
An update detailing any changes to the event insurance, beer service plans, security plans, and COVID-19 addendum must be filed with the BA at least 30 days prior to the event.
BA Event Access
Complimentary passes/admission will be provided to BA staff or board/committee members who wish to attend and observe the event.
Pay It Forward Opportunity
If requested, and if schedules permit, present on the event at a grant recipient panel seminar at CBC 2023 (Nashville, Tenn.).
Acknowledgement of Funds
BA financial support of any and all funded projects must be acknowledged in collateral and communications related to the project as agreed upon. The BA logo should be used when appropriate and with permission. The BA must additionally be listed as a sponsor and its logo must be included with permission, when appropriate, on all collateral and promotional materials. The Independent Craft Brewer Supporter Seal should be included, when appropriate, on all collateral and promotional materials.
Reporting Requirements for Awards
Recipients are required to submit a post-event event grant report within 60 days of the conclusion of the proposed event. The post-event grant report should include a brief narrative summary and multimedia (photo, video, and/or audio) records of the event.
Post-Grant Report Checklist
Narrative Checklist
- A summary of the event, project, or initiative.
- The number of attendees/participants, staff, and volunteers, and the demographics of these groups if available.
- Accomplishments, outcomes, and fulfillment of the proposed mission.
- Challenges and changes to the event, project, or initiative as proposed.
- Final budget vs. actuals balance sheet.
- Links to any press or media reporting.
Multimedia Checklist
- Provide at least ten (10) high-resolution photographs depicting scenes of in-person events in progress. Provide screenshots of virtual events in progress. Provide media clips or links to media production projects.
- (OPTIONAL) Provide video or audio recordings of events or educational/training initiatives.
- (OPTIONAL) Provide written, video, audio, or social media testimonials from attendees of the events or participants in eduational/training initiatives with contact information.
Submit a Proposal
General Guidelines for Preparing Proposals
- Make the connection between the grant program’s funding priorities and your event, media production project, or educational/training initiative early and often.
- Start early and make time to ask for assistance if needed. We are happy to help!
- Make sure you answer all questions and provide all supporting documentation requested.
- Be brief, explicit, and specific when writing your narratives.
- Be realistic and detailed in designing the project budget.
- Make the case that you have the knowledge, resources, and experience to execute a successful event, media production, or educational/training initiative.
Craft Brewers Conference® (CBC®) Travel Grants
Program Snapshot
- Maximum Award Amount:
Eligible travel expenses, up to $1,500. - Eligibility:
Employees of a Brewers Association member brewery-in-planning or brewery who produces less than 15,000 bbls. - Proposals Submission Window:
September 7, 2023 – October 27, 2023. - Notification Date:
Applicants will be notified about grant decisions in December 2023. - Contact:
Inquiries related to this program can be directed to J Jackson-Beckham – DrJ@brewersassociation.org.
The Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) is the nation’s premiere opportunity for craft brewing industry professionals to learn, connect with peers, and engage in personal and organizational development. The BA is proud to fund travel grants to expand access to this one-of-a-kind experience. The CBC Travel Grants program supports the goals to bring new voices to the CBC speaker line-up and to enable more individuals in a wide variety of professional roles to attend the conference. Grants cover eligible travel expenses up to $1,500.
Eligibility
The Philanthropy and Outreach Subcommittee and DEI Education Subcommittee of the BA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee invites applications from individuals employed by a BA member brewery-in-planning or brewery who produces less than 15,000 bbls. Examples of eligible brewery types are:
- Contract Brand/Alternating Proprietorship
- Microbrewery
- Taproom
- Brewpub
Selection of Grant Awards
A limited number of grants will be competitively awarded based on criteria established by the DEI Committee. Preference will be given to eligible applicants who have had a seminar proposal accepted for the CBC, first-time attendees, and those who have experienced cultural or situational barriers to attending the conference.
Eligible Travel Expenses
CBC Travel Grants do not cover the cost of registration for the general conference, preconference workshops, or Brew Expo America. Travel grant awardees must provide proof of registration to remain eligible for grant awards.
- Lodging – Lodging expenses will be pre-paid. A hotel room for grantees will be reserved at a partnering hotel near the conference location. Applicants in need of accessible lodging accommodations may indicate this on the application form.
- Commercial airline tickets, passenger train tickets, or bus tickets – All travel fares will be reimbursed after travel has been completed.*
- Car rentals, taxis, ride share services (Lyft or Uber), and public transportation fare – All ground transportation expenses will be reimbursed after travel has been completed.*
- Parking fees – All ground expenses will be reimbursed after travel has been completed.*
* Valid receipts for all reimbursable expenses must be submitted within 30 days of completing travel.
How to Apply
- Prepare your application materials.
- If you have submitted a proposal to present a seminar or panel at the Craft Brewers Conference, please have the name of your seminar or panel handy.
- The travel grant application requires that you submit a personal statement that responds to the questions: 1) How will this opportunity impact your career development in the craft brewing industry? 2) How will your participation in this opportunity impact the craft brewing industry locally, regionally, or more broadly? 3) What barriers have you experienced that have limited your opportunities for professional growth? The personal statement can be submitted in writing (up to 500 words) or as a brief video recording (up to three minutes).
- Ensure that you have been added to your brewery’s BA membership employee roster so that you can access the application using your BA username and password. To be added to your brewery’s roster, contact your BA membership administrator or email the BA membership team directly (info@brewersassocation.org) for assistance.
- Login to the BA website by clicking “Account” at the upper righthand side of your browser.
- Follow the link to the CBC Travel Grant Application below to complete the application.
The BA is a Recertification Provider with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)—the world’s largest association devoted to human resource management. THRIVE educational seminars qualify for recertification credits for the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP®) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP®) credentials.
THRIVE is a BA initiative that takes a proactive and holistic approach to addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), human resources (HR), and physical and mental wellness in the craft brewing community. THRIVE recognizes that DEI, human resources, and wellness are intimately related components of the workplace experience that are productively enriched when developed together. Through THRIVE, the BA seeks to establish “thriving human beings” alongside safety, quality, and sustainably as cornerstones of a healthy, responsible, and profitable craft brewing industry.
THRIVE Pre-Conference Workshop at the Craft Brewers Conference®
The THRIVE Pre-Conference Workshop is a day-long experience that provides a deep dive into diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), human resources (HR), and wellness topics tailored for craft brewers and beer businesses of all sizes. Featuring guest speakers, educational seminars, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities, the workshop is a place to develop people-focused practices that elevate small businesses.
CBC Community Engagement Project
Each year, the Craft Brewers Conference® (CBC®) brings more than 10,000 attendees to cities across the United States. The BA is committed to ensuring that the craft brewing community is a force for good in the cities we visit by spearheading a Community Engagement Project in conjunction with the Craft Brewers Conference. These projects provide an opportunity for the craft brewing community to engage and learn from the communities we visit while coming together to meet urgent needs in local populations.
In 2023, the Brewers Association partnered with the Community Resource Center to combat housing insecurity by assembling more than 3,000 personal and household hygiene kits to middle Tennessee communities in need. This issue hits close to home for the hospitality industries. Front line hospitality workers—who are commonly categorized as ALICE (asset-limited, income-constrained, yet employed)—disproportionately experience housing insecurity, particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The kits assembled help CRC to ensure that grade school students are able attend to school every day feeling clean, confident, and ready to learn; that unhoused residents of Middle Tennessee have access to critical non-food basic needs to stay clean and safe in the summer months; that people who menstruate have consistent access to basic period supplies; and that working families do not have to choose between paying for rent, food, or essential household items.
In 2022, the Brewers Association partnered with the Greater Twin Cities United Way to address food insecurity among immigrant and refugee populations by assembling nearly 3,000 culturally specific pantry packs. The Twin Cities region is home to many cultures with a variety of meaningful foods, flavors, and spices. Because it is important that households experiencing food insecurity have access to foods that are familiar and significant to their culture, attendees assembled pantry packs that contained staples from Latino/-a, Southeast Asian, and Afghan cuisine. Community leaders from the United Way were on hand to speak to the attendees about the project and Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the United Way, Scottie Carter, delivered the keynote for the 2022 THRIVE Workshop. Minneapolis conference attendees showed tremendous heart and enthusiasm, completing the planned three-day service project in on the first day of the conference.
Holding Ourselves to a Higher Standard
The BA is committed to supporting a craft brewing industry where safe, responsible, and ethical business practices are the norm. The BA member Code of Conduct, Marketing & Advertising Code, and Event Codes of Conduct help members of our community to hold each other to a rigorous standard of professional comportment.
- Member Code of Conduct
- Purpose: Members of the BA share a commitment to respect the law, promote and consume beer responsibly, and eliminate discrimination, harassment, and bias of all types. The Code of Conduct is a tool that members of the BA may use to hold each other accountable for unacceptable behavior and business practices.
- How to Activate: Any active professional division BA member can file a complaint against another member or members by using the complaint process.
- Marketing and Advertising Code
- Purpose: Beer advertising developed for radio, television, internet, print, beer labels and other branded materials should portray beer in a socially responsible and respectful way. The Brewers Association Marketing and Advertising Code ensures that craft beer marketing and advertising is representative of the values, ideals, and integrity of a diverse and responsible beer culture and free of any damaging, derogatory, or discriminatory messages or imagery.
- How to Activate: Any active professional division Brewers Association member who believes that specific advertising and marketing material is inconsistent with one or more guidelines of the Brewers Association Code should first contact the brewer directly regarding their concern. A voting brewery who does not receive a response or is dissatisfied with a brewer’s response to a complaint may file a complaint by using the complaint process.
- Event Codes of Conduct
- Purpose: All attendees of Brewers Association events agree to conduct themselves in a safe, responsible, respectful, and inclusive manner. The event codes of conduct for the Craft Brewers Conference, the Great American Beer Festival, and Homebrew Con are used by Brewers Association staff and event security to respond to incidents of misconduct onsite.
- How to Activate: Any attendee of a Brewers Association event may report incidents of misconduct to a Brewers Association staff member, volunteer, or security personnel onsite. Alternately, attendees may report misconduct anonymously by using the #NotMe mobile app.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Resources
Research studies increasingly show that diversity and inclusion (or DEI) can help increase a business’ bottom line, drive innovation, attract more talent, attract more customers, and create more opportunities for growth.
The BA diversity best practices resources provide expert guidance to those businesses who wish to invest in diversity and inclusion, but may not know where to start. View these resources and other helpful articles in the Resource Hub.
The BA’s Equity and Inclusion Partner, Dr. J Jackson-Beckham, works with the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee to create these resources and provide expert guidance.
Craft Brewers Guide to Cultural Observances
The Craft Brewers Guide to Cultural Observances fosters greater cultural competency and respect in the craft brewing community.Read More
Diversity Best Practices
The diversity best practices resources provide expert guidance to those who want to invest in diversity and inclusion, but may not know where to start.Read More
Resource Hub