General Eligibility Requirements

• All applicants must be non-profit, charitable organizations tax-exempt under section 501 c (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
• Organizations must have recent audited financials confirming that they are conforming with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• Organizations must not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, race, religious creed, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, age or gender.
• Organizations receiving a grant from Brown-Forman must acknowledge and confirm such support (in writing) in communications that typically recognize donors (e.g., annual reports, newsletters and websites).

Ineligibility Applications

Brown-Forman does not support the following:

• Religious organizations, such as churches and synagogues, or religious activities.
• Political or lobbying organizations or those supporting the candidacy of a particular individual.
• Third parties seeking donations on behalf of non-profit organizations. The donation must be made directly to a non-profit rather than, for example, to the business partner making a request on behalf of a non-profit organization.
• Grants to individuals, public schools (K-12) or group tours.
• Athletic teams or leagues.
• Requests from past grantees that have failed to provide charitable contributions acknowledgement forms or other required documentation.

Grant Application Guidelines

Brown-Forman funds specific projects that fit within our Grant and Criteria Guidelines.

Instructions for Submitting Letter of Intent

If your organization chooses to submit a proposal to Brown-Forman, you should send a brief letter of introduction, on your organization’s letterhead, and a description of your organization/project to Brown-Forman at the following address. Letter should include a contact name and phone number:

Brown-Forman Corporation
Mr. Rusty Cheuvront
AVP, Director of Global Community Relations
P O Box 1080
Louisville, KY 40201

Please be sure to include information on the following main elements:

• Name and mission of your organization
• Brief summary of organization history, including date your organization was established
• Brief description of project/program for which you are requesting funds
• Population or community served by this project/program
• How your request fits Brown-Forman’s funding priorities: Community Development and Corporate Responsibility
• Grant amount being requested
• Proposed grant timeframe (beginning and ending dates)
• A list of your organization’s officers, directors, and board members.
• A copy of your IRS certification granting 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status.
• W-9 - Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification
• A list of Brown-Forman employees who currently serve on your board or actively volunteer for your organization
• List names of corporations and foundations from which you are requesting funds, with dollar amounts, indicating which sources are committed or pending
• Beneficial outcomes to be achieved, date, number of guests, and any other relevant information
• Your organization’s relationship with other organizations working with similar interests. What is your organization’s role relative to these organizations?

Financial Data required:

• Most recent financial statement from most recently completed year, audited if available, showing actual expenses. This information should include balance sheet, a statement of activities (or statement of income and expenses) and functional expenses. Most recent Form 990 tax return.
• Organization budget for current year, including income and expenses.
• Project budget including income and expenses (if not a general operating proposal).
• Amount of money organization raises that goes to provide services versus the % that goes for administrative costs
• Additional funders
• Requests are reviewed on a quarterly basis so it is important to submit request 4 – 6 months in advance of an activity.
• You will receive a written response when a decision on your request is made.
• Company’s non-discrimination policies, whether based on race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability