I. GRANT GUIDELINES

Investing in Our Best Spirit

At Brown‑Forman, being a responsible corporate citizen isn’t just part of our business – it’s part of who we are.  For more than 150 years, we’ve poured our heart into the business of spirits, but we know that our most enduring spirit is the one we share with our communities. 

Grounded in our hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, and reaching across our global footprint, our people and our company proudly contribute time, talent, and resources to help our communities thrive. We support mission-driven organizations that champion lifelong learning, celebrate arts and culture, and cultivate community. 

How to Apply for Funding

Nonprofit organizations that meet the funding criteria below may apply one time per fiscal year (May 1 - April 30) using the links below.

The quarterly submission deadlines are May 1, August 1, November 1, and February 1. Funding decisions are typically made 90-120 days following the submission deadline. Please keep this in mind for time-sensitive projects or events. 

• Brown‑Forman Foundation Grant Application - For all restricted and unrestricted grant requests
• Brown‑Forman Nonprofit Event Sponsorship Application - For all nonprofit event sponsorship requests

Please note:

• Do not submit the same request in two separate applications. 
• We do not accept capital campaign requests.
• All funding requests should be for monetary donations. Neither Brown‑Forman Corp nor the Brown‑Forman Foundation accepts in-kind requests.

Focus Areas of Giving

We believe in the power of connection. That's why we invest in initiatives that bring people together and create last impact in three key areas:

Celebrate Arts & Culture
Support cultural institutions that foster shared experiences and improve quality of life through the arts.

Champion Lifelong Learning
Invest in organizations that expand access to education, mentorship, and career pathways, helping individuals of all ages achieve lifelong success.

Cultive Community
Advance initiatives that strengthen community well-being, steward shared natural spaces, and promote alcohol responsibility.

Grant Evaluation Framework

Brown‑Forman's Grant Framework ensures that funding aligns with our focus areas, responds to community priorities, and supports organizations with the capacity to steward resources and deliver lasting impact.

Strategic Alignment

• Focus Area Alignment
• Community Reach
• Geographic Scope

Community Solution

• Community Need
• Impact Assessment
• Key Collaborators

Organizational Capability

• Organizational Readiness
• Financial Snapshot
• Sustaining Impact

Global Community Investment

Community pride starts in Louisville, but it doesn't stop there. Brown‑Forman's global giving program empowers employees around the world to engage with the places they call home. Local Community Engagement Committees identify meaningful opportunities, ensuring each market's giving strategy is tailored to its unique needs.

II. GRANT CRITERIA

To be considered for a Foundation grant or a Corporate event sponsorship, organizations and their programs should meet the following conditions:

• The organization (or fiscal sponsor) must be determined by the IRS to be a tax-exempt organization described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and a public charity described in Section 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2) of the Code, that is operated exclusively for charitable, scientific, or educational purposes.
• Priority is given to organizations located in Louisville, Kentucky.
• The organization’s mission and project outcomes must align with one or more of the strategic focus areas.
• Proposals must be received by the submission deadline to be considered for that grant cycle.
• Proposals must provide a sound basis of measurement toward project goals and outcomes.

The following are ineligible to apply for funding:

• Individuals
• Public schools (K-12)
• Group tours
• Athletic teams or leagues
• Requests by foreign organizations
• Religious organizations such as churches and synagogues
• Any organization that is not a public charity described in either Section 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code
• Third parties seeking donations on behalf of nonprofit organizations – donations must be made directly to a nonprofit rather than, for example, to a business partner making a request on behalf of an organization
• Political organizations or for political campaign purposes
• Requests to carry on a voter registration drive
• Grant requests for projects that include lobbying, propaganda, or other attempts to influence legislation
• Organizations that lack non-discrimination policies or have a history of discriminating on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, veteran status, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability or any other legally protected status

The following are ineligible to apply for funding from the Brown‑Forman Foundation:

• Past grantees that have failed to provide a completed grant agreement, grant report, or other required documentation
• Requests to satisfy the personal pledge of a Foundation or Brown‑Forman director, officer, key staff person, or family member thereof
• Requests that, if granted, would provide a personal benefit to a Foundation or Brown‑Forman director, officer, key staff person, or family member thereof, other than naming or similar publicity

The following documents may be requested as part of the application process:

• List of the organization’s officers and Board of Directors
• Adopted Non-Discrimination Policy
• Copy of the IRS determination letter confirming 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
• Completed W-9 Tax Form (March 2024 version)
• Most recent IRS Form 990 tax return
• Current-year organizational budget
• Detailed project/event budget, including income and expenses