The Brewer’s Association And Bottleshare Create the ‘Believe In Beer’ Fund To Support Breweries

The Brewer’s Association has teamed up with Bottleshare, a nonprofit dedicated to the craft beverage community to create a new fund to help support breweries that have been impacted by COVID-19.

The fund, called the Believe in Beer Funds, will support breweries as well as state brewers guilds that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Breweries that have been impacted by the virus, which is quite a few if not all of them, are able to apply now for immediate financial assistance to help cover operational expenses such as rent, payroll, and utilities.

For some perspective: Craft breweries in the United States have announced a 65% drop in sales since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic two months ago. Many breweries have had to layoff or furlough their staff, and 46% of breweries have reported that they can only exist another 1-3 months under the current conditions.

“This is a very challenging time for breweries and their livelihoods are at risk. We hope creating this relief fund with Bottleshare will provide an answer to the most common question beer lovers have been asking during this unprecedented time: ‘How can I help?’” said Bob Pease, president and CEO, Brewers Association said in a statement.

“The craft beer community is rooted in collaboration and philanthropy, and now is our chance to come together and give back to our most vulnerable breweries.” 

Individuals that want to donate to the fund can do so between now and the end of American Craft Beer Week, May 17th.

After that time, relief funds will be distributed to breweries and state guilds that demonstrate that they need financial assistance.

Breweries will need an active TTB Brewers Notice in order to apply. They also need to be currently selling beer, or have been selling beer prior to March 10th. That means breweries that are still in the planning phase or that haven’t started selling yet aren’t able to apply.

Breweries also have to produce the market definition of beer; however it doesn’t matter what amount. Breweries don’t have to be members of the Brewers Association in order apply, nor do they have to be “craft” breweries under the BA’s definition.

“Bottleshare was created to support industry workers and their families when they experience hardships,” said Christopher Glenn, founder of Bottleshare. “During this uncertain time, when support is needed more than ever, we’re proud to join efforts with the Brewers Association to reciprocate the love and strength that characterize the craft beer community and help the breweries that make it so special.” 

And if you’re looking for a way to support those breweries, there’s perhaps no better way right now than to simply buy their beer, especially if you’re able to purchase that beer directly from the brewery rather than a third party.