Philanthropy & Development

Philanthropy & Development

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Tales of the Cocktail Foundation® is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that integrates philanthropy and development into every facet of its programming. The Foundation, with guidance from the Philanthropy & Development Committee, aspires to put forward a philanthropic portfolio that:

    • Addresses critical challenges impacting the Spirits community with creative programs and resources
    • Nurtures nascent and emerging projects and organizations that are reflective of and responsive to community needs
    • Promotes the Foundation’s mission to Educate, Advance, and Support the hospitality industry

TOTCF has granted more than $450,000 in awards to those who are actively improving the global hospitality landscape.

2024 Grant Proposal Process

The 2024 proposal period deadline was February 19, 2024. Please refer to the TOTCF Grants F.A.Q. for any additional questions regarding the grant process. 

Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s grant-giving program aims to support emerging and existing organizations and individuals that demonstrate a vision, determination, and ability to make meaningful change in the global hospitality industry across a spectrum of diverse topics.  To date, TOTCF has granted more than $450,000 in awards to those who are actively improving the global hospitality landscape.

The 2024 grant process is focused on bartender welfare & well-being. Applicants can be individuals, organizations, or 501(c)3 non-profits. The 2024 grant program will be accepting proposals from December 5, 2023 to February 19, 2024  for projects that improve the lives of bartenders in the areas of equity, advocacy, healthcare, mental health, education, workplace inclusivity & safety, and other topics that focus on bartender well-being and welfare.

Grantees are selected by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s Philanthropy & Development Committee, who are key stakeholders with a passion for improving the industry. The committee will review applicants’ Letter of Intent, invite applicants to a phone interview to expand on their proposal, and invite a select group of applicants to submit a final proposal for consideration of the grant.

On January 17, 2024, the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation staff and Philanthropy and Development Committee members hosted a question-and-answer session about the 2024 grant process. Watch it here!

 

Bartender Welfare & Well-being Grant Categories:

  • Diversity & Equity
    • Fair access, opportunity, and advancement is essential to bartender well-being because creating a safe environment where industry workers feel protected and valued is the foundation of a good workplace.
  • Healthcare
    • The hospitality industry was severely impacted by COVID-19, and though individuals were labeled essential workers, many still do not have access to important medical care. A broad range of creative health-related initiatives may be considered in this grant category.
  • Mental Health
    • The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics has statistics on bartending being a stressful profession due to the physically demanding work and emotional labor that occurs on the job. Organizations and projects focusing on supporting the mental health of bartenders will be considered.
  • Education
    • Bartender education can be presented in a variety of formats and topics: financial education, certification programs, and free or low-cost continuing education fall into this grant category.
  • Advocacy
    • Advocacy Initiatives aimed at addressing benefits, living wage, and other micro and macro policies of hospitality workers will be considered.
  • Workplace Inclusivity & Safety
    • Initiatives and organizations that provide training, resources, and innovative solutions to workplace safety in bars are invited to apply. 
  • Other
    • A variety of topics, which focus on bartender well-being and welfare, and do not fall squarely into the above categories, will be considered.

How to Submit a Grant Proposal to Tales of the Cocktail Foundation:

The initial phase of the application process invites interested parties to submit a Letter of Intent by February 16, 2024. Once reviewed, the Philanthropy & Development Committee will invite select applicants to advance to the phone interview phase. From there, applicants will submit a final proposal. Finalists will be invited to present their applications at the 2024 Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans, and grant recipients will be announced in the fall of 2024.  To submit your grant application, click here.

Grant applications are reviewed by the Philanthropy & Development Committee. This group of industry experts takes elaborate care in reviewing proposals and selecting grantees. The Committee is led by Kellie Thorn, Lead Mixologist for the Global Headquarters, Beam Suntory, and Eric Bennett, Owner of Continental Drift and Drift Kitchen. Learn more about the Committee here.

How to Write a Letter of Intent (LOI) for TOTCF’s Grant Program:

Submitting a Letter of Intent is the first step in applying to the TOTCF’s grant program. A Letter of Intent is a declaration of intentions – or a summary of what you propose to accomplish if awarded a grant from the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. LOIs are short, one to three pages, introductions to the core ideas of your project or objective. Although you should have a brief background of the need for your project, remember that this is the first impression of you or your organization and your opportunity to communicate why TOTCF should help fund your project. Please include all the requirements in your Letter of Intent to avoid immediate disqualification. Click here to review a Letter of Intent Example in the Grant F.A.Q.s.

The deadline to submit Letters of Intent for grant proposals was February 19, 2024. To submit your grant application, click here.

2024 Philanthropy Dates & Deadlines

November 28, 2023 - Giving Tuesday

December 5, 2023 - Grant Proposal Period OPENS

February 16, 2024 - Grant Proposal Period CLOSES

March - April 2024 - Phone Interview Period

May 2024 - Invitation to submit a final proposal

July 2024 - Tales of the Cocktail Grant Finalist Showcase

August 2024 - Grant Recipients Awarded

Past Grant Recipients

Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s previous grant-giving to projects have supported new and established programs with a vision and determination to make meaningful change in the hospitality industry across a wide spectrum of diverse issues.

2024

2023

2021

2020

2019

2018

The Tales of the Cocktail Foundation Bartender Welfare and Well-Being Fund

The Tales of the cocktail Bartender Welfare and Well-Being Fund is a unique grant giving program where individuals, groups, organizations, or nonprofits can apply for funding. This grant-giving program for the hospitality industry aims to improve the lives of hospitality workers in the areas of: 

  • Diversity & equity
  • Healthcare
  • Mental health
  • Education
  • Advocacy
  • Workplace Inclusivity & Safety
  • Other topics, which focus on bartender well-being and welfare, and do not fall squarely into the above categories, will be considered

Individual or group contributions of any kind are always welcome! With support, TOTCF can assist in underwriting dedicated individuals and organizations devoted to bartender welfare & well-being. Tales of the Cocktail Foundation aims to annually disburse $100,000 USD to those devoted to bartender welfare & well-being.

Tales of the Cocktail Foundation® is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and your donation will be tax-deductible.

Interested in making a donation to the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation?

Supported by:

Philanthropy & Development Committee

Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s Philanthropy & Development Committee is comprised of key industry stakeholders who advise the committee on promoting the welfare of the global hospitality industry. The Committee advises on the Foundation’s entire suite of giving efforts, including, but not limited to: grant-giving and direct relief, Beyond the Bar activations and Day of Service, policy and advocacy work, and non-profit partnerships.

The Philanthropy & Development Committee is made up of key industry stakeholders who advise the committee on promoting the welfare of the global hospitality industry. The Committee advises on the Foundation’s entire suite of giving efforts, including, but not limited to:

Grant-giving and Direct Relief

Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s grant-giving and direct relief programs aim to support emerging and existing organizations and individuals that demonstrate a vision, determination, and ability to make meaningful change in the global hospitality industry across a spectrum of diverse topics. 2022 Grant-giving and direct relief programs will be announced on a rolling basis. Check out our past grant recipients and direct relief programs below.

Beyond the Bar Activations and Day of Service

Through TOTCF’s signature Beyond the Bar programming, the Foundation looks to address serious issues within the global drinks industry, including; mental and physical wellness, substance abuse, workplace inclusivity & safety, diversity, and sustainability. Wellness workshops and service projects are active throughout the year.

Policy & Advocacy Work 

Tales of the Cocktail Foundation partners with a variety of policy experts to amplify & advocate for improved and equitable benefits and resources for the U.S. hospitality industry while calling the community to action. Interested in advocating for the rights of hospitality workers? Send us a message at [email protected]

Non-profit Partnerships

Tales of the Cocktail Foundation partners with a variety of hospitality-focused nonprofit organizations aimed at improving the mental & physical health of workers in the 

Interested in a partnership or applying for a grant? Please contact [email protected] + [email protected]


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