Individuals, organizations, or 501(c)3 non-profits implementing programs that improve bartenders’ welfare and well-being are encouraged to submit a grant proposal to Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. Grant proposals are due by February 16, 2024.
The 2024 Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) Grant Proposal process is now open, and proposals are due on February 16, 2024. The 2024 grant process is focused on bartender welfare and well-being. The TOTCF Philanthropy & Development Committee will be accepting proposals for projects that improve the lives of bartenders in equity, advocacy, healthcare, mental health, education, workplace inclusivity and safety, and other related topics. Applicants can be individuals, organizations, or 501(c)3 non-profits.
“We are so grateful the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation believed in our mission to continue to create more safe spaces for members of the bar community in Atlanta,” said Keyatta Mincey Parker, executive director of A Sip of Paradise Garden, a 2023 TOTCF grant recipient. “We are so excited to build our second garden with this grant money. We look forward to building our organization with their support.”
Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s grant-giving program aims to support emerging and existing organizations and individuals demonstrating a vision, determination, and ability to make meaningful change in the global hospitality industry by contributing to the well-being and welfare of bartenders. To date, TOTCF is proud to have awarded more than $450,000 in grants to those who are actively improving the global hospitality landscape. To learn more about the 2023 TOTCF Grant Recipients, click here.
Grant Categories for Bartender Welfare and Well-Being
1. Diversity & Equity
Fair access, opportunity, and advancement are essential to bartender well-being because creating a safe environment where industry workers feel protected and valued is the foundation of a good workplace.
2. 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.
3. Mental Health
The Department of Labor has labeled bartending as one of the most stressful professions in the country 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.
4. 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.
5. Advocacy
Advocacy initiatives aimed at addressing benefits, living wage, and other micro and macro policies of hospitality workers will be considered.
6. Workplace Inclusivity & Safety
Initiatives and organizations that provide training, resources, and innovative solutions to workplace safety in bars are invited to apply.
7. Other
A variety of additional topics that 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. Applications and additional information are available on the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s website.
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.
Letters of Intent for grant proposals are due by February 16, 2024. To learn more and submit your application, click here.
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About Tales of the Cocktail Foundation:
Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) is a non-profit organization that works to Educate, Advance, and Support the global cocktail community. Founded in 2002, the organization has become the world’s leader in spirits education and a dynamic platform dedicated to addressing the challenges of today’s hospitality industry. TOTCF offers a spectrum of programs designed to enrich individuals and organizations, including the annual Tales of the Cocktail conference, which welcomes guests to Tales’ home city of New Orleans with nearly 400 unique, curated events. To learn more, visit www.talesofthecocktail.org.
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