Bell's Brewery Sponsorships and Donations

Sponsored events and donations play a key role within our Bell’s philosophy. Through these events, we are able to not only give back to the communities we sell our beer in, but also get to have a great time with our fans! We are always looking for new opportunities and welcome your suggestions and applications. Please keep in mind that while we would love to be able to participate in everything, we sometimes must respectfully decline.

We do have a few guidelines we follow for all sponsorships and donations, please read through them below before proceeding to our application.

• Requests must be submitted at least 8 weeks prior to the event start date or the date the donation is needed. Any events submitted with less than 8 weeks’ notice will automatically be declined. We want to give every event we are involved in the best chance for success, which means we need time to plan. While 8 weeks is our minimum time requirement, additional time is always appreciated, especially for larger events.
• We do very little traditional advertising, instead we focus our efforts on sponsorships. When we partner with an event or an organization, we like to be involved! That said, if your proposal only involves a logo placement, we will politely decline in favor of events that offer us a chance to interact with our fans.
• We’re an eccentric bunch here at Bell’s and love to be involved with events that reflect your community’s eccentricities, uniqueness and inclusivity.
• We are always happy to consider requests for donations of Bell’s swag for homebrew competitions, fundraisers and events! That said, due to Michigan state law, we are not legally allowed to donate beer to events in any state. We’re sorry, but we legally cannot make any exceptions.

NOTE: For nonprofit organizations new to U.S. Bank Foundation, a Letter of Interest is available. Community Affairs Managers will review Letter of Interest submissions periodically to learn about new and innovative programs and organizations in their regions and markets. After reviewing a Letter of Interest, a Community Affairs Manager may reach out with a request for a full application. You can access the Letter of Interest by clicking the “Submit a letter of interest” link at the bottom of this page. Letters of Interest may be submitted at any time during the year.

Community Possible Grant

Through U.S. Bank’s Community Possible® grant program, we invest in efforts to create stable jobs, safe homes and communities.

Funding Types

Within these general guidelines, we consider the following funding request types:

Operating grants

An operating grant is given to cover an organization’s day-to-day, ongoing expenses, such as salaries, utilities, office supplies and more. We consider operating support requests from organizations where the entire mission of the organization fits a Community Possible grant focus area.

Program or project grants

A program or project grant is given to support a specific, connected set of activities, with a beginning and an end, explicit objectives and a predetermined cost. We consider highly effective and innovative programs that meet our Community Possible grant focus areas.

Capital grants

A capital grant is given to finance fixed assets. The U.S. Bank Foundation considers a small number of requests for capital support from organizations that meet all other funding criteria, whose entire mission statement fits a Community Possible grant focus area, and with which the Foundation has a funding history. All organizations requesting capital funding must also have a U.S. Bank employee on the board of directors. U.S. Bank does not fund more than 1% of the non-endowment total capital campaign fundraising goal. All capital grant requests are reviewed and approved by the national U.S. Bank Foundation Board or by the U.S. Bank Foundation President.

Focus Area: PLAY

Creating vibrant communities through play.

Play brings joy, and it’s just as necessary for adults as it is for kids. But in low-income areas there are often limited spaces for play and fewer people attending arts and cultural events. That’s why we invest in community programming that supports ways for children and adults to play and create.

Access to artistic and cultural programming and arts education

Our investments ensure economic vitality and accessibility to the arts in local communities, as well as support for arts education. Examples of grant support include:

• Programs that provide access to cultural activities, visual and performing arts, zoos and aquariums and botanic gardens for individuals and families living in underserved communities
• Funding for local arts organizations that enhance the economic vitality of the community
• Programs that provide funding for arts-focused nonprofit organizations that bring visual and performing arts programming to low- and moderate-income K-12 schools and youth centers

Supporting learning through play.

Many young people across the country do not have the resources or access to enjoy the benefits of active play. Supporting active play-based programs and projects for K-12 students located in or serving low- and moderate-income communities fosters innovation, creativity, and collaboration and impacts the overall vitality of the communities we serve. Funding support includes:

• Support for organizations that build or expand access to active play spaces and places that help K-12 students learn through play and improves the health, safety and unification of neighborhoods in low- and moderate-income communities
• Programs that focus on using active play to help young people develop cognitive, social and emotional learning skills to become vibrant and productive citizens in low- and moderate-income communities

Focus Area: WORK

Supporting workforce education and prosperity.

We know that a strong small business environment and an educated workforce ensure the prosperity of our communities and reducing the expanding wealth gap for communities of color. We provide grant support to programs and organizations that help small businesses thrive, allow people to succeed in the workforce, provide pathways to higher education and gain greater financial literacy.

Investing in the workforce.

We fund organizations that provide training for small business development, as well as programs that support individuals across all skill and experience levels, to ensure they have the capability to gain employment that supports individuals and their families. Examples of grant support include:

Small business technical assistance programs

Job-skills, career readiness training programs with comprehensive placement services for low- and moderate-income individuals entering or reentering the labor force

Providing pathways for educational success.

To address the growing requirements for post-secondary education in securing competitive jobs in the workplace, we support:

• Organizations and programs that help low- and moderate-income and at-risk middle and high school students prepare for post-secondary education at a community college, university, trade or technical school and career readiness
• Programs and initiatives at post-secondary institutions that support access to career and educational opportunities for low- and moderate-income and diverse students

Teaching financial well-being for work and life.

Financial well-being is not only critical for financial stability, it’s crucial in helping individuals be successful in the workplace. Examples of grant support include programs that positively impact:

• K-12 and college student financial literacy
• Adult and workforce financial literacy
• Senior financial fraud prevention
• Military service member and veteran financial literacy

Focus Area: HOME

Working to revitalize communities one neighborhood at a time.

Children and families are better positioned to thrive and succeed in a home that is safe and permanent. Access to sustainable low-income housing is increasingly challenges for low-moderate income families. In response, our giving supports efforts that connect individuals and families with sustainable housing opportunities.

Access to safe, affordable housing

We provide financial support to assist people in developing stability in their lives through access to safe, sustainable and accessible homes. Examples of grant support include:

• Organizations that preserve, rehabilitate, renovate or construct affordable housing developments for low- and moderate-income families, individuals, seniors, veterans, and special-needs populations
• Organizations that provide transitional housing as a direct steppingstone to permanent housing
• Organizations that focus on Veterans housing and homeownership
• Construction of green homes for low- and moderate-income communities
• Energy retrofit programs for low- and moderate-income housing developments

Home ownership education

Owning and maintaining a home requires significant financial knowledge, tools, and resources. We support programs that assist low- and moderate-income homebuyers and existing homeowners. Examples of grant support include:

• Homebuyer education
• Pre- and post-purchase counseling and coaching
• Homeownership-retention programs designed to provide foreclosure counseling

Charitable Investments

CSX is proud to support people and organizations that in turn honor those who serve our communities. We offer monetary and in-kind resources to nonprofit organizations advocating for the betterment of our nation’s military members or community first responders, and have additional resources available to support other community efforts.

In Kind Donations

Intermodal Transportation Services

Intermodal transportation services provide applicable organizations with intermodal equipment and rail service throughout the CSX rail network, and afford these organizations an opportunity to reduce or eliminate their transportation spending.

Ideally, intermodal moves work best when freight is moving 500 miles or more. However, the in-kind moves program requires only that freight have an origin and destination within a combined 250 miles’ distance to a CSX intermodal facility.

CSX’s door-to-door product is an ideal solution for the in-kind moves program, as our trained team will pick up your freight at its origin and transport it to a terminal to be placed on an intermodal train. Then, we will pick up your freight at the destination terminal and deliver it directly to its endpoint. The door-to-door network provides service across the Eastern United States with its large nationwide network and trucking capability.

CSX will also work with you to determine the type of equipment that is an ideal fit to transport your freight. CSX has a large fleet of rail-owned containers, as well as an expansive network of channel partners that can provide equipment to fit your needs.

Railroad Equipment and Materials

CSX occasionally donates materials, supplies and used railroad equipment based on availability. The online in-kind application can be used to request the donation of railroad-related items, including retired rail cars when available. Please note that rail, rail ties and spikes are not available for donation or purchase. Applicants will be contacted if the requested item becomes available within 90 days of their online submittal. At that time, arrangements will be made to transfer possession of the requested item. All applicants will be asked to re-submit their application at a later date if the requested item does not become available within the 90-day period.

NOTE: Requests are considered quarterly by our Community Investment Boards

Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation

In 2022, $45 million was invested in the communities we serve. The Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation awards grants in four focus areas:

• Human needs grants that support increased food security, housing and shelter, and access to basic medical and health care.
• Environmental stewardship grants to protect natural resources and help non-profit organizations make efficient use of energy.
• Education grants to develop the capacity of the future workforce, especially in STEM and energy fields.
• Community vitality grants to foster an appreciation of diversity, revitalize neighborhoods and ensure a vibrant community life through support of cultural endeavors.

Background

The Penn National Gaming Foundation, a 501(c)3 private foundation, was launched in 2005 by Penn National Gaming, Inc. in the wake of Hurricane Katrina to provide assistance to the nearly 2,000 Penn National employees impacted by the storm. The Foundation awarded over $1.4 million in grants for immediate needs such as food, water, clothing, shelter and medical needs.

The Foundation also supported relief efforts across the Gulf Coast through donations to organizations such as Hope Haven Shelter in Bay St. Louis, the MS Law Enforcement and Firefighter Katrina Relief Fund, KaBOOM! and its efforts to rebuild playgrounds on the Coast, and the Gulf Coast-area Salvation Army. 

Today, the Penn National Gaming Foundation is proud to support numerous local non-profit organizations in the communities in which Penn National operates, focusing on projects that promote community development, education, human services, cultural affairs and diversity, health services, and programs that provide support and services to veterans, active members of the military and their families. 

Our Commitment

Penn National Gaming Foundation, Inc. grants shall be used to address the broad needs of the residents of the communities in which Penn National Gaming, Inc. (PNGI) operates or has a business interest, which currently includes the following states: Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and West Virginia. 

Funding Criteria

Foundation grants shall generally fall in the following categories: 

Community Development. Projects and programs related to community infrastructure improvements, public safety, economic development, housing, historic preservations, citizen involvement, civic leadership training, and other general community activities. 

Education. Programs which support per-school, elementary and secondary education, post-secondary education and special education programs.

Human Services. Programs which address the needs of children and youth, senior citizens and disadvantages populations, especially in times of natural or man made disaster.

Cultural Affairs & Diversity. Programs and facilities designed to foster an understanding, appreciation and celebration of different cultures and encourage participation among individuals of different cultures and belief systems.

Health. Local health and medical-related programs.

AstraZeneca hosts an annual open call for applications to support eligible 501(c) nonprofit organizations across the US for local and regional community-based programs. In 2022, the ACT on Health Equity: Community Solutions Challenge will provide up to $1 million in funding. Organizations may apply for up to $25,000 for each eligible program.

AstraZeneca recognizes health starts in our homes, schools and communities. The ACT on Health Equity: Community Solutions Challenge supports community-based, nonprofit organizations that are advancing health equity among underserved US communities through innovative health, wellbeing, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs at the local and regional level.

Applications must meet the following general criteria:

Program Focus: Community-based programs to improve conditions that affect health and wellbeing (ex: housing, environmental and neighborhood safety, nutrition, access to care, and/or access to education and career readiness in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math).

Communities Served: Programs that directly benefit underserved populations and prioritize their social, cultural, and linguistic needs.

Program Footprint: Nonprofit organizations across the US are invited to apply for programs benefiting one or more local communities. While not a requirement, special consideration will be provided to programs that reach AstraZeneca footprint geographies (e.g., Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, North Carolina, Texas and California).

The Gladys Brooks Foundation was created under the will of Gladys Brooks Thayer of New York. 

Its purpose is to provide for the intellectual, moral and physical welfare of the people of this country by establishing and  supporting non-profit libraries, educational institutions, hospitals and clinics.

Scope of Grants Considered

The Foundation will consider major grant applications for innovative projects in the fields of libraries, education, hospitals and clinics.

Grants for Libraries 

Grant applications will be considered generally for resource Endowments (print, film, electronic database, speakers/workshops) capital construction and innovative equipment. Projects fostering broader public access to global information sources utilizing collaborative efforts, pioneering technologies and equipment are encouraged.

Grants for Educational Institutions

Grant applications from universities, colleges and secondary schools will be considered generally for:

• educational endowments to fund scholarships based solely on educational achievements, leadership and academic ability of the student; 
• endowments to support fellowships and teaching chairs for educators who confine their activities primarily to classroom instruction in the liberal arts, mathematics and the sciences during the academic year; and 
• erection or endowment of buildings, wings or additions thereto of buildings, and equipment for educational purposes.

Grants for Hospitals & Clinics

Grant applications from hospitals and clinics will be considered generally where  the proposal demonstrates one or more of the following: 

• a new health need; 
• an improvement in the quality of health care; or 
• reduced health costs with better patient outcomes.

Big Lots invests in partnerships that improve and enrich the lives of families and children. Support is provided in the form of monetary gifts, gift cards, and merchandise in-kind.

Our Mission

Improve and enrich the lives of families and children.

Our Focus

Our giving priorities include supporting programs or organizations in the areas of  healthcare, housing, hunger, and education, especially those serving women and  children. Our giving takes place throughout the United States where we operate stores,  distribution centers, and our corporate office.

What We Fund

Support is provided in the form of monetary gifts, gift cards, and merchandise in-kind.  Significant partnership projects and capital requests are by invitation only. Big Lots Foundation expects requests from 501(c)3 public nonprofit organizations only.  Requests from individuals, families, and other sources will not be accepted. We receive a very high volume of requests. Only the most competitive of those will be  considered. Fewer will be funded.

Big Lots Foundation accepts requests for organizations affecting:

Hunger

• Providing nutritious food or meals.
• Providing emergency food assistance.
• Educating families or individuals about the importance of healthy eating.

Housing 

• Preventing families or individuals from losing their housing.
• Providing affordable, stable housing.
• Providing emergency shelter for families and individuals.

Healthcare 

• Improving healthcare through research and education.
• Providing preventative education and care.
• Providing affordable, critical medical care.

Education 

• Providing service-learning curriculum that aligns with education standards.
• Promoting servant leadership through academic and experiential learning.
• Improving classroom learning outcomes through innovation.

Greater Toledo Community Foundation, is a public charitable organization created by citizens of our community to enrich the quality of life for individuals and families in our service area. The Foundation serves northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan with a particular emphasis on the greater Toledo area. The mission of The Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio is to live the Gospel in joyful servanthood among the people and as messengers of peace to commit themselves to works that reverence human dignity, embrace the poor and marginalized and respect the gift of all creation. Greater Toledo Community Foundation and the Sisters of St. Francis Foundation have partnered to support programming through the Sisters of St. Francis Foundation Donor Advised Fund (“Sisters of St. Francis Fund”).

Consistent with their mission statement, grants from the Sisters of St. Francis Fund support a variety of organizations and programs which are working in one or more of the following areas: (1) aiding in the fight against human trafficking and/or offering support to its victims; (2) offering support to immigrants and refugees; and (3) broadly advancing social justice and equal access to opportunity through other programs and strategies. 

• Human Trafficking – funding will be awarded to support survivor-informed activities including, but not limited to, comprehensive service delivery; economic opportunity and asset-building programs; physical and mental health supports; education initiatives and/or other kinds of anti-trafficking efforts that reach for systemic solutions and promote the respect and dignity of all. 
• Immigrants & Refugees – funding will be awarded in a variety of areas including, but not limited to, citizenship and naturalization efforts; economic opportunity and asset-building programs; physical and mental health supports; diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives; civic participation activities; education and workforce development initiatives; workers’ rights and civil legal aid activities and/or other kinds of efforts that promote the well-being of immigrants and refugees. 
• Social Justice & Equal Opportunity – funding will be awarded in a variety of areas including, but not limited to, activities that promote equal access to housing, employment, education and health care; equitable and sustainable neighborhood development; civil and/or environmental justice work; and/or other approaches that promise to uplift the ability of marginalized or underserved communities to define their own futures and access opportunity.