Brown-Forman announces $1 million donation to COVID-19 response funds

In order to aid the COVID-19 response effort, the Brown-Forman Corporation has announced a donation of $1 million to support multiple locations and agencies in the local community and industry.

“As COVID-19 has spread throughout the world, we want to provide assistance to our communities in this time of great need,” said Lawson Whiting, chief executive officer, Brown-Forman Corporation. “We are announcing donations totalling $1 million that will enable us to give back to the people and communities that mean so much to our company.”

The initial $1 million contribution from Brown-Forman has been split into the following areas:

Hospitality industry

Those within the hospitality and service industry have been hit hard in these times, coping with the financial challenges that come with being out of work for an unknown period. Brown-Forman aims to aid in supporting the bartenders and restaurants workers who have provided a face and voice for the brand to a vast number of consumers located all around the world.

The corporation has joined forces with the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, while also making a donation to the United States Bartenders’ Guild’s Foundation Emergency Assistance Program during this difficult time.

Laura added: “We have partnered with the Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation to support their COVID-19 Crisis Relief Fund. As part of this partnership, we are encouraging people to make a donation to the foundation and we will match dollar-for-dollar donations (up to $100,000).”

One Louisville

Alongside its assistance with the hospitality industry, Brown-Forman have made a donation to the One Louisville: COVID-19 Response Fund, which currently aids with resources and financial assistance to households, businesses and community-based organizations working on the frontlines of the outbreak within Louisville.

Expanding globally  

Lastly Brown-Forman is exploring additional ways to expand reach internationally, taking into account the global nature of the corporation that has employees in more than 170 countries.