Since 2014, the Cincinnati ToolBank has honored a local brewery with the Brewers Philanthropy Award (BPA) for exceptional civic leadership, community impact, and good-hearted collaboration. This award celebrates the spirit of craft beer and community—recognizing those who use their platform to build a better Cincinnati, pint by pint.
IMPORTANT DATES:
- Nomination Window Opens: Tuesday September 1st, 2026
- Finalists Announced & Public Voting Begins: Thursday October 1st, 2026
- Winner announced during Hammers & Ales: Friday October 30th, 2026
2025 BREWERS PHILANTHROPY FINALISTS!
At Barleycorn’s Brewhouse, beer fuels community impact. Signature releases like Valiant Amber Ale (supporting veterans via DAV), the Norse Up collaboration (benefiting NKU student-athletes), and Wildfire Red Ale (supporting Wilder’s first responders) pair great beer with focused giving. Add in Dine to Donates and neighborhood events like Party in the Park, and you get a taproom where generosity is always on draft!
Braxton Brewing Co. blends entrepreneurial spirit with community heart. From garage-born beginnings to bustling taprooms, they channel proceeds to partners like the Spirit of Construction Foundation and host inclusive events that bring neighbors together. Braxton is more than a brewery—it’s a gathering place where ideas spark, generosity flows, and connection becomes the house style.
Great Lakes Brewing Co. is a steadfast partner in neighborhood beautification and civic pride. For over a decade, their Cincinnati team has supported Keep Cincinnati Beautiful with in-kind donations, field work, and creative fundraisers—right down to lacing up for the Flying Pig to raise dollars for cleaner, greener streets. GLBC shows up, rolls up sleeves, and helps communities shine.
HighGrain Brewing is purpose-brewed: sustainability, community, and giving back. Their collaboration of Parks Light with Great Parks channels 5% of all sales to conservation and community initiatives—turning every lager into support for trails, trees, and shared outdoor spaces. It’s a clear, local impact story: drink local, keep our parks thriving!
MadTree Brewing turns purpose into practice. As a certified B Corporation and member of 1% for the Planet, they invest in local environmental nonprofits, mobilize staff volunteerism, and champion projects that grow our region’s tree canopy and green spaces. From taproom initiatives to hands-on planting days, MadTree pairs resources with action to make neighborhoods healthier and more connected. It’s beer for a better community—rooted right here at home.
Rhinegeist’s “Beer for Humans” is both a brand and a blueprint for giving. Partnering with roughly 300 organizations annually, they combine cause-based beers, Pint Nights, in-kind support, volunteerism, emergency relief, DEIA initiatives, and event sponsorships to meet partners where they are. It’s purpose with reach—leveraging a beloved platform to lift up people and causes across the city.
West Sixth Brewing builds community into every pint. Since 2012, their Sixth for a Cause and Wooden Nickel programs have directed $1,000,000+ to nonprofit partners—pairing dollars with visibility and hands-on engagement. That commitment continues at West Sixth Covington Haus, where giving back is part of the business model. Reliable, creative, and community-first, West Sixth keeps generosity on tap across the board!
PREVIOUS YEAR’S BREWERS PHILANTHROPY WINNERS & FINALISTS
2025
WINNER: Great Lakes Brewing Company
Highgrain Brewing Co.
Rhinegeist Brewery
MadTree Brewing
West Sixth Brewing
Barleycorn’s Brewhouse
Braxton Brewing
2024
WINNER: Fibonacci Brewing
Highgrain Brewing Co.
Esoteric Brewing
Westside Brewing
2023
WINNER: Municipal Brew Works
Highgrain Brewing co.
Grainworks Brewing Co.
MPH Brewing
Sonder Brewing
2022
WINNER: Narrow Path Brewing Co.
Rhinegeist Brewery
Samual Adams Taproom Cincinnati OTR
HighGrain Brewing Company
Esoteric Brewing
2021
WINNER: Third Eye Brewing Company
Big Ash Brewing
HighGrain Brewing Company
Bircus Brewing Company
Streetside Brewery
Madtree Brewing
2020
COVID VIRTUAL HOLIDAY HAMMERS & ALES
2019
MOVE TO TOOLBANK 2.0
2018
WINNER: Brink Brewing Company
Bircus Brewing Company
Braxton Brewing Company
GrainWorks Brewing Company
Urban Artifact
2017
WINNER: Listermann Brewing Company
2016
WINNER: Braxton Brewing Company
2015
WINNER: MadTree Brewing Company
2014
WINNER: Christian Moerlein Brewing
