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:
- Nominations Open: Now – Click here to nominate!
- Deadline to Nominate: September 30
- Finalists Announced & Public Voting Begins: October 1
- Winner Announced at Haunted Hammers & Ales: Thursday, October 30, 2025 @ Fowling Warehouse
2024 BREWERS PHILANTHROPY FINALISTS
West Side Brewing actively engages with the Westwood community through partnerships with revitalization groups like Westside Works and initiatives such as their Cheers for Charity program. They support local veterans by organizing beer tours and offering free beer tokens through “Vets and Brews.” They also sponsor community events like 2nd Saturdays and collaborate with organizations like Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, with a portion of special beer earnings going to these causes. West Side Brewing’s focus on community relationships and charity-driven initiatives has made a lasting impact on the local area.
HighGrain Brewing’s mission is to make the community better than when they arrived, environmentally, socially and economically. A brewery that truly cares for the community it serves and does incredible philanthropic work around the city. Good people and great beer…what else can you ask for? One notable initiative is their “Sustainable Suds” program, where they host give back days for local organizations doing great things in our community. The brewery hosts educational workshops and seminars on topics such as composting, water conservation, and renewable energy. Besides environmental organizations, HighGrain partners with schools and other community organizations that work to better people’s lives.
Esoteric Brewing, the first minority-owned and operated brewery in Cincinnati, is a hub for intersectional and community gatherings. Located in Walnut Hills, Esoteric is dedicated to preserving the neighborhood’s diversity while leading its revitalization. They regularly host events like Queer Soup x Queer Stories, a showcase for local queer artists and performers. The brewery creates a welcoming and inclusive environment for all, becoming a centerpiece for the community. With excellent beer, service, and a mission to foster inclusion, Esoteric Brewing is a force for positive change in the neighborhood.
Fibonacci Brewing Co. is a woman-owned nanobrewery and urban farm located in Mt. Healthy. They are deeply committed to their community, offering a monthly farmers market with SNAP and Produce Perks, a seed-swapping station, and free Wi-Fi access for education and healthcare. Their values of equity and inclusion are reflected in their certifications and community programs like the Aunt Flow program and a Little Free Library with diverse books. Their sustainable practices include growing hops and other ingredients on-site while raising chickens, goats, and honeybees. Fibonacci is a model of community engagement and sustainable brewing.
PREVIOUS YEAR’S BREWERS PHILANTHROPY WINNERS & FINALISTS
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
Samual Adams Taproom Cincinnati OTR
HighGrain Brewing Company
Esoteric
2021
WINNER: Third Eye Brewing Company
Big Ash Brewing
HighGrain Brewing Company
Bircus Brewing Company
Streetside Brewery
Madtree
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
