The Cincinnati ToolBank has recognized a Tri-State Brewery for their civic leadership, collaboration, and community impact with the BPA since 2014. This award reflects the values of the ToolBank and its commitment to empowering social capital to increase collective impact in our communities.

– Important Dates –

Nomination window: Now Open!

Nomination Window ends: September 30th

Finalists Announced/Public Voting begins: October 7th

October 17th: Winners will be announced at Hammers & Ales

Winners will host the unique, handcrafted 75 lbs. BPA trophy for one year. At the end of that year the winning brewery receives their own one of a kind hand crafted trophy made by blacksmith, artist, Chris Daniel of Blue Hell Studio.

The winner will be announced during a trophy ceremony at our Hammers & Ales fundraiser on Saturday, October 17th, 2023 at The Fowling Warehouse.

2023 BREWERS PHILANTHROPY FINALISTS

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.

MPH Brewing – Located in the heart of the heritage district, Montgomery Public House (MPH) believes in a strong community connection and is dedicated to building community through brewing by supporting the organizations where their families are rooted. With a focus on education, health and athletics MPH hosts dine-to-donate events with a portion of every tab (carry out/online orders are included) donated to the featured nonprofit organization. They also proud participants in Ales for ALS™ – a fundraising program where breweries create delicious beers and donate proceeds to ALS research.

At Grainworks Brewing Company, giving back and supporting the local community is an important part of their mission. Between partnering with PFLAG on their fundraising efforts at external (Taste of Cincinnati) and taproom events (Pride Night), and events at the brewery like SPCA adoptions, May the Fourth Star Wars day supporting Blue Skies veterans foundation, Norden SG events supporting St. Vincent DePaul, and hosting events for Northern Cincinnati Foundation’s Kids2Camp Fund, Light the Night, Edge Teen Center, Family Promise of Butler County, Mother Teresa Catholic Elementary School, Warm Welcomes Foster Care Outreach, and more, there is always some kind of fundraising or community event going on at Grainworks.

Municipal Brew Works – Municipal Brew Works believes that part of establishing strong community roots is supplying a backdrop for philanthropic organizations and supporting non-profits dedicated to the betterment of our community. Whether raising funds with their signature Woltermelon Blond Ale, or helping finding forever homes for pets with Ales for Tails, Municipal Brew Works is committed to hosting and organizing events for the betterment of our community.

Sonder Brewing – “Through Givin’ On A Prayer, sponsorships, donations, and events Sonder finds many ways to partner with the community. We strive to interact, give back, and partner with local organizations to have a positive and lasting impact.” Sonder believes that everyone and every organization has a unique story. The Sonder Givin’ on a Prayer program helps us both highlight great organizations and support them financially. Givin’ On A Prayer occurs monthly and includes a dedicated Givin’ On A Prayer tap where 10% of sales from draft pours that beer all month long go to the benefit and a Givin’ On A Prayer Day where 20% of sales of the Givin’ On A Prayer tap draft pours go towards the benefit.

PREVIOUS YEAR’S BREWERS PHILANTHROPY WINNERS & FINALISTS

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