TOTC announces 2019 grant winners

The Tales of the Cocktail (TOTC) Foundation has named the recipients of its 2019 grants programme, which supports organisations that educate and advance the spirits industry.

Tales of the Cocktail takes place in New Orleans from 16-21 July

Initially launched in 2018, TOTC Foundation’s grants programme was created by the board of director co-chairs, Gary Solomon Jr and Neal Bodenheimer, as well as president Caroline Rosen and CEO Jenny Butler.

This year, grants have been awarded to four organisations: Beyond Bars Akademia, which provides hospitality training and rehabilitation for female ex-inmates in South Africa; UK-based on-trade charity The Benevolent; Liberty’s Kitchen, which provides training and mentorship to young people; and Children of Restaurant Employees, which supports the children of people working across the on-trade.

Alba Huerta from TOTC’s Grants Advisory Committee said: “This year’s grant recipients represent and align with the foundation’s mission to cultivate a culture that educates, advances and supports our industry.

“Every year we look forward to new submissions from passionate individuals to champion to continue building a strong giving culture.”

The foundation elected to award fewer grants this year but at a higher value to ensure the grants could have a significant impact on each recipient. The foundation will also offer each organisation greater access to mentorship and resources from both the grants committee and the TOTC Foundation board.

The grants are distributed by TOTC’s Grants Advisory Committee, which includes Colin Appiah of Bacardi; Tiffanie Barriere from The Drinking Coach and Drinking with the Girls; Angie Fetherston of Drink Company; and Don Lee from Existing Conditions and Cocktail Kingdom.

The panel reviewed 83 letters of intent, then 21 full proposals before selecting the four recipients of this year’s grants.

Heading to TOTC this year? SB has rounded up the biggest and best events taking place at the annual cocktail festival.