Brewing Change
Founders’ Commitment to Diversity and Sustainability Through Community and Craft
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We strive to be a culture where all employees bring their whole, true, authentic selves to work every day – and where all guests feel welcome. We want our actions to have a positive ripple effect in the communities we serve. Our commitment to further advancing diversity, equity and inclusion is something we aspire to do every day, in every part of our business.
Our Commitment
How we work to embed DEI in every part of the work we do at Founders:
- Employee Resource Groups – DEI Council, Women’s Resource Network, Veterans Resource Group, Community Giving Committee.
- Developing products and marketing targeted to diverse consumers.
- DEI is a Key Pillar of our Hometown Community Giving Program.
- Required and optional DEI trainings at all levels of the organization.
- Offering Mentorship and Professional Development programs.
Employee-Led DEI Council
Mission
To promote understanding and awareness throughout our employees, partners, and consumers on our commitment to cultural, racial, ethnic, gender, sexual and neuro diversity to build an inclusive organization that encourages stronger collaboration, new idea generation and more meaningful connections for all that we serve in our community.
Focus
Education & Communication
Encourages collaboration and unlocks new growth ideas. We will educate on key DEI topics to foster an inclusive, comfortable environment for innovative idea sharing.
Share Culture & Build Community
We are only as strong globally as we are in our own backyards. We will develop relationships with diverse groups in the communities we serve to give back to our consumers while also simultaneously learning more about inclusivity.
Sustainability
Founders is proud to have Community Giving Pillars centered on Sustainability. Our Environmental Charity Partners improve water resources and agriculture in our home state, and throughout the U.S.
Freshwater Future
We can’t brew beer without access to clean water.
We believe restoring water is one of the greatest ways we can give back to our environment. We also have sustainability water reduction goals at our brewing facilities.
Founders is proud to partner with Freshwater Future to protect our Great Lakes and ensure access to clean, safe water.
MSU Extension
Farming is the source of our food, and the grains and hops we need to brew.
When the agriculture industry does well, everyone wins.
Founders is proud to partner with MSU Extension, which works to increase people’s success while protecting the environment, ensuring food safety, reaching new markets and advancing agriculture through applied research.
Beer City Dog Biscuits
Founders sends spent grain to be used as food for an array of farm animals and brewer’s yeast to be used in pet foods.
We’re proud to donate spent grain to our charity partner: Beer City Dog Biscuits.
- Non-profit company (100% donor-funded) in Grand Rapids.
- Delicious, nutritious dog treats hand-made and packaged by people with disabilities.
- Each “Brew Baker” develops valuable skills for personal and professional growth.
- Available in our company store and online.
Sustainability Goals
Founders parent company, Mahou San Miguel, is committed to sustainability at the global level – to be an agent of social transformation by working to contribute to the economy, the sustainability of the planet, and the quality of life of all people. Learn more about Mahou’s 2030 goals here.
Founders sustainability goals for 2030 are focused on:
Waste Mitigation
Carbon Footprint
Raw Materials
We look forward to sharing more about our specific goals and progress in these areas soon.
Hometown Community Support
We prioritize community giving (monetary and in-kind donations) to 501c3 non-profit organizations that support the following focus areas:
Social Equity/Access
Organizations and causes we support are empowering, positive, and supportive of others. The groups we support do not leverage empowerment due to victimization, hate, or violence.
Environment
We depend on access to clean water and a clean environment for our existence. We want to protect our natural resources for now, and the future. We are committed to supporting local and national organizations who work to protect our planet.
Arts & Culture
Our brewery is a longtime supporter of the local music and art scene. We’re proud to have created a company culture where art, music and cultural dialogue are encouraged and fostered.
Brewing Industry Education
We support the brewers of the future, as well as homebrewers and all craft beer lovers working to improve their education as it relates to the brewing process and beer industry. Principles that guide our employee-led Community Giving Committee are Inclusion, Authenticity, Passion, Family, Diversity, Positivity, Humility, Dedication, Community, and Purposeful Progress.
Community Organizations
Founders is proud to support a variety of community organizations through monetary and in-kind donations, as well as employee giving initiatives such as volunteering and donation matching. Here are just a few of the organizations we are honored to assist:
Volunteer Time Off
All eligible full-and part-time employees receive 8 hours of Volunteer Time Off (VTO) per year. Volunteer opportunities to support our community partners are shared with employees throughout the year to volunteer with their teams or individually.
Employee Donation Match
Founders was built on the passion and heart of our employees, and we’re proud to be able to match their generosity that positively impacts the communities where they live and work. Our employee donation match program supports the 501c3 non-profit organizations closest to our employees’ hearts – empowering our team to give back to the causes they care about most.
Brewing Connections
Our Founders Taproom hosts community events throughout the year that benefit hometown charity partners. All are welcome!
Recent Taproom Community Events
- 2023 Dias De Los Muertos Event to benefit the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan.
- To honor Veterans Day 2023, our Give Back Tap Handle raised funds for Finish the Mission Veteran Relief Fund.
- During Black History Month 2024, we hosted a Black Artists Market featuring Local Artist Booths, a Live DJ, and more.
- To celebrate Women’s History Month 2024, Founders partnered with YWCA West Central Michigan for a survivor donation drive and volunteering opportunities.
Stay tuned for updates on what we are doing to live out our commitment to diversity and sustainability.
