Molson Coors Beverage Company today announced a renewed $1.5 million contribution to organizations supporting BIPOC communities, fighting racial inequality and driving social change in the United States and Canada, including support for Milwaukee organizations such as Sherman Phoenix and MKE Fellows.
The donations follow an equal contribution in 2020, bringing the Company’s cumulative gift across North America to $3 million.
“Last year, we saw an outpouring of support for social justice. For us, that meant both looking within our organization and supporting external partners who were fighting for equality in our communities,” said Gavin Hattersley, President and Chief Executive Officer at Molson Coors Beverage Company. “Our work is only beginning and we’re proud to recommit our support to more than two dozen action-oriented organizations that are working to tackle societal challenges to ultimately create a more just and inclusive world.”
Molson Coors is investing in local communities, focusing on four key areas where the business believes it can make the greatest impact: Equality, Empowerment, Community Building, and Justice. As part of this commitment, Molson Coors is partnering with local Milwaukee organization Sherman Phoenix to support Black entrepreneurs in the Milwaukee area. The Molson Coors funding for the Sherman Phoenix Foundation is a challenge grant to inspire others to donate in support of the organization.
“There’s nothing like community partners coming together to uplift each other. We are so thankful for our partnership with Molson Coors,” said Oren Burks, Sherman Phoenix Foundation Board Treasurer and Green Bay Packers Linebacker. “Their matching grant of $50,000 is going to leave a lasting impact on the black entrepreneurs in the Milwaukee area. We know we cannot do this alone; we need the help of our community to activate resources and further this great cause, and we call on individuals and other businesses to make a gift themselves.”
Molson Coors is also partnering with MKE Fellows to help create a strong pipeline of young, African American male college graduates ready to return to Wisconsin to excel in their careers, build wealth, and become engaged leaders. MKE Fellows seeks to develop groups of young men who are not only well-educated, but who provide leadership that will be emulated by others.
“I’m inspired every day by the community’s support to improve our city and Molson Coors is the latest organization to step up in support of MKE Fellows”, said John Daniels III, Director, MKE Fellows. “Countless hours have been given to preparing these young men — now doctors, lawyers, and businessmen. We’ve been fortunate enough to continue to foster future leaders for over twenty years. And I’m excited for the world to see what they can do.”
Earlier this month, Molson Coors evolved its environmental, social and governance strategy to emphasize a renewed focus on People and Planet, as outlined in its “Our Imprint Report.” This multiyear investment is a first step following this commitment.
Molson Coors is standing up against systemic racism, injustice and disenfranchisement and reshaping communities in ways that are more empowering for and inclusive of marginalized communities. Other activities include strengthening the Company’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and setting new representation goals, enhancing employee resources and Tenth & Blake’s Brewing Change scholarship program.
