International Beverage Offers £8,000 in Community Grants

International Beverage, a prominent company with several distilleries in the Highlands and Moray, has launched its Spirit of Our Community Awards for the third consecutive year, offering a total of £8,000 in funding for local charities and not-for-profit organizations. This initiative, which began in 2022, aims to recognize and reward individuals and groups that significantly contribute to their communities.

This year, the awards program is open for applications from charities operating within a 35-mile radius of Knockando, Balmenach, and Speyburn. Notably, the program features a top grant of £5,000 for one standout project, while five runners-up from the Highland and Speyside regions will each receive £600.

Previous Success Stories

The previous recipient of the top award was the Watermill Foundation, a trust based in Nairn that provides children with physical and developmental disabilities the opportunity to engage in cycling. International Beverage awarded the foundation a £5,000 grant, enabling it to welcome thousands of young people to its Highland Cycle Ability Centre near Cawdor. Participants in the program have reported improvements in fitness, happiness, confidence, and communication skills as a result of their cycling experiences.

Heidi Barnett, the Manager of the Highland Cycle Ability Centre, expressed gratitude for International Beverage’s support, stating, “All of us at the centre are deeply grateful for International Beverage’s support. Thanks to their generosity, we have been able to replace essential cycles and continue our mission to support and empower people of all ages, abilities, and disabilities in their journey to better physical and mental wellbeing through cycling.”

Application Process and Goals

Organizations interested in applying for the Spirit of Our Community Awards have until midnight on November 28, 2023 to submit their entries. A panel of judges composed of International Beverage representatives and members from established local charity partners will review all submissions.

Eileen Rae, the Business Support Manager at International Beverage and the awards organizer, emphasized the initiative’s commitment to enhancing local lives. She remarked, “Our business has a long-standing commitment to supporting local communities, and our awards scheme is testament to this. We are delighted that it is now in its third year and are extremely proud of its success when it comes to making a tangible difference to people’s lives.”

Rae encouraged all organizations, regardless of size, to apply if they have an initiative that requires funding or could benefit from a helping hand. She noted, “There are so many fantastic charities and groups that carry out invaluable work in our distilleries’ communities, and we really want to hear from them.”

International Beverage’s ongoing commitment to community support reflects broader corporate social responsibility trends, emphasizing the importance of local engagement and impact. As applications open, the company looks forward to discovering innovative ideas that can uplift and empower local communities throughout the Highlands and Moray.