Does Bell's Beer donate to fundraisers?

In-kind support is cause-related and goes primarily to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations; due to demand, Bell's often must decline.

Bell's does not give to religious organizations, teams, athletes, bands, golf outings, or schools and universities.

Financial solicitations are not handled through the in-kind donation program.

Giving is focused primarily in Michigan, especially Kalamazoo, Comstock and Escanaba.

Donations are Bell's swag and merchandise. State law does not allow Bell's to donate beer for events, with no exceptions.

Bell's does not support organizations that discriminate against people, in their constitution or practice, in hiring, volunteers or the clients they serve.

Separately, a Grassroots Grant Program funds nonprofits working in Bell's focus areas, starting with environmental health.

Tips from the program page: Bell's sends a quick email confirming receipt and aims to reply within three weeks of receiving the application. · Do not ask for beer — request merchandise for a raffle or auction instead.

Who can apply

Bell's Beer donates to organizations with 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.

Bell's Beer limits donation requests by area: Regional.

How to apply

Bell's Beer asks every request to include the following.

• Submit the application at least 8 weeks before the date the donation is needed; later requests are automatically declined.
• The request must fit the stated guidelines; requests outside them are declined.

When to ask

Bell's Beer states a lead time of 30 days. Count back that far from your event date and send the request no later than then.

Across more than 25,000 fundraising events in our own records over fifteen years, March, April and May are the busiest months for fundraisers, October is the next busiest, and July and December are the quietest.

Work backwards from your event rather than forwards from today, and if your event falls in the spring peak, ask earlier than the stated lead time rather than later.

Common questions

Do I need to be a 501(c)(3) to request a donation from Bell's Beer?

Yes. Bell's Beer's donation program is limited to organizations with 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, so you will need your determination letter and Tax ID before you apply.

How far ahead should we ask Bell's Beer for a donation?

Bell's Beer's stated lead time is 30 days. Work backwards from your event date: count back that far from the day of the event and send your request before that point.