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Who We Are

About us

Since our inception, we’ve been guided by the same principles that have shaped the Brown-Forman Corporation—a commitment to inclusion, a devotion to community, and an unyielding belief in the power of partnerships.

Mission/Vision/Values

The Brown-Forman Foundation was created in 2018 to further the company’s strategic charitable mission.

Mission

The Brown-Forman Foundation is dedicated to enriching life with an emphasis on the communities surrounding Brown-Forman’s headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky.

Vision

Leverage Brown-Forman’s culture of giving back to deliver transformative community impact as a best-in-class philanthropic leader.

Values

  • Integrity
  • Respect
  • Trust
  • Teamwork
  • Excellence

Leadership

Crystal Peterson

Board Title: President

Brown- Forman, EVP, Chief Inclusion and Global Community Relations Officer

Jill Horn

Board Title: Executive Director/Secretary
Brown- Forman, Director, Global Community Relations

Maureen Brekka

Board Title: Director
Brown-Forman, SVP, Managing Director Ready to Drink Business Development

Garvin Deters

Board Title: Director
Sutherland Foundation, Chairman of the Board

Sue Perram

Board Title: Treasurer
Brown- Forman, VP, Director, Investor Relations

Grant Adams

Board Title: Director
Brown-Forman, Senior Global Portfolio Development Manager – Jack Daniels

Lawson Whiting

Board Title: Director
Brown- Forman, President and Chief Executive Officer

financials

Building Trust
Through Transparency

2018 990-PF

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2019 990-PF

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2020 990-PF

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2021 990-PF

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2022 990-PF

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2023 990-PF

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WHAT WE DO

A Legacy of Giving

Through powerful partnerships with nonprofits, the Brown-Forman Foundation supports and collaborates with outstanding organizations – transforming the lives of those they serve.

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Apply For a Grant

Are you eligible to apply?

To be considered by the Brown-Forman Foundation for funding, applicant organizations (and their programs) must meet the following conditions:
  • The applicant organization must be determined by the IRS to be a tax-exempt organization described in Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code and a public charity described in Section 509 (a) (1) or 509 (a) (2) of the Code, that is operated exclusively for charitable, scientific, or educational purposes.
  • Applicant organizations must be located in or provide services that directly impact lives in Louisville, Kentucky.
  • The applicant organization’s mission and project outcomes must align with one or more of the Foundation’s focus areas of giving.
  • Proposals must be received by the submission deadlines of May 1, August 1, November 1, and February 1 to be considered for that grant cycle.
  • Proposals must provide a sound basis of measurement toward project goals and projected outcomes.
THE FOLLOWING ARE INELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR FUNDING:
  • Individuals
  • Public schools (K-12)
  • Group tours
  • Athletic teams or leagues
  • Requests by foreign organizations
  • Religious organizations such as churches and synagogues
  • Any organization that is not a public charity described in either Section 509 (a) (1) or 509 (a) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code
  • Third parties seeking donations on behalf of nonprofit organizations – donations must be made directly to a nonprofit rather than, for example, to a business partner requesting on behalf of an organization
  • Political organizations or for political campaign purposes
  • Requests to carry on a voter registration drive
  • Grant requests for projects that include lobbying, propaganda, or other attempts to influence legislation
  • Organizations that lack non-discrimination policies or have a history of discriminating on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, veteran status, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, or any other legally protected status
  • Past grantees who have failed to provide a completed grant agreement, grant report, or other required documentation
  • Requests to satisfy the personal pledge of a Foundation or Brown-Forman director, officer, key staff person, or family member thereof
  • Requests that, if granted, would provide a personal benefit to a Foundation or Brown-Forman director, officer, key staff person, or family member thereof, other than naming or similar publicity
View The B-F Foundation Application Outline