DISCUS Foundation

Supporting initiatives that drive the spirits industry forward.

About

The DISCUS Foundation 501(c)(3) is the charitable arm of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. The Foundation is operated exclusively for charitable purposes and was created to increase awareness, provide education, and increase opportunities for the betterment of the distilled spirits industry.

DISCUS Foundation has five primary goals to support the spirits industry:

Corporate Giving Levels

Presidential: $100,000 and above
Champion: $35,000 – $99,999
Hero: $15,000 – $34,999
Ambassador: $5,000 – $14,999
Ally: $1,000 – $4,999
Supporter: $100 – $999

For questions, invoices, and corporate giving please contact [email protected].

DISCUS Foundation Scholarships

The 2023 Winter Scholarship Award application period is now closed.

Check back for more information on the next scholarship opportunity.

See below for the 2023 Winter Scholarship Award Recipients

 

Congratulations to DISCUS Foundation's first Award Recipients


Carlo Luri Memorial Scholarship Fund for the DISCUS Academy Executive Leadership Program

The Carlo Luri Memorial Scholarship Fund for the Executive Leadership Program is an annual scholarship given to a deserving Craft distiller who wishes to participate in the Executive Leadership Fund. Applications for the scholarship will be available in Fall 2023 for the 2024 Leadership Program. Donations to the scholarship can be made by choosing the "The Carlo Luri Memorial Scholarship Fund" when completing the donation form above.

The Scholarship Fund honors Carlo Luri, Director of Government Affairs at Bentley Heritage Estate Distillery, who participated in DISCUS Academy's inaugural Executive Leadership Cohort. An active member of the craft community and avid cyclist, Carlo lost his battle to Brain Cancer in December 2022. With Carlo's passing, DISCUS Foundation sought to establish a scholarship fund to provide an opportunity for craft distillers to participate in the Executive Leadership Program.

Eligible educational programs:

Moonshine University
Wine & Spirits Education Trust
Niagara College Artisan Distilling Program
DISCUS Academy

University of Kentucky Distillation, Wine & Brewing Studies
University of Louisville, Online Distilled Spirits Business Certificate
Women of the Vine & Spirits, Approved Program Provider WSET Courses
Other qualified distilled spirits educational programs subject to approvals

If a recipient selects a program that is not on the eligible list, then Applicant will engage in an authorization process, by reviewing the program and ensuring it meets clear requirements for approval listed below. All approvals and denials will be clearly documented and will be based on specified criteria.

Criteria for approval of institutions:

Finally, DISCUS Foundation requires that scholarship recipients must provide proof that the funds provided were used for their intended purpose within 30 days of scheduled completion.