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:

Scholarship Distribution

Provide education scholarships that help to support personal and business development within the industry, as well as, to support the growth of a diverse talent pipeline.

Sustainability

Increase awareness and adoption of industry sustainability best practices.

Diversity

Increase opportunities and funding for diverse distilleries and promote diversity across all levels of employment throughout the industry.

Responsibility

Promote social responsibility and advertising guidelines best practices and educate consumers and businesses on responsible consumption.

Support Growth

General awareness, education, and research on key topics that will increase opportunities, support growth, and serve the distilled spirits industry.

Donate

You Can Make a Difference

The DISCUS Foundation supports the industry in many key initiatives that drive the spirts industry forward. Education and scholarships are key to our efforts. Your tax-deductible donation to the DISCUS Foundation can be applied to a specific initiative, or to the general fund to be used for the initiative in most need.

DISCUS Foundation is organized and operated as a charitable foundation described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

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

Shercole King, Founder, Champagne Hermoine

Quiana Green, Digital & Social Content Specialist, Breakthru Beverage Group

Corey Goldfarb, Senior Sales Manager, Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa

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 and 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:

Mission

The institution’s mission is clear and articulated publicly; it guides the institution’s operations and aligns with the goals of the Foundation.

Integrity

The institution acts with integrity; its conduct is ethical and responsible.

Teaching and Learning

The institution provides quality education, wherever and however its offerings are delivered.

Evaluation and Improvement

The institution demonstrates responsibility for the quality of its educational programs, learning environments, and support services, and it evaluates their effectiveness for student learning through processes designed to promote continuous improvement.

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.