Dogfish Head’s Beer & Benevolence program directly benefitted more than a hundred non-profit organizations in 2022, investing nearly $600,000 back into our local community. Beer & Benevolence is the philanthropic program of Dogfish Head - our way of giving back to the community that has helped us nourish our deep roots in coastal Delaware. Beer & Benevolence has three areas of focus: arts, environment and community.

There are many ways Beer & Benevolence comes to life: direct grants of dollars and Dogfish Head product, fundraising events, Benevolence Beer releases, our Milton Tour Tip program, Benevolence Nights at our taprooms and more!

In 2022 our Benevolence Beer series had a focus on the arts, releasing four beers through the year with recipes and can designs developed in partnership with local arts organizations. Our partners for the year were The Rehoboth Beach Film Society, The Freeman Performing Arts Pavilion, The Rehoboth Art League and Clear Space Theater Company. Each of the four beers were brewed and released in 16oz cans from Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats in downtown Rehoboth Beach. 

In April, we hosted more than 700 cyclists at the Milton Brewery for the Dogfish I.P.A. (I Pedal A Lot … get it?!). The bicycling tour of beautiful coastal Delaware offered 50K and 100K loops and raised funds for a great cause – The Sussex County Land Trust’s efforts to create a safe trailhead along the Lewes-Georgetown Bike Trail. 

In the fall, the Dogfish Dash returned and welcomed a sold-out crowd of 1,000 runners to back to the brewery (after two years off due to COVID)! Runners from more than 25 states participated and many suited up for the Recycled Costume Contest – which awards prizes for runners donning costumes made from recycled materials. Since 2006, the Dogfish Dash has raised more than $1,000,000 for local environmental groups. The 2022 Dogfish Dash benefitted the Delaware Center For The Inland Bays and their efforts to preserve, protect and restore Delaware’s Inland Bays and their watershed. 

Towards the end of the year, our coworkers came out in droves to support Schellville, a local holiday experience that raised funds for our local hospital and the Delaware Food Bank, a Beer & Benevolence partner. From the Dogfish Head chalet, we sold beer, canned cocktails and Dogfish swag to guests, helping them get into the holiday spirit.  Thanks to our coworker volunteers, our local sales team and our local wholesaler Breakthu Beverage for the supporting the cause. We also donated more than 1500 cans of green beans that were used to build an Instagram-worthy installation where visitors could snap their selfie before the canned goods went to feed those in need via the DE Food Bank.

Beer & Benevolence couldn’t make the impact that it does without the support of our drinkers, guests and coworkers across Delaware (and beyond!):

·        Our Milton Tasting Room guests and coworkers supported 24 organizations through Tour Tips.

·        Our Rehoboth brewing team and Brand Creative team coworkers brought Benevolence Beers to life with 4 different non-profit partners.

·        Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats hosted 27 Benevolence Nights through the year.

·        Chesapeake & Maine poured Cocktails for a Cause and hosted Benevolence Happy Hours.

·        The Dogfish Inn hosted guests for weekend packages tied to our Benevolence partners.

·        Even Dogfish Head Miami got in on the Benevolence action, hosting 11 Benevolence Nights!

·        And dozens and dozens of coworkers volunteered supporting the Dogfish I.P.A. bike event, the Dogfish Dash, Schellville and many other partner events throughout the year.

Thank you to each and every one of you who supported Dogfish Head’s Beer & Benevolence efforts in 2023 – together we are heavy!

Do you know of a Delaware-based organization focused on arts, environment, or community that we should consider for support in 2023? Check out the Beer & Benevolence guidelines and encourage eligible organizations that you are involved with to submit a request.

Cheers to even more Benevolence in 2023!