Milford-based Athletic Brewing has announced it plans to donate $2 million to its Two for the Trails foundation to kick off Earth Month.
Two for the Trails protects and restores outdoor spaces around the world. Athletic Brewing founded it because of co-founder Bill Shufelt’s love for the outdoors. It was named after his family tradition of taking two brews to toast post-trail adventures.
The non-alcoholic craft beer company has committed to raising up to $2 million annually for the foundation to help protect outdoor spaces. Since 2018, they have raised over $2.6 million for more than 150 outdoor organizations, with $1.3 million being raised in 2022 alone.
“In 2018, we donated $6,000 to one partner. As we’ve grown, we’ve been able to support hundreds of organizations and projects across the globe. This year we’ll provide up to $2 million in support to dozens of projects across the globe,” said Shufelt.
Athletic Brewing donates money every year to help with various projects such as trail construction and maintenance, waterway protection and environmental education.
Over 230 applications were received for the spring 2023 grant period. Through an initial round of funding, $500,000 will be dispersed to multiple candidates, and $1 million will be distributed throughout the second half of the year.
Shufelt said, “Funding for these projects is essential to ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the beauty and wonder of our natural world, and we’re proud to do our part in fostering corporate and environmental responsibility.”
Team members of Athletic Brewing also work doing beach clean-up days, trail restoration efforts and outdoor improvement activities.
To celebrate 2023 Earth Month, the company will support more than 50 nationwide events throughout the month and close its breweries for two days to give employees time to volunteer.
Contact Matt Verrilli at mverrilli@newhavenbiz.com
