BARDSTOWN, KY, November 11, 2024 – In honor of Veterans Day, Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has proudly announced its 2024 American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund grant recipients. The fund is awarding $75,000 to 15 organizations. These organizations are dedicated to enhancing the lives of U.S. veterans. These grants, called Veteran Community Action Grants, fund projects that provide essential services to veterans. These services range from service dog training to adaptive sports and mental health support.
As an iconic American-made and owned bourbon, Evan Williams is deeply committed to supporting veterans through the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund, which it first launched in 2020. The fund builds on the brand’s longstanding tradition of honoring U.S. military heroes since introducing the limited-edition American Hero label series in 2015. To date, Evan Williams has recognized 60 veteran heroes and donated a total of $675,000 to veteran-focused nonprofits.
2024 Grant Recipients Supporting Veterans Nationwide
The 2024 Veteran Community Action Grants support a diverse group of nonprofits making meaningful contributions across America, including:
- Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association: Provides a community monument to honor local service members, fostering reflection and community remembrance.
- Gold Star Mission: Supports Gold Star families through service-focused events that honor fallen heroes.
- Hero Labradors: Breeds Labrador Retriever puppies for service dog programs that support veterans with disabilities.
- Kentucky National Guard Memorial Fund, Inc.: Memorializes the sacrifices of local veterans, providing a dedicated space for families to honor their loved ones.
- New Hope Equine Assisted Therapy: Offers the ‘Horses Helping Heroes’ program, a therapeutic equine experience for veterans and first responders.
- P.A.W.S.S. (Pups And Warriors Side by Side): Enables veterans and first responders to train their dogs as service animals.
- Range Fore Hope Foundation: Promotes golf as a healing resource for veterans, supporting physical and mental wellness.
- Southern Arizona Adaptive Sports – VeloVets Program: Provides adaptive cycling experiences for veterans with disabilities.
- The Joyful Horse Project: Offers equine therapy for veteran families at Restoration Ranch.
- The Kaufman Fund: Provides vital resources such as food, shelter, and medical care to veterans.
- VetCares, Inc.: Assists veterans in transitioning to civilian life with financial and mental health support.
- Warriors For Freedom Foundation: Focuses on mental health healing and camaraderie through support programs.
- Whistleblowers of America: Assists veterans in accessing essential services and benefits.
- Wisconsin Veterans Network (VetsNet): Provides veterans with basic necessities, health, and wellness support.
- American Mobility Project (Bountiful American Foundation Inc.): Supplies adaptive equipment to enhance mobility for veterans with disabilities.
Honoring True American Heroes
Molly Vincent, Evan Williams Senior Brand Manager, praised the 2024 grant recipients, saying, “We commend these organizations for their dedication to veteran communities. Each of these nonprofits serves as a vital resource, honoring the service and sacrifice of our veterans.”
As the second-largest selling bourbon worldwide, Evan Williams holds deep respect for its American roots and is committed to supporting veteran communities. The 2025 class of Evan Williams American-Made Heroes will be selected from partner organizations and announced in May 2025.
About Evan Williams
A flagship brand of Heaven Hill Distillery, Evan Williams stands as a leader in American Whiskey, recognized for its rich legacy dating back to 1783. This historic bourbon brand commemorates true American heroes through its limited-edition labels and has established its place in the community with the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, an official Kentucky Bourbon Trail stop.
To learn more about the Evan Williams American-Made Heroes Foundation and its programs, visit American-Made Heroes.
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