LINCOLN—“Grow Local. Brew Local. Buy Local.” That’s the mission statement of the Nebraska Craft Brewery Board and the inspiration behind growing the state’s craft brewery industry. To help achieve that mission, the Nebraska Craft Brewery Board is seeking project proposals from growers, industry organizations, state and local agencies, educational groups, and others to fund research, development, and marketing projects in Nebraska’s craft brewing industry. This year, the Board anticipates allocating approximately $120,000 in grants to fund such projects. The deadline to submit proposals is April 30, 2024.
“Craft breweries are popular attractions in Nebraska because people want to taste unique flavors, connect with friends and families, and support local businesses,” said Josh Christensen, Chair of the Nebraska Craft Brewery Board. “Craft breweries are great for the economy, too, because they create jobs, add tax revenue, and attract tourism. The grants the Nebraska Craft Brewery Board are offering represent a big opportunity for those interested in growing Nebraska’s craft beer industry.”
In Nebraska, craft breweries are defined as small, independent breweries producing less than 20,000 barrels of beer per year. There are approximately 50 licensed craft breweries in Nebraska.
Those interested in receiving grant funds must submit a detailed proposal for review and approval by the Nebraska Craft Brewery Board. Applications, instructions, program guidelines, and performance measures are available online at craftbreweryboard.nebraska.gov/application-instructions and must be submitted by April 30, 2024.
Project proposals must clearly explain how the funds will be used and how they will benefit the craft brewery industry in Nebraska. All projects will begin no earlier than July 1, 2024, and end no later than June 30, 2025. Grant applicants will be asked to present their projects to the Nebraska Craft Brewery Board at the next meeting, May 16, to give Board members an opportunity to ask questions. Nebraska Craft Brewery Board members represent different aspects of the craft beer industry including brewers, manufacturers, distributors, consumers, and farmers growing barley and hops.
For more information about project proposals and the grant process, contact Casey Foster, Nebraska Department of Agriculture, at 402-471-6857, or by email at casey.foster@nebraska.gov.
