NON PROFIT BEER!?

"Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God which he has given you."

Deuteronomy 16:17

I'm blessed to travel throughout the country to drink good craft beer.

Breweries, just like churches, schools and parks, operate to serve the needs of the community. Each pillar sustains and supports the other like a four cornered building. If one wall is removed, the house is sure to fall. Worship, education, recreation and good craft beer are a necessity for our continued personal health, spiritual growth and community service.

While temples, schools and parks are a great investment that yields countless returns for the community, I often think about how breweries give back to the community. I think about the responsibility of breweries beyond making good beer and selling it at a Christian-loving price point and other others - should brew houses help combat drinking and driving? Should they help finance education programs, bankroll park developments or bring about social justice?

In communities where good craft beer is loving and healthy, breweries will often host fund raisers for clinical research and public awareness, such as Beers for Boobs, Pints for Prostate and Hop Courage. These beers charities are designed to make money for a just cause, and it is a lucrative cash cow worth feeding. But what if a brewery decided to make beer and sell it by operating as a non-profit? The nation's first non-profit Ex Novo Brewing Company is doing just that.

"We are committed to donating 100% of our net profits to organizations that are working to effect positive social change both in Portland and around the world," states the brewery’s website. At the moment, EX Novo supports four organizations and their contributions appear untapped and rooted in the love for giving.

I hope you enjoy this Hopstories video, and consider giving and raising a pint at the next beer charity in your community.