Six Local Non-Profit Organizations to Receive $100,000 from Whiskey and Wishes Collective Giving Group

Whiskey and Wishes is proud to announce that six local non-profit organizations will receive a combined total of $100,000 in grants to support their impactful work in the Greater Cincinnati community. This year’s grant recipients are:

• Sam Hubbard Foundation/Crayons to Computers – $15,000

• Children’s Law Center – $15,000

• Go Pantry! – $25,000

• Oh, She Built That! – $10,000

• Cincinnati Youth Collaborative – $17,500

• Beech Acres Parenting Center – $17,500

Each January, Whiskey and Wishes opens its grant application process to non-profits in Greater Cincinnati with programs focused on supporting children and education. In 2024, approximately 35 applications were submitted. The selection process involved a thorough review by Whiskey and Wishes members, followed by virtual site visits with 10 grant finalists. The final grant recipients were chosen through a collective vote by the organization’s members.

"The number of outstanding organizations that applied this year was truly inspiring. Each one plays a vital role in supporting children and education in our community," said Billy Volk, Founder of Whiskey and Wishes. "We are honored to support these incredible recipients and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will continue to make."

Since its founding in 2019, Whiskey and Wishes has granted a total of $600,000 to 501(c)(3) and 509(a) public charity organizations in Greater Cincinnati. The organization is committed to bridging the gap between potential and opportunity for children through the power of collective giving.

About Whiskey and Wishes, Inc.
Founded in 2019, Whiskey and Wishes blends a passion for fine whiskey with a commitment to philanthropy, creating “cask-strength kindness” across Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati. Through a collective giving model, the organization channels individual resources into transformative grants that support non-profits focused on empowering children. With 100% of donated funds going directly back to the community, Whiskey and Wishes ensures meaningful and lasting impact. For more information, visit www.whiskeyandwishes.com.

Over $38,000 Raised at Our 1st Annual Golf Outing

Our 1st Annual Golf Outing was a huge success. Thankfully the rain held off for the majority of the day, and the pace of play was great. With sponsorships and our 2022 Bottle Raffle + Auction, we were able to raise a little over $38,000 and 100% will be added to our 2022 grant pool. Thank you to everyone who participated in the outing, donated bottles/raffle gifts, and helped with sponsoring the event. The event wouldn’t have been a success without all of you.

Local12: Whiskey-themed organization seeking educational grant applicants to benefit children

Whiskey and Wishes was featured on Local12 News, bringing awareness to the organization’s mission while simultaneously drawing applicants for 2022 grants.

Welcome, South Carolina!

Whiskey and Wishes is excited to welcome our newest chapter supporting the Upstate South Carolina Community. Our membership welcomes individuals to join throughout the year by making a $1,000 pledge. Members have access to participate in bourbon events throughout the year. Then, once a year, our members vote to award grants to those applicants we think will have the most positive impact on the lives of people throughout South Carolina.

NOW ACCEPTING 2021 GRANT APPLICATIONS

Whiskey and Wishes, Inc., a Northern Kentucky based collective giving group, is now accepting grant applications for 2021. Whiskey and Wishes combines members’ annual contributions to invest in high-impact grants to nonprofit programs, focused on education and support of children, throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. 

501(c)(3) or 509(a) public charity organizations are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements and consider applying for the grant prior to the application deadline of March 31, 2021. Those interested in the grant are required to submit an application and supporting documentation through the organization’s website www.whiskeyandwishes.com/grant-application .

To be considered, organizations must meet the following eligibility requirements: 

• The ability to provide proper documentation/status as a 501(c)(3) or 509(a) public charity

• Provide services to Greater Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky in support of children and education.

• Clearly state a program or project in which the grant will impact 

• Define measurable goals or anticipated outcomes in which the funds would impact if awarded

• Serve an underserved defined population or target audience. 

• Be able to express community need for project/program 

• The project or program should be innovative and impactful

• Organization must use the funds granted within 2 years of receiving 

• Must be able to show documentation of how funds were used after awarded

“This past year has been a challenging one for so many, which means now, more than ever, we need to support programs that give back to our underserved populations and focus on strengthening our community, said Billy Volk, co-founder of Whiskey and Wishes, “we are thrilled to be able to provide this funding source to organizations and looking forward to learning more about the hard-working non-profits in our area through the application process.”

In 2020, the organization’s first year, Whiskey and Wishes granted a total of $50,000 to three local organizations - Covington Partners, UpSpring, and Back the Heroes. The grants received helped to expand the organizations’ work and broaden their impact on the region. 

WHISKEY AND WISHES FOUNDERS RECOGNIZED WITH UNITED WAY DO GOODERS AWARD

Thirteen individuals and companies received Do Good awards from United Way of Greater Cincinnati Tuesday, recognizing their great work improving the Northern Kentucky community. Among those individuals were Whiskey and Wishes founders, Billy and Neena Volk.

Do Gooders are individuals or advocates serving their communities and the people in them by giving back in small to big ways, said Amanda Greenwell, director of United Way’s Northern Kentucky Area Center. The Do Good award was created in 2019 by the Northern Kentucky office of United Way of Greater Cincinnati to recognize individuals and organizations doing good things in Northern Kentucky.

“They help change lives, alter perceptions and build awareness,” she said. “Just by lending a hand, giving of their time, or initiating something new, they “Do Good” in the lives of others. Their efforts and passion in going above and beyond help strengthen the communities where we live, work and gather.”

Read here for the full release