Donation Requests

Hospitality is at the heart of everything we do.

Central Standard Distillery Donation Mission

Central Standard Distillery (“Central Standard”) is committed to supporting Milwaukee and communities throughout Wisconsin where we live and work. When reviewing donation requests, we prioritize organizations and causes that:

  • Feed, shelter, protect, serve, and inspire our neighbors
  • Enhance the quality of life through education and economic opportunity
  • Preserve the culture and heritage of our communities

Through responsible giving, Central Standard Distillery works to ensure our success benefits the people and places that make our craft possible. Our philanthropic goal is to use our skills and goods in a way that ensures all donations are aligned with our values and can impact the community at large.

Policy

This policy establishes clear guidelines for the donation of distilled spirits and merchandise by Central Standard Distillery to ensure compliance with federal, state,
and local alcohol regulations, protect brand integrity, manage risk, and maintain accurate inventory and financial controls.

Policy scope

This policy applies to:

  • All donations (merchandise and spirits such as full bottles, cases, limited releases, or branded spirits)
  • All events, nonprofit organizations, and community partnerships
  • All employees involved in approvals, fulfillment, logistics, accounting, or marketing


This policy does not apply to products sold through licensed distribution channels.

Regulatory Compliance

Central Standard will only donate alcohol in accordance with:


Key compliance principles

  • Donations may not be made to private individuals
  • Donated alcohol may not be resold
  • Donations may only be made to properly licensed or permitted recipients, and must be used only as permitted by the recipient’s license or event permit

Eligible Recipients

Central Standard may consider donations to:

  • Qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
  • Licensed retailers, venues, or event operators holding valid temporary permits
  • Municipal or civic entities hosting permitted events
  • Industry, tourism, or community organizations/events aligned with brand values


Ineligible recipients

  • Private individuals
  • Unlicensed events
  • Political campaigns or partisan fundraisers (unless explicitly approved and permitted)
  • Any entity unable to demonstrate regulatory compliance

Approved Uses of Donated Alcohol

Donated products may be used for:

  • On-site consumption at permitted events
  • Tasting or sampling activities conducted by licensed servers
  • Auction or raffle items only if allowed by law and permit


Prohibited uses include:

  • Retail resale
  • Off-premise consumption where not permitted


Transfer to third parties without written approval

Donation Approval Process

All donations require prior written approval.

Required steps

  1. Formal request submission (minimum 30 days prior)
  2. Verification of:
    • Recipient’s liquor license or permit
    • Event details such as date(s), location, attendance, etc.
  3. Internal review and final approval by Central Standard Distillery authorized leadership for all donations and marketing/branding requests (if applicable).


No donation may be released without documented approval.

Documentation Requirements

Approved donations must include:

  • Written donation agreement or confirmation letter
  • Recipient license/permit copy
  • Detailed inventory list (brand, proof, bottle size, quantity)
  • Event or usage description
  • Proof of liquor liability insurance, if required


All records must be retained in accordance with company record-keeping standards and regulatory requirements.

Inventory Control & Handling

  • All donated products must be logged out of inventory at fair market retail value
  • Product must be securely stored prior to release
  • Chain of custody must be documented at transfer
  • Any unused product must be handled per state law (return, transfer, or destruction)

Service & Liability Standards

When Central Standard product is served:

  • Only licensed and trained bartenders may serve
  • All applicable ID and responsible service laws must be followed
  • Central Standard assumes no responsibility for service misconduct by third parties
  • Recipients must indemnify Central Standard against claims arising from service

Branding & Marketing Guidelines

  • Use of Central Standard trademarks, logos, or brand names requires approval
  • Brand representation must align with company standards
  • Central Standard may request acknowledgment but does not guarantee promotional support

Financial & Tax Treatment

  • Donations are recorded as “in-kind contributions”
  • Donations may not be exchanged for guaranteed sales or exclusive pouring rights without proper agreements

Prohibited Conduct

Employees may not:

  • Donate alcohol without authorization
  • Circumvent inventory or approval procedures
  • Accept personal benefits in exchange for donations
  • Misrepresent donation terms to recipients


Violations may result in disciplinary actions.

Review & Amendments

This policy will be reviewed annually or upon regulatory change.
Central Standard reserves the right to amend or revoke this policy at any time.

Donation Request Form

Section 1: Requesting Organization Information

Organization type (select one):
Primary contact name
Address



Section 2: Donation and Fulfillment Date Request

Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload
File type allowed: PDF
Max file size: 10mb
Please note: It is the requestor’s responsibility to pick up approved donations from Central Standard Distillery.



Section 3: Brand Recognition & Marketing (Optional)

Will Central Standard receive acknowledgment?
If yes, please specify:
Select all the apply. Use of Central Standard name or logo requires prior approval.



Section 4: Certifications & Acknowledgments



By signing below, the requesting organization certifies that:

• All provided information is accurate and complete
• Donated alcohol will not be resold
• Alcohol will be served only in compliance with applicable laws
• Only licensed and trained servers will handle alcohol
• The organization agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Central Standard Craft Distillery
• Total amount of funds raised through this donation must be reported in writing to Central Standard Distillery (dan.u@thecentralstandard.com) within 14 days of the requestor’s event.
Clear Signature