Brewery unveils new mission after donating £150,000 to community causes
Independent Yorkshire brewery Northern Monk has officially relaunched its charity and community programme under a new name — the Northern Monk Foundation.
Previously known as Faith in Futures, the initiative has already donated more than £150,000 to community causes since 2020, supporting over 20 charities and grassroots organisations across the UK.
The newly branded foundation will now focus specifically on improving access to the outdoors for marginalised and under-resourced communities.
A More Focused Community Mission
Northern Monk says the relaunch is designed to bring its brewing business, community work and charitable mission together under one unified banner.
Moving forward, the Northern Monk Foundation will partner with organisations helping people access outdoor experiences through funded trips, equipment and wellbeing opportunities.
The brewery says the aim is to create a more measurable and long-term impact by concentrating efforts within a single area.
Northern Monk has also announced a target of donating £250,000 to community causes by the end of 2028.
Special Charity Beer Launching Next Week
To mark the launch of the new foundation, Northern Monk will release a special limited-edition beer next week.
Proceeds from every can sold will be donated directly to the Northern Monk Foundation and used to support its first official project under the new mission.
“[Insert details of limited-edition beer here],” said the brewery.
Strong Year for Northern Monk
The announcement follows a major year of growth for the brewery.
Northern Monk has continued to outperform the wider grocery market while expanding its venue portfolio with the opening of:
- Northern Monk Refectory York
- The Hanging Bat in Edinburgh
- Northern Monk at Darley Street Market in Bradford
The brewery has also confirmed the continuation of its partnerships with major UK events including:
- The Great North Run
- Total Warrior
- The Three Peaks Race
“A Core Part of Everything We Do”
Northern Monk founder Russell Bisset said the new foundation builds on years of community support work.
“It’s been a real privilege to support some amazing charities and grassroots organisations since 2019.
“The £150,000 we’ve donated to community projects to date has helped to create meaningful change across the North and beyond, and we want to say a big thank you to everyone who’s supported our fundraising activity over the years.”
He added:
“The Northern Monk Foundation allows us to build on that progress, not replace it.
“By bringing our brand, mission, and impact initiatives together under one banner, we’re making our Foundation and community work a core part of everything that we do.”
Bisset also highlighted the positive impact outdoor experiences can have on wellbeing.
“We know the positive impact time spent outside can have on both physical and mental wellbeing.
“This next chapter is about creating opportunities, supporting the organisations already doing incredible work in this space, and playing our part in improving access to the outdoors, so more people can experience the benefits it can bring.”
Conclusion
The launch of the Northern Monk Foundation marks a significant new chapter for one of the UK’s best-known independent breweries.
By narrowing its charitable focus and linking beer sales directly to community impact projects, Northern Monk is aiming to turn its growing success into long-term support for people who may otherwise struggle to access the outdoors.
