Bicycle Advocacy Grants Program

Bicycle Advocacy Grants Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: New Belgium Brewing Co
Amount: US $500 - US $5,000
Last Updated: February 16, 2026

Summary

The Bicycle Advocacy Grants Program, supported by New Belgium Brewing Co, aims to foster community engagement through bicycle projects. With over $11.3 million donated since its inception in 1995, the program focuses on breaking down barriers to cycling and promoting accessibility for all. Projects targeting increased ridership and addressing systemic inequities are prioritized. This initiative reflects New Belgium's commitment to sustainability and social equity, enhancing community connections through the joy of cycling.

Overview

Partnering with nonprofit organizations and community involvement have always been a significant part of New Belgium's ethos. We strive to positively impact communities where we do business, to give back to those who have supported us along the way and to advocate for a future that's bright for all In 1995 when the Grants Program was conceived, $1 for every barrel of beer sold was donated to nonprofit organizations in communities where our beer was distributed. This effort spurred the establishment of the coworker grants committee that, to this day, remains the backbone of the program. This inter-departmental group, open to all coworkers, researches, reviews and allocates funds to worthy organizations doing important work across our areas of focus. Since its inception, New Belgium has donated more than $11.3 million through the Grants Program. All told we've donated more than $27 million to help solve the world’s most pressing social and environmental challenges through grants and other giving initiatives. The purpose of the program is to serve and connect with communities where we sell our beers. We want to cultivate relationships and support those making an impact. Our program consists of both small and large grants and has had several focus areas over the years including: youth environmental education; sustainable agriculture; smart growth and climate; water conservation and restoration; social equity; bicycle advocacy; sustainable transportation; the arts; and substance abuse support. We are incredibly proud of our partnerships and the achievements of New Belgium grantees across the country. Small Grant Focus Area: Bicycle Advocacy It's no secret, we like bikes! The bicycle is near and dear to our New Belgium hearts, as you might notice from the label of our flagship beer, Fat Tire. Not only is the bicycle all kinds of fun to ride, but as our friend Jimmy Hallyburton says, it allows us to experience our communities and our world at the speed of discovery: to connect with the world around us in a way that simply cannot be achieved when a car door is separating us from our surroundings. We are in support of Bicycle Advocacy projects that break down barriers and fosters support for riders of all ages and abilities. We believe the bicycle keeps ourselves and the planet healthy, and we celebrate it daily here at the brewery. Ride on!

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Organizations in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico are eligible for funding.We are looking to fund: Projects that break down barriers and foster support for riders Projects that focus on increasing daily ridership Projects that promote bicycle accessibility in communities facing historical and systemic inequities

Ineligibility

We do not fund:Programming or projects that fall outside the Bicycle Advocacy focus areaOrganizations receiving New Belgium funding, sponsorship, and/or in-kind donation of beer or any New Belgium goods amounting to more than $2500 in a calendar year Organizations without 501c3 status, we do not fund organizations utilizing a fiscal sponsorOrganizations who partner with Tour de Fat and receive funds from this eventDebt reductionRequests from individuals including scholarshipsConferences, conventions or workshopsOrganizations / programming for religious purposesFundraising events, music festivals, film festivals or cultural eventsDirect submittals from public or private schoolsProduction of films or other media-related projectsGeneral operating requests, institutional overhead, indirect costs, or facilities and administration costsCapital campaigns Foundations who allocate requested funds to other organizations, individuals, or schoolsCity, County or State agenciesMedia projects including social media, podcast sponsorship, and more traditional areas of mass communication (broadcasting, publishing, and the internet)Sponsorship requestsWe do not offer grants to international programs at this timeWe do not prioritize funding for adaptive mobility equipment. This is not a reflection on the value of the adaptive cycling organizations and programs. It only indicates our grant funds are limited.New Belgium does not provide support to organizations which, in their constitution or practice, discriminate against a person or group on the basis of race, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), gender identity or expression (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender individual), age (40 and over), physical or mental disability, citizenship, genetic information, past, current or prospective service in the uniformed services, marital status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. New Belgium Brewing Company does not knowingly support organizations that discriminate in their hiring, those they accept as volunteers, or the clients they serve.