Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

April 26, 2026

17 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Future Leaders Program

Program Type: Year-long immersive leadership and education experience for emerging beverage industry professionals

Duration: May 2026 through June 2027

Geographic Scope: National (US-based)

Focus Areas:

  • Wine and beverage industry leadership development

  • Wine education and certifications

  • Mentorship and professional development

  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the beverage industry
    • Program Components

    • Career coaching support
    • Quarterly industry speaker webinars and study sessions
    • Support toward recognized wine and spirits certifications
    • Access to three signature in-person events
    • International immersion trip to Portugal (May 23-27, 2027) - all expenses paid
    • Collaborative study sessions with peers and alumni
    • Integration into Veraison Project ecosystem

      Eligibility Requirements

    • Minimum 2+ years of experience in the beverage industry
    • Aspirations for leadership positions
    • Current possession of, or ability to obtain a U.S. Passport by May 2027 (existing passports cannot expire before November 2027)

      Candidate Expectations (if selected)

    • Attendance at minimum 3 quarterly TVP educational meetings
    • Active work toward certifications in the beverage industry
    • Attend one in-person event throughout the year
    • Engage with career coach
    • Participate in and complete group projects throughout the cohort year
    • Attend Portugal immersion trip (late May 2027)

    Organization

    The Veraison Project - 501(c)(3) non-profit (EIN 85-1942329)

    Contact: info@theveraisonproject.com

    Address: 1520 Belle View Blvd #4035, Alexandria, VA 22307

    Background

    The Veraison Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the wine and beverage industry. The program blends education and community, supporting a small cohort of emerging professionals each year through structured learning, hands-on experiences, and access to industry leaders. Participants are celebrated and amplified throughout the year through features, spotlights, and shared storytelling. Selected participants may have application information (name, professional background, biography, photographs, and responses to select questions) used to create public-facing profiles to promote the program and The Veraison Project across digital, print, and social media platforms.

    How to Apply

    Application Process

    1. Complete Online Application (by April 26, 2026 at midnight PT)
    - Resume
    - Headshot
    - Short bio (no longer than 2 paragraphs)
    - Letter of recommendation (submit to info@theveraisonproject.com)

    2. Submit Video (by April 26, 2026 at midnight PT)
    - Two-minute video response to prompt: "Why do you want to be a part of The Veraison Project's Future Leaders Program?"
    - Email to info@theveraisonproject.com with subject line: "2025 FLP Video Submission – First and Last Name"

    3. Complete Application Questions (as part of online form)
    - What are you sipping these days?
    - How would you describe yourself (outside of work or school)?
    - What are your top passions?
    - What do you know so far about the Veraison Project? How did you hear about us?
    - As someone who identifies as BIPOC, if you could change one thing about the alc bev industry, what would it be?
    - What kind of leader do you aspire to be — and what do you still need to develop to become that leader?
    - Describe a time you used your voice, influence, or position to support others or create change in a personal or professional setting.
    - What are your career aspirations within the alc beverage industry?
    - What are your expectations of the Future Leaders Program? What do you hope to get out of it?
    - Anything else you'd like us to know about you?

    4. Personal Information Required
    - First/last name (as appears on driver's license)
    - Preferred first/last name (if different)
    - Pronouns
    - Date of birth
    - Phone number
    - Email address
    - Full address (street, city, state, zip)
    - LinkedIn profile and other social media
    - Current job title and function
    - Beverage knowledge self-assessment (1-10 scale)
    - Current certifications
    - Confirmation of willingness to commit to candidate expectations
    - Intent to attend Portugal immersion trip
    - Preferred airport
    - Allergies, dietary restrictions, or preferences

      Selection Timeline

    • Application Deadline: April 26, 2026 at midnight PT
    • Finalist Announcement: Mid-May 2026
    • Interview Process: Second round interview notification by February 21 (for following cohort)

    Data Privacy

    Application information will be used to evaluate candidacy. If selected, certain information may be used to create public-facing profiles for promotion across digital, print, and social media. Personal contact information and sensitive data will not be shared without explicit consent. All materials handled with care and used solely for program administration and promotional purposes.

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    workforce-developmentprofessional-development

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