We believe our legacy is strongest when we lift up those around us. Thriving Together is at the heart of that belief and through our Spirited Neighbor microgrant program, that belief is put into action. These grants are fueling learning, access, and creativity in our West Louisville community and thanks to our dedicated team members, we’ve just completed our first full year of grant distributions. 

“Thanks to the generosity of Heaven Hill and their employees, our Financial Literacy Program is transforming lives. So far, 237 youth participants and 79 parents now have the tools to budget, save, and build credit. Every youth now has their own bank account—often the first in their household—and families are gaining the skills to create generational financial stability. This is more than education; it’s a movement for lasting change.” — James Linton, President & Founder of Community Connections Group

This milestone would not have been possible without our inaugural Spirited Neighbor Grant Review Committee, a group of employee volunteers who reviewed applications, discussed proposals, and ensured our funds were invested with care. Their authenticity and passion for making a positive impact, brought our values to life and demonstrated what Thriving Together truly means. The Grant Committee is listed below:

1. Lauren Newcomb, Senior Manager – Brand Public Relations
2. Allison Gillis, Associate Brand Manager, Lunazul
3. Kedrick Stanfield, Manager – Environmental & Sustainability
4. Hugh Madison, Sr. Strategy Analyst
5. Brittany Wenig, Senior Manager – Brand
6. Lloyd Chatfield III, Manager – Treasury
7. Dana Darley, Senior Events Manager – Whisky Portfolio
8. Lauren Olgine, Senior Internal Auditor
9. Elly Chappell, Asst Creative Services Manager – Projects
10. Chris Humphreys, Asst Creative Services Manager – Multimedia
11. Sydney Jones, Lead Distillery Technician
12. Claire Noltemeyer, Director – IT Program Office
13. David Muffs, Market Manager – Southwest FL
14. Dalton Adamson, Commercial Finance Analyst

From technology access and music education to food security and career readiness, our micro-grants totaling $50k proudly supported the following organizations and initiatives: 

Economic Development

Community Connections –

• Achieved 96.4% youth gradation rate in its Financial Literacy Program.
• 180 youth opened their first bank accounts.
• 60 parents completed budgeting, credit building, and homeownership training – laying the groundwork for generational stability.

Education

Louisville Central Community Center – launched free tech training in AI, data analytics and cybersecurity for West Louisville residents.

West End School – Equipped 143 students + all teachers with upgraded technology, improving learning, engagement and future readiness.

Muhammad Ali Center – Facilitated student leadership and community engagement programs.

Imagination Library – Expanded free book access for young children in the California Neighborhood.

Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana – Expanded access to 70 new girls in the California Neighborhood and surrounding areas.

Louisville Academy of Music – Provided private free violin lessons for California Neighborhood youth + “Who Is Florence Price” workshop to 60 students at Grace James Academy.

The Descendants of California Neighborhood – Hosted a back-to-school giveaway for 250+ youth, opened a community grocery store, and provided youth summer jobs.

Mental Health

Change Today Change Tomorrow – Hosted free weekly Feed the West End program and farmers market providing free, fresh, healthy food to West Louisville residents.

NAMI Inc. – Provided mental health education and crisis outreach.

Chris 2X Game Changers – Provided 146+ underserved youth medical career exposure and a safe, healing environment for emotional trauma recovery.

Parks Alliance of Louisville – Hosted a series of community-driven cultural and educational events at Alberta Jones Park.

“Volunteering for the Spirited Neighbor Grant Program committee was an incredibly rewarding opportunity to participate in Heaven Hill’s broader efforts to partner with our surrounding communities and uplift our neighbors by investing in key issues like education and mental health with the help of local organizations. Thanks to LP and Heaven Hill’s leadership team, we were able to provide funding to organizations working to address financial literacy, technology education, and mental well-being among many important causes. Our company culture is one of the key differentiators and building blocks of the organization and this is one of the many examples of Heaven Hill investing to further strengthen our bond with the communities around us. 

I am proud to work for a company that invests in the well-being and development of the communities and neighborhoods where we live and work.” 

– Hugh Madison, Sr. Strategy Analyst