Diageo Announces $20 Million Community Fund to Support Social Justice in America, Helping Black Communities and Businesses Recover from COVID-19

NEW YORK, June 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing its efforts to support under-represented groups and communities, especially those in the hospitality industry who have been so badly affected by COVID-19, Diageo today announces the creation of the Diageo Community Fund. With a commitment of $20 million, the Fund will help address the urgent needs of Black communities and businesses who have been disproportionately harmed by Covid-19.

The new Diageo Community Fund will support businesses, consumers and partners integral to the hospitality industry in Black communities across the U.S. This will include a combination of targeted donations supporting advocacy efforts as part of the economic recovery from Covid-19, training for business owners and employees, relief aid and more.

"Diageo has no tolerance for racism, injustice and unequal treatment. We stand together with the Black community in this defining moment", said Ivan Menezes, Chief Executive of Diageo. "We are committed to taking every step necessary to champion equality everywhere and, while we have made progress, there is so much more to do. The Diageo Community Fund is just one of many steps we will take on this journey."

Diageo has long-standing partnerships with the National Urban League and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and has already pledged over $1 million to these organizations and 100 Black Men of America, Inc., to support their work for racial equality and social justice. Diageo also announced to its employees last week it will double its existing matching program for charitable donations made during the month of June, contributing two dollars for every dollar contributed by employees.

Diageo's African Heritage Employee Resource Group (A.H.E.A.D.) will continue to help the company focus on the priorities and actions that will make the most meaningful impact to the Black community, both inside and outside of Diageo.

"The fact that racial injustices are daily occurrences is tragic. And it must change. And that change needs to start with each of us, in our families, communities and businesses", said Deirdre Mahlan, President, Diageo North America, "We must use the pain of this moment to redouble our resolve."

Diageo plans to announce specific investments from the Fund in the coming weeks.

Note to editors:

• https://www.diageo.com/en/news-and-media/features/ivan-menezes-champions-diversity-in-the-workplace/
• https://www.diageo.com/en/news-and-media/press-releases/diageo-north-america-joins-more-than-350-ceos-in-commitment-to-advance-inclusion-and-diversity-in-the-workplace/
• https://www.diageo.com/en/news-and-media/features/diageo-ranked-second-in-the-2019-refinitiv-diversity-inclusion-index/

About Diageo
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits, beer and wine categories.  These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B, Buchanan's and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, DeLeon, Casamigos, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world.  The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO).  For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com.  Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

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Media contacts:
Caroline Rhodes, Diageo: [email protected] / 475.245.1277
Kristen Crofoot, Diageo: [email protected] / 917.445.2835

SOURCE Diageo North America