A History of Giving: Supporting Communities Around the Globe
Anheuser-Busch has long been known for its philanthropic efforts, whether it’s through our financial support of nonprofit organizations, donations of canned water to relief agencies or through the volunteer efforts of our employees. Our commitment to extend support to the communities where we live and work is deeply rooted in our company culture.
Anheuser-Busch first provided relief to victims of natural disasters in the late 1800s, when Adolphus Busch donated money to the victims of the 1884 Ohio River Flood. In 1896, the company provided monetary and direct assistance after a tornado struck the south side of St. Louis. After a major earthquake devastated the city of San Francisco in 1906, the company donated $100,000 to quake victims.
Since the 1900s, Anheuser-Busch has supported relief organizations around the globe. In 1908, the company donated $25,000 to the National Red Cross Society for earthquake victims in the Italian cities of Reggio and Messina. Anheuser-Busch also provided tremendous support to Red Cross relief efforts during both World Wars. In 1919, during WWI, Anheuser-Busch was among the first St. Louis institutions to have 100 percent employee enrollment in the Red Cross. Over the years, the company has donated millions of dollars to this organization.
Aside from financial support,
the company has contributed drinking water to disaster victims. In 1960, Anheuser-Busch distributed 6,000 quarts of
drinking water to disaster centers throughout the Florida Keys to aid Hurricane Donna victims. Since 1988, the company
has donated more than 59 million cans of drinking water to aid the victims of hurricanes and natural disasters.
The company also has contributed to a variety of educational institutions over the years. In 1911, Adolphus Busch provided an endowment of $250,000 to the Germanic Museum at Harvard University. The company also has pledged money to other educational institutions, such as Washington University and St. Louis University in St. Louis.
The company’s support extends into the communities where its employees live and work. In the early 1910s, Adolphus Busch and the company’s board of directors made annual contributions to noteworthy organizations like the St. Louis Society for the Relief and Prevention of Tuberculosis.
Anheuser-Busch also has been a long time supporter of groups that work for economic development, cultural heritage, and educational opportunities in ethnic communities. Such groups include the United Negro College Fund and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund.
Throughout its history, Anheuser-Busch has generously supported groups in need in the United States and around the world. Whether through financial aid, canned drinking water or endowments, Anheuser-Busch has always been prepared to help those in need.