Leeds-based independent brewery Northern Monk has launched the Northern Monk Foundation, an initiative dedicated to improving access to the outdoors for marginalised and under-resourced communities.

The charity, formerly known as the Faith in Futures Foundation, has donated £150,000 to community causes since 2020, supporting more than 20 grassroots organisations. Relaunched under a unified corporate banner, the foundation has set an expanded target to reach £250,000 in total donations by the end of 2028. To mark the launch, the Yorkshire brewery will release a limited-edition beer next week, with all proceeds directly funding the foundation's initial projects.

The expansion follows a period of retail growth for the brewery, which recently added three venues to its hospitality portfolio: Northern Monk Refectory in York, The Hanging Bat in Edinburgh, and a site at the new Darley Street Market in Bradford. The company has also extended its official partnerships into 2026 with major regional sporting events, including the Newcastle-based Great North Run—the world's largest half-marathon—Total Warrior in Leeds, and the historic Three Peaks Race in the Yorkshire Dales.

Russell Bisset, founder of Northern Monk, said: “It’s been a real privilege to support some amazing charities and grassroots organisations since 2019. The £150,000 we’ve donated to community projects to-date has helped to create meaningful change across the North and beyond, and we want to say a big thank you to everyone who's supported our fundraising activity over the years.

“The Northern Monk Foundation allows us to build on that progress, not replace it. By bringing our brand, mission and impact initiatives together under one banner, we’re making our Foundation and community work a core part of everything that we do.

“We know the positive impact time spent outside can have on both physical and mental wellbeing. This next chapter is about creating opportunities, supporting the organisations already doing incredible work in this space, and playing our part in improving access to the outdoors, so more people can experience the benefits it can bring.”