Image Credit: Rose Marinelli / Artmajeur

The inaugural Penfolds Evermore grant round has launched in Australia, inviting applicants to apply for a share of $200,000 to support bold and innovative projects that contribute to community and culture. The launch follows a Penfolds announcement in 2023 pledging $1 million (AUD) over five years towards the Penfolds Evermore Grant Program, administered in multiple rounds covering different territories around the world.

With a focus on three key areas, ‘food’, ‘winemaking/viticulture’ and ‘creative arts’ (including fashion, art and music), up to three grants will be awarded to those who venture beyond in their chosen field. Starting in Australia (pilot), with France, USA and China to follow. The grant round is part of the Penfolds ‘Evermore’ platform that focuses on the brand’s positive contribution to sustainability globally.

Evermore is Penfolds first brand-level coordinated sustainability platform and captures its aspirations as a global winemaker, employer, and leader to leave a positive mark on the places, communities and people it engages with, contributing to a world where future generations can thrive. Reflective of Penfolds legacy and values, Penfolds Evermore complements Treasury Wine Estate’s broader sustainability strategy, focusing on areas inextricably linked to Penfolds DNA.

Chief Winemaker Penfolds Peter Gago said, “In life and in business, it’s important to give back. Penfolds has been blessed with 180 years of successfully making & selling wine. Our footprint may be found across many vineyards, across many countries. How good is it to vigorously embrace the future – to strategically create new legacies, to implement a more diverse global overview, to courageously seek new challenges – as of Day 1 of our next 180 years!”

The three strategic priorities that underpin Penfolds Evermore are:

1. Community and culture: supporting Penfolds communities, both local and global, to thrive by fostering connection and culture – with the grant program directly linked to this pillar.
2. Future winemaking: advancing winemaking and viticulture practices through ongoing innovation and supporting the next generation of bold and curious winemakers.
3. Towards sustainability: taking steps to help preserve our natural world focused on production practices, winemaking and viticulture.

Tom King, Managing Director Penfolds said since Penfolds beginnings in 1844, the merging of science, art and innovation have been represented using the catchcry “1844 to Evermore”. “As Penfolds celebrates its 180th year in 2024, it’s an opportunity to look forward to what’s next – Evermore reflects Penfolds ambition to honour our storied past while creating a legacy designed to deliver positive impact for the future.”

Expressions of interest are now open and close on Sunday 17th March 2024. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by Monday 22nd April 2024. To find out more about Penfolds Evermore, or the Australian Grant selection criteria – visit the website here. You can view the T&C’s for the Australian grant round here, Australian grant guidelines here or submit your expression of interest here.