Drink Beer, Do Good: How Ex Novo Brewing Company is crafting beer with community support in mind

At Ex Novo Brewing Company, the philosophy of "Drink Beer, Do Good" is more than a catchy slogan — it's a foundational principle that guides every aspect of the business. From its inception, Ex Novo has been dedicated to brewing exceptional beer while making a positive impact on both local and global communities.

A mission rooted in giving

Founded in 2014, Ex Novo began as Oregon's first nonprofit brewery, with a mission to donate 100% of its net profits to organizations striving to create a better world. Although the company has since restructured, its commitment to philanthropy remains unwavering. To date, Ex Novo has donated over $180,000 to various organizations, including Friends of the Children, International Justice Mission, Impact NW, Mercy Corps and $43,000 to the Somos Unidos Foundation.

With varying experiences between locations, founder and CEO Joel Gregory emphasizes the importance of letting the community drive the specific vision for each spot, stating, "We try not to force anything. We really want to kind of let the space or the property drive it a lot. It's really seeing what the community and our guests want." This approach ensures that each Ex Novo location reflects the unique needs and character of its community.

Collaborations that matter

Every pint poured at Ex Novo is an invitation to be part of a larger mission. Ex Novo's partnership with the Somos Unidos Foundation exemplifies its dedication to local impact. This 501(c)(3) organization focuses on creating positive outcomes for New Mexicans through art, sport, community and unity. Ex Novo supports this mission by crafting year-round brews like Stay Goalden Golden Ale and Extra Time Amber Ale, with proceeds from each purchase benefiting the foundation's initiatives.

In addition to long-term partnerships, Ex Novo responds to immediate community needs through special collaborations. For instance, in 2021, they teamed up with Powell's Books to create the City of Books IPA, donating 10% of the proceeds to the Book Industry Charitable Foundation, which supports independent bookstores and booksellers facing unforeseen financial challenges.

“We’re in an industry that is super generous as it is. Breweries just do so much for their communities,” Gregory says. “They’re always raising money, always hosting events for free; they’re always giving back to nonprofits. We just wanted to have it woven in from the start.”

Beyond financial contributions, Ex Novo fosters a culture of hands-on involvement. The Communitas Volunteer Program mobilizes staff and community members for various service projects, collectively donating over a thousand hours to local initiatives. This program not only amplifies the brewery's impact but also strengthens the bond between Ex Novo and the communities it serves.

A vision for sustainable growth

As Ex Novo expands, it remains committed to its core values. The recent opening of a new location in downtown Albuquerque, transformed from a historic Firestone tire shop, reflects the company's investment in community revitalization. This space includes a full-service restaurant, a cocktail lounge called The Bitter Nun, and Sammy's Cafe & Deli, a grab-and-go spot offering family-friendly pricing.

“We’re also in transition to find that next thing, that cause that we can really dig into, learn a lot about, ask where the areas of support are lacking,” Gregory shares. “We’re trying to find where the gaps are between a big need in our community and fundraising support for that.”

Whether you're enjoying a classic brew or participating in a community event, your support fuels initiatives that make a tangible difference. At Ex Novo Brewing Company, great beer and goodwill go hand in hand, proving that together, we can make the world a better place — one sip at a time.

For more information on Ex Novo Brewing and their community efforts, visit https://exnovobrew.com.