CharityThe Distillers’ Charity

Message from the Master

The Distillers’ Charity directs the Company’s charitable giving into practical support for people, organisations and communities.

The longstanding support of the Worshipful Company of Distillers has been instrumental in the Charity’s success. As the philanthropic arm of the Worshipful Company our members’ support for our mission and commitment as a Livery charity to give back to society underpins this work.

The charitable work of the Livery in Distillers’ City & Livery Giving and Distillers’ Vocational Training & Education is sustained through donations, legacies and member volunteering. Over recent years, the Distillers’ Charity has grown its impact, transforming young lives beyond anything we might once have imagined. That is a source of enormous pride for our Livery, not simply because the numbers have increased, but because it demonstrates what can be achieved when an entire industry comes together with shared purpose.

We are, collectively, a force for good, harnessing the energy, generosity and reach of the spirits world to drive meaningful change. During my year as Master, I have had the privilege of visiting several of the charities we support, and I look forward to visiting many more.

With each visit, I am reminded that our work is not ultimately measured in pounds raised or grants awarded, but in outcomes delivered and lives changed. Behind every statistic is a person whose prospects are brighter, whose burdens are lighter, or whose future feels newly possible. That is the true measure of our impact, transforming young lives, one at a time.

Daniel SzorMaster 2025-26

Grant-making and partners

As a grant-maker, the Distillers’ Charity funds organisations that help people build confidence, resilience, knowledge and skills, especially young people and those facing barriers to opportunity.

Our funded charities’ programmes are monitored and reviewed to see what works, including their impact on young people’s lives. The Charity uses the Livery’s knowledge, skills and network of volunteers to support this work.

Three areas of impact

• Youth Action Fund

  This strategic initiative has been designed to help transform the life chances of young people in Scotland, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. It equips them with the skills and confidence to create positive and lasting change through achieving an employability outcome. This work is funded entirely by The Distillers One of One Auction. The fund is delivered through a portfolio of charity partners overseen and managed by Inspiring Scotland.

  Youth Action Fund

• City & Livery Giving

  Our vision is to enhance the Distillers’ work as a leading charity within the Livery movement, supported by the active involvement of members of our Company and engagement with the City of London. Our funding targets support for young people, including some from within our industry, helping them to thrive and realise their potential.

  City & Livery Giving

• Vocational Training & Education

  Inspired by the Livery’s centuries-old tradition of preserving and advancing crafts, setting of standards, and passing of skills to future generations, Distillers Vocational Training and Education (VTE) is dedicated to developing the skills and careers of next generation talent in the spirits trade, and in particular for those who lack the financial means to cover the full cost of vocational training and education.

  Vocational Training & Education