New Mexico’s Ex Novo Brewing Company is a rare breed of brewery: it’s a nonprofit. In fact, 100% of the brewery’s net profits are donated to charitable causes. Recently, the business partnered with four charities, promising to donate $25,000 each to Friends of the Children, International Justice Mission, Impact NW, and Mercy Corps. Additionally, Ex Novo fully powers all of its operations using solar energy provided by PPC Solar.
Photo Courtesy Ex Novo Brewing Company
Founded a decade ago in Portland, Oregon, the brewery began with a specific mission to be a nonprofit. Founder Joel Gregory wanted to create a company known not only for great brews but for doing good in the world.
After five years in operation, the brewery expanded to a larger brewing facility in Corrales, New Mexico — Gregory’s hometown — and closed its Oregon locations in 2023.
The idea behind the company has always been about bringing people together.
“I like coffee, but it’s nothing compared to brewing beer and the satisfaction of pouring someone a pint of something you made,” Gregory told Monthly Portland. “People come together a lot over pints — be it to celebrate or grieve together.”
Photo Courtesy Ex Novo Brewing Company
Today, Ex Novo’s Do Good Beer Series is the culmination of the brand’s collaborations with local charities. The Do Good Beer Series is a B2B partnership that aims to amplify the branding and messages of these organizations by incorporating their causes and branding into a specific beer style and the designs of the beer cans. The brewery’s popular Stay Goalden Golden Ale and Extra Time Amber Ale were made specifically to benefit the Somos Unidos Foundation, a nonprofit with a mission “dedicated to creating positive outcomes for New Mexicans through art, sport, community, and unity.”
Photo Courtesy Ex Novo Brewing Company New Mexico
Gregory believes that Ex Novo is about having a purpose to continually make a positive impact in the local community.
“With every sip of our beers,” the company promises on its website, “you become part of our noble mission to serve local communities, improve New Mexico, give back to national initiatives, and better the world.”
To date, the company website says Ex Novo has donated almost $150,000 in profits to charities. Ex Novo is one of the pioneering companies in the “beer for good” movement, which was designed to bring people together to enjoy great craft beer while doing good in their communities. By donating any profit to various local charities, Ex Novo has managed to create a successful space where people come for good food and beer while helping improve life for everyone in the community. Ex Novo prioritizes both those in need and the environment.
Photo Courtesy Ex Novo Brewing Company
“This commitment to sustainability aligns with our values, as we strive to reduce our ecological footprint and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future,” the company website says.
