to transform the lives of the most disadvantaged young people…
The Distillers’ Charity has developed into a grant-maker with a broad mission to transform the lives of disadvantaged young people by helping them develop their confidence, resilience and skills so they are ready for life and work.
Our partnerships with leading charities are making a lasting and measurable positive impact on the lives of young people.
Our programmes are carefully researched, designed and monitored, and outcomes evaluated to maximise learning and effectiveness.
FOUNDED IN 1955
The Distillers’ Charity was established registered in 2021 by the Worshipful Company of Distillers as the successor to the former charitable trust of the same name, founded in 1955 through a donation by The Distillers Company Limited in the name of Reginald Macdonald-Buchanan.
In 2021 the Distillers One of One Auction Series was created raising funds, with the generous support of the Scotch Whisky industry, leading to the creation of the Youth Action Fund to improve the life chances of young people in Scotland.
Our governance
The Distillers’ Charity is governed by its board of trustees, who are responsible for setting the organisation’s grant-making strategy and securing resources to support our philanthropic mission.
Geoffrey Bush DL
Former Diageo senior executive including chair of The Diageo Foundation, and lead trustee for the Youth Action Fund.
Leslie Davey
Brand Director at Edrington with over two decades experience in the drinks industry, and lead trustee for communications.
Grant Gordon OBE - Chair
Philanthropist and social entrepreneur and former chair of William Grant Foundation. Member of the charity’s Finance Committee and Honorary Court Assistant at The Worshipful Company of Distillers.
Paul Hick
Retired international consumer goods marketeer, chief executive and chairman. Treasurer of Distillers’ Charity and Chair of the Finance Committee.
Richard Watling
Former senior executive in the drinks industry, Past Master of The Worshipful Company of Distillers and lead trustee for Vocational Training and Education.
Charity Regulation
The Distillers Charity is registered and regulated in England and Wales (1193683), and in Scotland (SC052075).
View our entry on The Charity Commission’s Register for England and Wales
Accounts and Annual Report
The impact of our latest work is summarised in The Distillers' Charity 2023 Impact Report.