The North American Guild of Beer Writers, along with support from CraftBeer.com, a website published by the Brewers Association, has selected Rebecca Johnson as the recipient for its first Diversity in Beer Writing Grant. 

The guild made the announcement Thursday, May 3, during its meeting at the Craft Brewers Conference in Nashville. Johnson is a writer based in Urbana, Illinois. She has a background in the beverage industry and has contributed articles on the food and drink scene to her local online newspaper. As winner of the grant, Johnson will receive a cash stipend for completed work. The final story will be published on CraftBeer.com in the fall.

The goal of NAGBW’s Diversity in Beer Writing Grant is to highlight the value of stories that can showcase diversity and inclusion — in all its forms and challenges — within beer. Applications were accepted online during the month of March. More than 45 writers submitted story pitches covering a wide variety of topics, from heritage to craft beer marketing.

“These are topics that aren’t just increasingly considered in our society, but more and more by brewers, brewery owners and all sorts of staff members who recognize the benefit of a diverse industry,” says Bryan Roth, NAGBW director. “As journalists, it’s our responsibility to provide honest context to the trends that are shaping beer, and this grant is an ideal way to provide new opportunities to new voices to do just that.”

“CraftBeer.com’s mission is to tell the diverse story of America’s small and independent brewers,” explains Jess Baker, CraftBeer.com editor-in-chief. “We’re honored to work with the guild on the Diversity in Beer Writing Grant.”

Johnson’s final work will be recognized by the North American Guild of Beer Writers and CraftBeer.com during the 2018 Great American Beer Festival, held Sept. 20 to 22 in Denver, Colorado.