 Treasured Philanthropic Company 2023 Matchwood Brewing Company On October 20th, Matchwood Brewing Company celebrated its 5th anniversary. True to the brewery’s community-centered spirit, they brought in the same band that had performed at their opening; brought out Ester, their tiny tap track, to give free pours; had a silent disco; and created a festive, welcoming experience for their Sandpoint community. In many ways, it’s just another day in the life of the Sandpoint neighborhood brewery where “personal connections foster positive community change through the power of dialogue and laughter — one delicious handcrafted beer at a time,” as their mission states. For Matchwood, giving back isn’t an obligation or an afterthought — it’s a way of life.
In partnership with leaders of the LGBTQ+ community, Andrea and her husband and Matchwood’s co-owner, Kennden Culp, helped found and launch Sandpoint Pride. Andrea serves as Chair and Kennden serves as Logistics and Safety Director, all in a fully volunteer capacity. With Andrea’s background in community organizing and Kennden’s skills, Matchwood was well-positioned to handle fundraising and logistics. “It was a lot of work, but also one of the best days of the year,” Andrea said of Pride. When some of Sandpoint’s LGBTQ+ leaders approached Matchwood about collaborating for a Pride event, it was a “no brainer" Their larger community has taken notice of their dedication to fostering community and inclusivity. This fall, Matchwood’s philanthropic spirit was recognized by the Idaho Philanthropy Day awards. Finding out they’d been named Treasured Philanthropic Company, an award recognizing their numerous contributions to their community, was a celebration for the whole crew at Matchwood. “It was an awesome phone call to receive, but it was even better sharing it with our team,” Andrea said of finding out they’d won the award. “Our team embodies our community-driven, family-friendly approach.” Matchwood employs a team of about 30 people who live the company’s mission every day. Folks who work at Matchwood are attracted by its community-centered mission and the safe, inclusive space its owners have cultivated. As Matchwood’s nominator wrote, “From in-kindred costs and monetary donations to offering space and logistical support, Matchwood Brewing goes above and beyond.”
For other companies interested in following Matchwood’s altruistic lead, Andrea shared what’s helped to guide and shape the brewery’s approach to business. “Being honest about what your values are as a business and as individuals, and doing things that are good, and good for your community. It’s a simple equation,” she said. “Leveraging business for good is possible and we encourage other people to do it.”
Another recent contribution to their community speaks volumes to how Matchwood approaches business. Two weeks before Sandpoint’s annual Oktoberfest, which Matchwood hosted and put on in collaboration with other local breweries, they learned that a member of their community who owns a food truck had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Pivoting quickly, the breweries came together to turn the event into a fundraiser. They raised around $12,000 for their Sandpoint community member. “The power of beer is awesome,” Andrea said. Cheers to that, and to this North Idaho brewery that continues to give back.
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