WHY, HOW, WHAT Inspired by Simon Sinek’s book Start with Why, we at Cultivate aim to have our our reason for being (our why) at the heart of everything we do. We believe the why should inspire the how and what of our business. Our why is to cultivate life through conscious capitalism. How do we Cultivate Life? Through celebration and elevation of life - encouraging people to take the time to celebrate life and grow relationships over wine, and elevating others’ lives through the 10% of sales that we give away on every bottle sold. This money goes to non-profits working to better communities around the world. Cultivate allows people to express their values through the brand of wine they choose to buy, and hence people are our how. The what is what we do as a business-- making and selling great wine. That is our expertise, and we believe that the wine itself relates back to our why - wine is about spending time with family and friends, lingering around the dinner table, and sharing stories and moments - all things that we believe are integral to cultivating life.
THE INTERSECTION OF WHAT, HOW, AND WHY Our what and our how allow our why to manifest - making and selling great wine. In our first year, we have sold 45,000 cases of wine. WINE (THE WHAT) 45,000 cases = 540,000 bottles sold
+ PEOPLE (THE HOW)
540,000 bottles shared between 2 and 5 people each means between 1,080,000 and 2,700,000 people chose to celebrate their lives with Cultivate this year because they believed in cultivating a better world.
= GIVE (THE WHY)
By choosing Cultivate, those people have helped thousands of other people around the world cultivate their own lives too - with 540,000 bottles sold, we have given away $409,000 to 51 organizations working in 50 different communities around the globe.
Just think if we grew 10x - which would still be only .02% of the wine industry - we’d give away over $4,000,000 and impact hundreds of thousands of people all because of a conscious choice to share a glass of wine with friends and family. If there is a more fun way to revive hope in this country and around the world, we want to know! Otherwise, let’s all raise a glass to the official wine of the American Dream. The best is yet to come!
A LOOK AT OUR FIRST YEAR’S GIVE Now take a look at what one year and only 45,000 cases resulted in. Just imagine what our next year’s report will look like if you join us in cultivating life.
“When you walk with purpose, you collide with destiny.� Bertice Berry
100 CHILDREN GIVEN A HOME AND FOOD Belwop Rescue Center was founded in 2005 by one Kenyan woman with a heart for taking in orphans. By 2012, she was housing, caring for, and educating 22 children, but there were still many she had to turn away. With this grant, Belwop was able to purchase two homes to house and support 100 children. Amount: $50,000 Organization: Friends of Belwop Location of Headquarters: Charlottesville, VA Location of Project: Nyeri, Kenya
“Never was anything great achieved without danger.” ― Niccolò Machiavelli
WORLDWIDE ADVOCACY FOR ADOPTION OF OVERLOOKED KIDS Children with HIV, Down syndrome, other medical conditions, and even older children are often overlooked when it comes to adoption. This fearless organization advocates for these children by bringing awareness, educating potential parents, and working to change laws that make these adoptions more difficult. Amount: $50,000 Organization: Project Hopeful Location of Headquarters: Joliet, Illinois Location of Project: Worldwide
“Kites rise against the wind. Not with it.� Winston Churchill
PRENATAL CARE FOR HUNDREDS OF WOMEN IN THE TRI-STATE AREA Women without insurance living in poor neighborhoods often do not receive any prenatal medical care until they arrive at the hospital to go into labor. This leads to poor prenatal nutrition, low-weight premature babies, fetal alcohol syndrome, and more. This grant helped purchase medical equipment to provide free, full-service prenatal care in Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennesee.
Amount: $50,000 Organization: The Morning Center Location of Headquarters: Memphis, TN Location of Project: Memphis, TN
“The trouble with not having a goal is that you can spend your life running up and down the field and never score.� Bill Copeland
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA In an environment of ever-decreasing public funding for education, Cultivate made a wine specifically with and for the University of Virginia. 25% of every bottle sold goes back to the University to support programs chosen by the school and its alumni. This provides an ongoing revenue stream for scholarships and facility improvements. We are excited to expand this program to additional universities.
Amount: $30,000 Organization: University of Virginia Location of Headquarters: Charlottesville, VA Location of Project: Virginia
“Try not to become a man of success. Rather, become a man of value.” Albert Einstein
AID TO A SEVERELY IMPOVERISHED NEIGHBORHOOD Kara Kore is one of the poorest neighborhoods in Addis Ababa. The Lelt Foundation is working to holistically improve the whole community, with programs in nutrition for severely malnourished children, business start-up opportunities, a shelter for abused or abandoned children, counseling, and computer training. This grant allowed the expansion of these programs, greatly impacting the whole community.
Amount: $10,000 Organization: The Lelt Foundation Location of Headquarters: New York City, NY Location of Project: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.� Henry Ford
CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SCHOOL IN RURAL MALI In Mali, under half the population is literate, and in many areas, children must walk miles to get to the nearest school. Mali Rising has already built 13 schools in Mali, and this grant went towards building one in the underdeveloped area of Kiniero, Mali.
Amount: $10,000 Organization: Mali Rising Location of Headquarters: Sandy, UT Location of Project: Kiniero, Mali
“If you’re not going to make a difference, get out of my way.” Bono
PUBLIC LATRINES IN HAITI TO STOP THE SPREAD OF CHOLOERA Haiti is currently experiencing a major cholera epidemic that began in 2010. The primary cause of the spread is unclean water and poor sanitation. These eco-friendly composting latrines will help with waste, and CDI is teaching the local community how to safely use the compost material. Amount: $10,000 Organization: Community Development International Location of Headquarters: New York City, NY Location of Project: Seguin, Haiti
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that� Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
PROVIDED 3,000 HATIANS WITH PHYSICAL REHABILITATION AFYA is working to establish a nationwide model for delivering rehabilitation care for those disabled by the 2010 earthquake. They focus on training local people to provide the necessary care, simultaneously spreading education and creating jobs. With this grant, they were able to treat 3,000 people. Amount: $10,000 Organization: AFYA Foundation Location of Headquarters: Yonkers, NY Location of Project: Haiti
“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” William James
ONE YEAR’S TUITION FOR AN INNER-CITY CHILD’S EDUCATION Anna Julia Cooper School is a tuition-free inner-city Richmond school that aims to change the trajectory of children’s lives. Student tuition includes classes, meals, transportation, extended day & summer programs, sports, & extra-curriculars.
Amount: $10,000 Organization: Anna Julia Cooper School Location of Headquarters: Richmond, VA Location of Project: Richmond, VA
“Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of overcoming it.� Helen Keller
A MUSIC CLASSROOM AND INSTRUMENTS FOR 20 STUDENTS IN RWANDA Playing for Change’s music and dance programs immerse former street children in their cultural music traditions and teach them valuable skills while improving self-esteem and community connections. This funding provided a classroom, drums and drum sticks, as well as instruction of dance and drumming for 15-20 men. Amount: $10,000 Organization: Playing for Change Location of Headquarters: Los Angeles, CA Location of Project: Rwanda
“I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.� Patrick Henry
CONSTRUCTION OF A PEACE CENTER IN SIERRA LEONE The Peace Center will transform thousands of lives through training, arts, cultural, and microloan programs, all designed to get people working and out of poverty quickly. This helped pay for the design and construction of the first Peace Center in Sierra Leone, a country still struggling after an eleven year civil war. Amount: $10,000 Organization: The Peace Project Location of Headquarters: Los Angeles, CA Location of Project: Sierra Leone
“Hope is the dream of the waking man.� French Proverb
SHOEMAKING TRAINING PROGRAM IN ZAMBIA Most children in Ndola, Zambia do not have shoes, making them highly susceptible to a ubiquitous sand flea that causes severe infection in the feet. Sole Hope teaches locals the trade of shoemaking, which increases employment while providing shoes for children. This grant helped pay for a classroom building where shoemaking will be taught. Amount: $10,000 Organization: Sole Hope Location of Headquarters: Asheville, NC Location of Project: Ndola, Zambia
“There is no failure except in no longer trying.” Elbert Hubbard
INSPIRING THOUSANDS TO TAKE ACTION THROUGH FILM “Moving On” is a film that steps into the lives of three incredible Ugandans moving on past pain and apathy. Through the power and beauty of film, “Moving On” captivates audiences and calls them to take a risk - to use their passions and skills to change the world. This money has helped take the film on a US tour, calling tens of thousands of people to action. Amount: $10,000 Organization: Light Gives Heat Location of Headquarters: Grand Junction, CO Location of Project: All over the US
“The mind, once expanded to larger ideas, never returns to its original size.� Oliver Wendell Holmes
HOMELESS IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM FOR INDIANAPOLIS The PourHouse provides military dog tags for identification purposes for the homeless. These tags provide a toll free number for 24/7 assistance, as well as a unique identifier unmber. This allows the organization to provide the name and medical history of an individual if emergency or public safety personnel call. This funding provided a new dog tag machine and tags for hundreds of homeless people.
Amount: $10,000 Organization: PourHouse Location of Headquarters: Indianapolis, IN Location of Project: Indianapolis, IN
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” ― Winston Churchill
13 COMPUTERS FOR STREET CHILDREN IN MEXICO Oaxaca’s poorest children do not have access to public services or education, and are often forced to support their families by selling trinkets to tourists. This organization aims to break that cycle of poverty by educating as many street children as they can. This grant purchased 13 computers and a printer for their school. Amount: $10,000 Organization: Oaxaca Streetchildren Grassroots Location of Headquarters: Benton, AR Location of Project: Oaxaca, Mexico
“Never doubt that a small group of people can change the world.� Margaret Mead
A SECONDARY SCHOOL BUILT IN TANZANIA Two thirds of children in Tanzania never receive an education beyond primary school, and in the town of Olasiti (a town of over 15,000 people,) they have never had a secondary school. The Uplifting Project has used this grant to build the first ever secondary school in Olasiti, and it will educate over 300 kids per year.. Amount: $10,000 Organization: The Uplifting Project Location of Headquarters: New York City, NY Location of Project: Olasiti, Tanzania
“It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you don’t care who gets the credit.” Harry S. Truman
A FILM TO RAISE AWARENESS OF AUTISM IN UKRAINE In Ukraine, a child diagnosed with autism is seen as bringing great shame to the family, and there is only one school for children with autism in the whole country. “Not Forgotten� will use this funding to distribute their documentary about this issue, with the goal of raising awareness and ultimately fund for a new autism center in Ukraine. Amount: $10,000 Organization: Not Forgotten Location of Headquarters: Birmingham, AL Location of Project: Ukraine
“A rising tide lifts all boats.” John F. Kennedy
EXPANDED HOME FOR 55 CHILDREN IN MEXICO Casa Hogar is a home for children of single mothers who work at night, many of whom are prostitutes. The children are educated, fed, and taken care of. Previously, the home was housing 55 children in 3 bedrooms. This grant was used to expand their house.
Amount: $10,000 Organization: Casa Hogar Location of Headquarters: Austin, TX Location of Project: Oaxaca, Mexico
“If you want to make the sale, sell the heart.� Nelson Mandella
EDUCATION AND EMPOWERMENT FOR GIRLS AND WOMEN IN KENYA Most girls in Kenya never make it past primary school because needs at home take them away. The Lwala Community Alliance was started by two natives to the town of Lwala who wanted to comprehensively improve the community. They have programs in education, business development, and health care, and this grant was used to promote and provide education for girls.
Amount: $10,000 Organization: Lwala Community Alliance Location of Headquarters: Sandy, UT Location of Project: Lwala, Kenya
““The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” The Walt Disney Company
FACILITATION OF 10 ADOPTIONS OF CHILDREN WITH DOWNS SYDROME Orphans with Down syndrome around the world are often overlooked by adoptive parents and are living in terrible conditions in their home country. Reece’s Rainbow works to advocate for such children and provide financial assistance in the adoption process. This grant aided in the adoption of 10 such children. Amount: $10,000 Organization: Reece’s Rainbow Location of Headquarters: Gaithersburg, MD Location of Project: All over the world
“Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Wishing is not enough; we must do.� Johann Von Goethe
K-8 SCHOOL GIVEN NUTRITION EDUCATION FOR A YEAR Jones Valley Teaching Farm has planted a farm in a low-income area of Birmingham in an effort to help the diabetes and obesity epidemic in Alabama. They are using the farm to teach kids about where food comes from and to provide fresh produce for school lunches.
Amount: $10,000 Organization: Jones Valley Teaching Farm Location of Headquarters: Birmingham, AL Location of Project: Birmingham, AL
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.� Anne Frank
500 CHILDREN’S MEDICAL NEEDS PROVIDED FOR Sixty Feet provides for the needs of abandoned, orphaned, and imprisoned children in Uganda dealing with the common ailment of dysentary. This grant allowed 500 children to be treated.
Amount: $5,000 Organization: Sixty Feet Location of Headquarters: Atlanta, GA Location of Project: Uganda
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.� John Quincy Adams
LIFE-CHANGING SURGERIES FOR 5 CHILDREN Childspring International works to provide first world medical procedures for third world children by getting them to a location and doctor who can provide the surgeries they need. This grant provided heart surgeries for three Salvadoran children, a prosthetic eye for a Honduran girl, and reconstructive plastic surgery for a girl from the Philippines. Amount: $5,000 Organization: Childspring International Location of Headquarters: Atlanta, GA Location of Project: Atlanta, GA
“You have to think anyway, so why not think big?” Donald Trump
200 ADULT LEARNERS PROVIDED WITH BOOKS One in five adults in Nashville is illiterate. This organization teaches U.S. born adults to read and teaches English skills to adult immigrants through classes and one-on-one tutoring sessions with volunteers.
Amount: $5,000 Organization: Nashville Adult Literacy Council Location of Headquarters: Nashville, TN Location of Project: Nashville, TN
“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.� Aristotle
6 INDUSTRIAL SEWING MACHINES PURCHASED FOR REFUGEES Plywood People teaches Burmese refugees in Atlanta to make bags out of recycled billboards. This is a skill set that allows them to thrive in their new country. Their grant money paid for six industrial sewing machines, creating jobs for 10 Burmese refugees.
Amount: $5,000 Organization: Plywood People Location of Headquarters: Atlanta, GA Location of Project: Atlanta, GA
“Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.� Abraham Lincoln
21 ACRES OF FARMLAND DEVELOPED IN VIRGINIA This money helped to purchase equipment and material, and paid for labor to develop a 21 acre educational organic farm in Virginia Beach. The farm will be used for students and campers to learn about farming, sustainability, and nutrition.
Amount: $5,000 Organization: Community Development International Location of Headquarters: New York City, NY Location of Project: Virginia Beach, VA
“Think like a man of action act like a man of thought.” Henri-Louis Bergson
500,000 SEEDS PACKETS PROVIDED FOR COMMUNITY GARDENS By making produce free and accessible, this organization fights the growing problem of poverty and obesity. This funding provided over 500,000 seeds for groups to plant their own community gardens, providing 3,000 volunteer opportunities and potentially feeding over 50,000 people. Amount: $5,000 Organization: Nourishing USA Location of Headquarters: New York City, NY Location of Project: All over the US
“Belief is easier when it occurs within a community.� Charles Duhigg
CAREER EDUCATION FOR OAKLAND YOUTH Ambitious youth often miss out on a potential career simply because they are never exposed to it as an option. ODALC introduces youth to digital media industry professionals as guest lecturers and raises student awareness of future opportunities.
Amount: $1,000 Organization: Oakland Digital Arts Center Location of Headquarters: Oakland, CA Location of Project: Oakland, CA
“It is easier to make powerful ideas practical than it is to make pedestrian ideas powerful.� David Novak
15 CRIBS GIVEN TO NEW MOMS TO PREVENT SIDS Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is still a serious issue, and simply providing safe sleeping environments (not sofas or adult beds) can prevent many of these deaths. This grant purchased cribs and paid for a safe sleep educator to distribute the cribs and conduct parent education. Amount: $1,000 Organization: CJ SIDS Foundation Location of Headquarters: Hackensack, NJ Location of Project: All over the US
“All great change in America begins at the dinner table.� Ronald Reagan
143 VISION SCREENINGS Many children fall behind early in school simply due to undiagnosed eyesight problems. Early screening will ensure these kids are ready for educational success.
Amount: $1,000 Organization: Prevent Blindness Location of Headquarters: Atlanta, GA Location of Project: GA
“Few will have the greatness to bend history itself, but each of us can work to change a small portion of events. It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped.� Robert F. Kennedy
12 WEEKS OF THERAPY FOR AN ABUSED CHILD Orphaned children often have a hard time assimilating into their adoptive families. This equine therapy program caters to abused children, helping them successfully transition into their new loving families.
Amount: $1,000 Organization: Harmony Adoptions Location of Headquarters: Maryville, TN Location of Project: TN
“We’re looking to break a few rules, fall on our faces, pick ourselves up, learn, reason, and march ahead.” Umaimah Mendhro
8 SETS OF WINTER UNIFORMS FOR HOMELESS WORKERS This organizations offers the homeless basic training skills, computer education, and job preparation in exchange for cleaning the streets of New York. These eight new uniforms allowed eight more homeless men and women to be given winter jobs cleaning the streets.
Amount: $1,000 Organization: ACE Homeless Services Location of Headquarters: New York City, NY Location of Project: New York City, NY
“Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” Will Rogers
1 CAMP SCHOLARSHIP FOR A DISABLED CHILD Easter Seals provides year round camping and respite sessions for both children and adults with disabilities. This grant paid for one new participant.
Amount: $1,000 Organization: Easter Seals of TN Location of Headquarters: Nashville, TN Location of Project: TN
“Where your talents and the needs of the world cross, there lies your purpose.� Aristotle
MEDICAL CARE FOR ABANDONED CHILDREN This organization helps abandoned babies and children (many who are HIV positive) in South Africa by providing them with permanent loving homes and often critical medical care.
Amount: $1,000 Organization: Acres of Love Location of Headquarters: San Juan Capistrano, CA Location of Project: Bryanston, Gauteng, South Africa
CONCLUSION: JOIN US! If you share in our why, join us in celebrating more moments in your life, and by doing so, elevating those around you. As Ronald Regan said, “All great change in America begins at the dinner table.� Raise a glass of Cultivate at your table and be a part of the change!