Diageo has announced the creation of the Diageo Community Fund with a commitment of US$20 million to help address the urgent needs of Black communities and businesses who have been affected by COVID-19.

The alcoholic beverage company said that the new Diageo Community Fund will support businesses, consumers and partners integral to the hospitality industry in Black communities across the U.S.

Diageo explained that the Fund will provide a combination of targeted donations supporting advocacy efforts as part of the economic recovery from Covid-19, training for business owners and employees, relief aid and more.

Diageo also announced recently to its employees that it will double its existing matching program for charitable donations made during the month of June, contributing two dollars for every dollar contributed by employees.

The beverage firm added that its African Heritage Employee Resource Group (A.H.E.A.D.) will continue to help the company focus on the priorities and actions that will make the most meaningful impact to the Black community, both inside and outside of Diageo.

Diageo plans to announce specific investments from the Fund in the coming weeks.