Rising Tides

They say a rising tide lifts all boats, and one tide in Charleston looks a lot like a brewery.

The capital city is full of thoughtful entrepreneurs and forward-thinking innovators adding to the charm and tourism of the area. Local small businesses abound, filling every historical corner. In particular, a stroll down Summers Street will take you right along Brewers Row—the city’s craft brewery district, dubbed so in 2023. That is where you’ll find two champions of the community: Derek and Lisa Godwin, founders of Fife Street Brewing.

The Godwins opened Fife in May 2022 as “a celebration of craft and community,” and their business model was a unique one. While their goal was to create bold and flavorful brews—to which they have succeeded with locally-named recipes such as Summers Street Wheat, Chuck’s P-51 Porter, and many more—Derek Godwin says that the brewery was also created with the goal of bringing something new to Charleston and helping to make it a true destination. “A place people could be part of. Part of that was using our profits to help the community.”

Before opening Fife, the Godwins decided that they wanted to use 10% of the brewery’s net profits for charitable contributions to support and improve not only the immediate area, but the state overall, all while providing a safe and positive environment for locals and visitors alike to enjoy. “If you go back to the beginning, we didn’t start Fife to make a ton of money. We wanted to make it a fun place for the community to go,” says Lisa Godwin.

Over the years, the Godwins have made contributions to various organizations throughout the area such as the local humane association, Children’s Therapy Clinic, Manna Meal, and more. Their giving also extends beyond the state’s borders, supporting flood relief efforts in Asheville, Kentucky, as well as wildfire relief in California. However, it eventually became clear that the Godwins—who each have jobs outside of operating the brewery—could use a little help managing donation requests and deciding where the money should go.

As it turns out, The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation just so happened to be right down the street—literally. “The Foundation would be able to help us get in touch with organizations that would be looking for funds. While we love United Way and other bigger groups, we want to get in touch with smaller organizations that are in need of and operate from contributions,” Derek says.

That’s where TGKVF and its extensive knowledge of the local philanthropic scene came into play. Thus, the Fife Street Brewing Charitable Fund was established in October 2024.

When it comes to why they give, the answer is apparent from even a short conversation: It’s instinct, born from a love of their community. “Derek and I are both Christians, and we believe in helping people,” Lisa shares. “We’ve always been that way. So it was natural, when we created Fife, to say, ‘We’re going to give back.’”

Donor Advised Funds like the Fife Street Brewing Charitable Fund are just one of the ways in which donors can give through TGKVF. Not only does it allow for donors to take a more hands-on approach to their giving, but it also grants them the freedom to give to multiple organizations and programs that touch their hearts throughout the year. And, of course, TGKVF’s talented staff are there to share their insights and knowledge about local groups that meet donors’ goals for the fund.

It was the icing on the philanthropy cake for Fife Street Brewing’s founders. “The Foundation has been a fabulous organization here in Charleston, and it seemed like a natural partnership,” Lisa says. “We’re pleased to be a part of their program and build a great Charleston.”

The love they have for the city and its people is evident—in their business mission, their giving, and the work they put into making it the best it can be. “We love not just Charleston but West Virginia,” Derek admits. “There are a lot of people in need, and we want to help as many people as we can to enhance their lives and what the community can offer.”