STOUT brand Guinness is pumping US$3 million into a social programme that will benefit Jamaica and other countries across the globe.

The programme is being financed through the Arthur Guinness Fund, which was incepted three years ago in celebration of everyday heroes and community enrichment.

Guinness will be identifying 10 people in Jamaica who have philanthropic qualities as its founder Sir Arthur Guinness and support their social initiative to better their community and its residents. Sir Arthur was an entrepreneur, philanthropist and all around lover of people who always gave of himself to help others. Arthur Guinness Day is the global event recognising the life and work of the Irishman.

“This year’s Arthur Guinness Day will have more significance as it will not only be a celebration of Sir Arthur but also of great Jamaicans who embody the characteristics of Sir Arthur by dedicating themselves to helping others,” said Guinness Brand Manager Racquel Nevins.

The shortlisted community heroes are a combination of people nominated by their peers in their respective communities and persons enrolled in the Branson Centre for Entrepreneurship in Montego Bay, which was partially funded through the Arthur Guinness Fund, Nevins said.

A pool of 60 nominees has been submitted.

A judging panel will review the body of work and 10 projects will be selected to receive support through the Arthur Guinness Fund.

The Arthur Guinness Fund was established in 2009 as part of the 250th celebrations that commemorated the signing of the 9,000 year lease on the St James Gate Brewery in Dublin where Guinness is still brewed today. The fund aims to further the legacy of Sir Arthur and the Guinness brand by supporting communities and the lives of its residents.

The top 10 awardees will receive approximately $6.7 million to fund their various community projects. The top three will receive $1 million while each of the remaining seven recipients will get $500,000.

The fund actively supports social entrepreneurs globally who have implemented projects in: adult education, job creation for persons with disabilities, programmes for ex-prisoners, community agriculture, health care, clean water access and a plethora of other support groups.

The recipients will be announced in October.