Ways to Give

BRIDGE’s strong business model, coupled with innovative public programs like tax credits, give BRIDGE a sound base of support. But it is only by leveraging this support with extraordinary philanthropic contributions that BRIDGE can fulfill its mission.

Philanthropy provides crucial support for the development of new housing and community amenities and is virtually the only funding source for BRIDGE’s transformative services and programs, such as

  • Activities for children and teens, including summer camps, mentoring, homework clubs, and after-school programs.
  • Adult programs ranging from scholarships, English as a Second Language, resume workshops, job placement, and financial literacy.
  • Senior programs—such as brain fitness, health programs and referrals—that support their independence and quality of life.
  • Programs for all ages to create strong, healthy communities – such as leadership training; volunteer opportunities; community forums; neighborhood gardens; and grants for innovative, resident-led projects.

Here are a few ways you can support BRIDGE and the important work we do:

Individual Gifts

There are many easy ways to give direct cash support.

For more information please contact Mark Baylis at mbaylis@bridgehousing.com.

Gifts of Stock

Giving appreciated stocks or mutual funds is a great way to support BRIDGE, and the financial benefits are threefold –

  • You avoid the capital gains taxes you would have to pay if selling these appreciated assets
  • You receive an income tax deduction based on the market value of the gifted stock or fund
  • BRIDGE receives the full value of the gift to support our mission

For more information please contact Mark Baylis at mbaylis@bridgehousing.com.

Matching Gift

Across the nation, more than 20,000 companies set aside philanthropic dollars for matching gift programs. By taking advantage of your employer’s matching gift program, you can double or even triple both the value and impact of your donation to BRIDGE. Find out if your (or your spouse/partner’s) company has a matching gift program before you make your gift!

For more information please contact Mark Baylis at mbaylis@bridgehousing.com.

Corporate Sponsorships

By sponsoring a BRIDGE event or campaign you are supporting our work to create equitable communities while also gaining brand visibility, community goodwill, business relationships and more.  Annually we offer the opportunity to sponsor a fundraising event and a campaign. For 2021 we have two giving opportunities-

  • The Stein & Colwell Scholarships Celebration (being held in-person in October)

For more information please contact Susan Neufeld at sneufeld@bridgehousing.com.

Planned/Legacy Gifts

Planned Giving allows our supporters to make a charitable gift of estate assets, which helps ensure BRIDGE’s long-term success. With a legacy gift, you are making a commitment to helping future generations of low-income families and seniors achieve lifelong success. Your planned gift could include:

  • Gifts by will or trust
  • Beneficiary designations in retirement accounts
  • Life insurance policies
  • Charitable trusts

For more information please contact Mark Baylis at mbaylis@bridgehousing.com.

Foundation Grants

Grants and contributions from private, family, corporate, and community foundations are important sources of support for BRIDGE. Often providing seed money, foundation support makes it possible for BRIDGE to develop new initiatives, meet the growing needs of residents with special services and support necessary capacity-building efforts. More than 80 national and regional foundations have invested in and sustained innovative new ideas at BRIDGE.

For more information please contact Mark Baylis at mbaylis@bridgehousing.com.

Program-Related and Below-Market-Rate Investments

Program-related investments (PRIs) are investments made by foundations and banks to support BRIDGE’s affordable housing development activities. Investments provide BRIDGE with access to capital at lower rates than may otherwise be available and involve the potential return of capital within an established time frame. For the lender, BRIDGE’s repayment or return of equity allows resources to be recycled for other socially beneficial purposes, making the investment a highly leveraged opportunity.

For more information please contact Jim Mather at jdmather@bridgehousing.com.

BRIDGE Housing