How You Can Help

Financial Support

  • Financial support of Bridging takes many forms. Whatever the method, it makes a significant impact to the families who pass through our doors.
  • Funding for Bridging is made up of 19% foundations, 12% corporations/civic groups and churches, 32% individual contributions and special events, 37% earned income. (2009 Sources)

Dear Bridging Supporters,

Imagine that you have no bed, blankets or pillows…no pots or pans…no table or chairs…no plates or utensils.  This might describe someone in a shelter or a family living in their car.  But these are the individuals and families that Bridging serves every day.  Good people trying to make a better life for themselves, who finally have a place to live…but nothing else.

 

Our new Executive Director, Sara Sternberger, describes the impact of Bridging: “Some say that people should just ‘pull themselves up by their own bootstraps.’ But what if they don’t have bootstraps?

 

During my first week on the job, I met Norma a rather small woman in her fifties who had lived under a bridge for 30 years.  An agency had relocated her into a home, but it was empty.  With no resources and no support, she needed Bridging to help her furnish it.  She was especially anxious to get a bed – it had been many years since she had one of her own.  She left Bridging that day happy, thankful and ready to start a new life.  Bridging offered Norma a ‘hand up’ out of homelessness and poverty.  Bridging helps people find their bootstraps.”

 

Like Norma, Bridging helps more than 5,000 families each year to furnish their home with the most basic furniture and household items.  We do this by maintaining a steady supply of furniture through donations from individuals, retailers, hotels, and restaurants.  Bridging provides a wide variety of new and gently used items so families have the dignity of choice.  Our warehouses continue to be full thanks to your generosity.  But we still need your help to pay for everyday expenses like gas for the trucks, warehouse space for clients to shop in and a small staff to run the organization.  

 

Every $1 dollar donated to Bridging provides $7 of furnishings to a family. Bridging will furnish the typical client’s home for only $300, giving them $2,100 worth of furniture and housewares at thrift shop value.  That means it takes just $300 in financial support to give a family everything they need to make a home! 

 

Imagine the difference you can make!  You can conveniently make a contribution online or complete the Giving Form (below).  Don't forget to check with your employer for a matching gift program.  On behalf of our client families, we thank you for your support. 

 

Sincerely,

 

Fran Heitzman

Bridging Founder

To make a contribution by phone: Contact the Finance Office at 952-888-1105 x16

For more information about supporting Bridging: Contact the External Relations Manager at 952-888-0777

To mail your gift: Please complete the giving form and send it to our corporate offices

at 201 West 87th Street, Bloomington, MN  55420.

Make an online donation. Contribute today. 

Individual support can include:
  • Direct gifts
  • Memorials and gifts in honor of a friend, relative or special occasion
  • Employee matching gift program
  • Stock donations
  • Planned giving
Corporate support can include:
  • Direct gifts
  • Sponsorship or participating in special events
  • Matching employee gifts
  • Programs that encourage employees to volunteer

If your company prefers to give through a foundation, we are experienced in complying with application requirements.

Donate Online Today

Click on the Charities Review Council logo to view the review on Bridging at Smartgivers.org.