Bridgeway is approaching its 19th year in providing a loving home for pregnant teens who are struggling to build a new life for themselves and their babies. Bridgeway serves an average of 25-30 high-risk teens and their babies each year, and to date over 400 have been helped by the program.
Over the last few years fundraising has become a difficult business. Private foundations have watched their funds shrink and many individuals experienced the discouraging effects of dwindling stock accounts. Most people have become very prudent about their current spending, due to the economy and unemployment. Bridgeway utilizes a variety of funding sources and operates on an annual budget of approximately $290,000. Over two thirds of our income must be raised each year in the community.
So, with 2004 coming to a close, we humbly ask that you remember Bridgeway’s residents and their babies in your end-of-year giving. Of course, the most immediate way to help is by a cash gift (check or credit card), which gives you an immediate year-end tax deduction. However besides a cash gift, there are other valuable ways you can support Bridgeway. You could make a permanent difference in strengthening the mission and vision of Bridgeway in your estate plans. There are several planned giving opportunities to consider, each with potential tax benefits: Charitable Gift Annuities, Deferred Gift Annuities, Pooled Income Funds, Charitable Remainder Unitrusts, and Charitable Remainder Annuity Trusts all provide income to you and assets to Bridgeway.
Also, please remember that the Colorado Child Care Credit has been extended through 2009! When you specifically request that your cash donation to Bridgeway is to support the Brilliant Beginnings Daycare, you get an additional 50% Colorado tax credit! For example, on a donation of $100 to the daycare, the Federal deduction is $35 (assuming 35% marginal tax bracket); the Colorado tax deductions $4.63 (fixed 4.63%), AND the Colorado Child Care Credit will add 50% tax savings on top of that, giving you a total tax savings of $89.63, instead of $39.63! Please consider a donation to our Brilliant Beginnings program and you will personally benefit from the Colorado Child Care Credit when you file your taxes!
Bridgeway’s Board of Directors and its staff are dedicated to making a difference, and with your help we can together provide a brighter future for a struggling teen mom and her baby!