A bridge is a way to connect one area to another, making it easier to reach. That’s the idea behind YouthBridge Community Foundation: “We make charitable giving more efficient and effective by joining community needs to resources,” explains CEO Michael Howard. “We connect individual and business donors to nonprofits, nonprofits to resources, and financial advisers to charitable funding opportunities for their clients.”
The result benefits everyone involved. “We enable donors to maximize their social impact by helping them define and achieve their philanthropic goals,” Howard says. “We help area nonprofits, especially those focused on children and youth, become stronger and financially sustainable, so they can continue serving those in need even when donations and governments funds are scarce. And our experts work with individual financial advisers to create customized, tax-advantaged giving strategies that complement clients’ tax and estate planning strategies while providing ongoing support to their favorite charities.”
YouthBridge began as an orphanage in 1877, and still champions causes that benefit young people. “Over time, we evolved from a direct-care provider into a community foundation, a group that works with donors to support the long-term needs of multiple nonprofits,” Howard says. A community foundation differs from a private foundation in key ways, he notes. “A donor-advised fund (DAF), or assets given to a community foundation for redistribution to nonprofits, is more flexible and less costly than a private foundation when it comes to transferring wealth, and also offers numerous tax advantages.”
Now, YouthBridge has found a way to make giving even easier: YouthBridge charitable gift cards. “Like retail gift cards, they’re given to celebrate birthdays, holidays and other special occasions,” Howard says. “But instead of being redeemed at the mall, they’re redeemed to benefit the IRS-qualified charity of the recipient’s choice.” The cards start at $25, and the purchase amount counts as a charitable gift for the buyer’s tax planning purposes, he adds.
Businesses can build their brands by ordering cards customized with their logo to give to clients, customers and employees. “It’s a wonderful, tax-deductible way for companies to create market value and community impact,” Howard says. “Corporate participants tell us the cards help boost employee morale and deepen client relationships by empowering recipients to make personal choices. It’s a way of saying, What’s important to you is important to me. And it’s a smart alternative to traditional holiday gifts—after all, who needs another fruit basket?”
Financial adviser Joan Malloy, managing partner and director of family strategy at Greenway Family Office, purchased holiday-themed cards for clients and colleagues last year. “They were a huge hit,” she says. “They allowed us to honor the season and show appreciation for clients and staff while also avoiding the excess that often dominates the holidays. Everyone appreciated being able to choose a cause that reflects their own values, instead of us making a donation on their behalf. I even bought cards as stocking stuffers for my children! You’re never too young to share the joy of giving.”
Image courtesy of YouthBridge Community Foundation
[To purchase a YouthBridge Community Foundation charitable gift card, call 314.985.6778 or visit youthbridge.org.]