BRIDGE : Frequently Asked Questions

Resources: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the B.R.I.D.G.E. program?

What impact does BRIDGE have on a company?

How do employees participate?

How does the company participate?

Can employees do more?

What happens to the donated funds?

What is the B.R.I.D.G.E. program?

Breaking down barriers

Respecting others

Investing our resources

Dedication to the community

Giving ourselves, and

Everyone makes a difference

The BRIDGE Program is a company-sponsored program designed to encourage individuals to become involved in the community. This program empowers employees to execute their passions by volunteering their time to the non-profit organization of their choice. The company rewards the employees by contributing a set dollar amount for each hour the employee volunteers. The combination of the company's resources, matched to the employee volunteer time, produces extraordinary results within the community.

Employees participate by choosing an organization where they would like to volunteer their time. The parameters of accepted activities are purposely broad so that each employee has the opportunity to find something that appeals to them. Once they begin volunteering, they will record their volunteer time and submit it to a BRIDGE Coach. They are now on their way to earning BRIDGE dollars for their favorite organization.

The company contributes a set dollar amount…(example $20.00-$25.00) for each hour of community service that an employee completes up to…(example 12-15) hours per fiscal year. The employee decides where ½ of their earned funds are donated and the other ½ goes into a company pool. The employee may request distribution of earned funds at any time during the fiscal year. The company pool of funds is distributed annually through employee nominated requests approved by a committee of volunteers.

Launching this program within your company is easy. BRIDGE will provide you with everything you will need to make the program a success. The BRIDGE program coordinator will meet with a company representative to help set goals and review the participation agreement. BRIDGE requires a two-year commitment of company/employee participation and will provide your company with a mentor who will help you each step of the way.

Suggested launching times for the program would be when all employees are present for a quarterly or annual meeting. Your employees will be asked to complete a survey prior to that time, listing any organizations/activities where they currently volunteer. After a formal introduction of the program is made, the employees participate together in a group volunteer event. The program is essentially launched and the employees start earning funds by volunteering.

BRIDGE is a "win-win" program for everyone! For some, it allows their only opportunity to contribute financially to activities/organizations that they are passionate about. For others, it increases awareness of the positive impact a company can have on their community through volunteering. Program success is easily measured by the number of employee volunteer hours reported and through the annual charitable contributions distributed to organizations in your community.

Our current Bridge family includes companies located in Arizona, California, Canada, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, North Carolina, Texas and Washington D.C. The Bridge family is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others and we start by sharing our program with others.

Thank you for your interest in this program. We hope you will be encouraged to contact us to learn more about BRIDGE. Together, we can make a difference!

What impact does BRIDGE have on a company?

Employee camaraderie, job satisfaction and organizational commitment increases. RESULTING IN HIGHER EMPLOYEE RETENTION.

Employee skills including communication, leadership development and team building develop and grow. RESULTING IN INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY.

Employee pride about the company as a participant of a progressive program that has a direct and ongoing impact in the community is enhanced. RESULTING IN AN IMPROVED CORPORATE CULTURE.

Understanding of co-workers, respect for diversity and a sense of community and social obligation are increased as employees are exposed to different communities and neighborhoods. RESULTING IN A STRONGER TEAM SPIRIT.

Company visibility as a good corporate neighbor through the expression of the company’s commitment to a strong and healthy community is increased. RESULTING IN A POSITIVE COMMUNITY IMAGE.

Provides a unique way to leverage corporate philanthropy and provides employees an opportunity to be part of the community impact. RESULTING IN HIGHER EMPLOYEE MORALE.

How do employees participate?

Employees may volunteer at any type of institution or agency, or proved community service of any type that is not directly related to a political party or office. The company will not contribute to any activity that does not align with the company values. If you are not clear about whether or not your interest would qualify, you should contact either your program sponsor or head coach.

How does the company participate?

Your company contributes $_______ (suggestion: $20-$25) for each hour of community service that you complete up to #_______ (suggestion: 12 to 20) hours per fiscal year.

Can employees do more?

Of course your employees may continue to provide services after the #______ hours are completed. We strongly encourage your involvement and want to know about your cause.

Area Assistant Coaches are also needed in each region/city to help organize the program. If this interests you, contact your Head Coach.

What happens to the donated funds?

Employees decide where half of your annual contribution goes. The remaining half of your contributions will be allocated based on decisions made by a committee of volunteers.

BRIDGE has become an important part of our apartment community, The Park on Spring Creek. We consistently offer our residents ways to give back to their community. It has created a bond between our staff and residents that goes beyond a business relationship. We have raised money for foundations that help starving Americans and sick children. BRIDGE has created opportunities for us to spread the wealth of charity beyond our personal reach and extended it to our community families. Our residents are always asking us which organization we are going to be helping next.