Bridges to Community

Fundraising Tools ​​

Your personal fundraising page connects your network to your trip
and to the families you'll be serving. Here's how to get it live in minutes.

Visit the site
Go to bridgestocommunity.org
Navigate to the Volunteer Trips section and use the "Find your Trip" dropdown to locate your specific group and travel dates.
 
Launch your page
Click the orange "Start Fundraising" button
On your group's page, click the orange "Start Fundraising" button, then select "Join as an Individual" to create your personal page under the group campaign.
 
 
Create your account
Register with a unique login
Enter your name and email to create your fundraising account. Your login will let you update your page, track donations, and thank your donors.
 
 
 
Make it yours
Add your story, a photo, and your fundraising goal
This is where your page comes alive. Use the sample text below as a starting point, add a personal photo, and set a goal that covers your share of the project cost. The more personal your page, the more your network will give.
 
 
 
Go live
Click "Create Profile" and start sharing
Your page is now live and linked to your group's total fundraising goal. Share the unique URL via email, text, social media, and anywhere your network gathers. All individual donations automatically count toward your group's campaign.
 
 
 
 

Sample Text for Your Fundraising Page

Not sure what to write? Use this as your starting point — feel free to personalize it with your own words, your reason for going, and what this experience means to you. The more authentic, the better.

Suggested fundraising page message

This year I will be traveling to the Dominican Republic to volunteer with Bridges to Community.

What makes this experience meaningful is that the work is done in partnership with the people who live there. I’ll have the opportunity to learn and exchange with them while contributing my time and energy in an impactful, hands-on way.

As part of this trip, I am also raising funds to support the programs that make this work possible. Donations go directly toward purchasing construction materials — cinderblocks, rebar, and cement — and paying the local masons who build alongside volunteers. Together, we will help a family in the San Juan province have a safe, dignified home.

If you would like to be part of this experience with me, please consider contributing here. Any amount helps, and every gift brings us closer to the goal. Thank you for being part of my journey!

Tips for a Successful Campaign

Fundraising doesn't have to be overwhelming.

These simple strategies can make a big difference in how much you raise
and how many people you bring into your mission.

Start with your inner circle

Send personal emails to close friends and family first. A direct, personal ask converts far better than a mass social media post.

Share updates as you prepare

Post about packing, your group, what you're reading about the DR, donors who feel connected give again and recruit others.

Thank every donor

A quick thank-you message public or private turns one-time donors into loyal supporters. Don't skip this step.

Post on social media

Share your fundraising page link across Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Tag @bridgestocommunity to amplify your reach.

Start early

It's never too early to ask. Starting 6–8 weeks before your trip gives your campaign time to gain momentum and reach your goal.

Share the final result

After your trip, post photos and a reflection. It shows donors what their gift built and keeps the door open for future support.

Resources for Volunteers

Find Your Trip Page

Navigate to your group's campaign page and launch your personal fundraising profile.

Contact Our Team

Have questions about setting up your page or reaching your goal? We're here to help.

Trip Itinerary

Share what your week will look like with donors — a great way to make your appeal more concrete.

About Our Programs

Learn more about what your funds support: housing, education, health, and economic development.

Offline Donations

Adding an Offline Donation to Your Fundraising Page

Use offline donations if you prefer to donate outside the online page. Available options include: check, bank transfer, Zelle, company matching, mail-in donations, charitable trust contributions, and gifting securities.

Add a Company Matching Donation to Your Fundraising Page

Use this process if your employer offers company matching or if a matching amount needs to be added manually.

Important Notes 

  • Company matching and any offline donations are reviewed before posting
  • Matching amounts may not appear immediately
  • Do not submit matching gifts as online credit card donations
  • If you have questions, contact the Bridges to Community team at info@bridgestocommunity.org

Troubleshooting

If you experience an error while trying to donate:

  • Clear your browser cookies and cache
  • Refresh the page and try again
  • Try using a different browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.)
  • If possible, attempt the donation from another device

If the issue continues, please contact the Bridges to Community team at jenniffer@bridgestocommunity.org for assistance.

Step into a
life-changing experience.

Register as a volunteer today and be the reason someone’s world gets better.