At The Bridge Builder Collective, we believe opportunity should not be limited by circumstance. We are a grassroots, founder-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to removing barriers and expanding access to education, mentorship, workforce opportunity, and essential resources for students and families across our community.

 

Every dollar donated is stewarded with care and intention. With no full-time or part-time staff, all programming and operations are led directly by our founders, allowing us to prioritize impact and ensure contributions are invested where they matter most.

 

Why Your Support Matters

Your donation helps us respond to real needs identified by families, students, and community partners. Rather than operating programs in isolation, we build initiatives based on feedback, access gaps, and measurable outcomes.

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When you give to The Bridge Builder Collective, you are investing in practical solutions that create both immediate relief and long-term opportunity.

 

How Your Donation Makes an Impact

• Education & College Access

  • Through the Dr. Marvin Lott Scholarship Program and Bridge Forward, our college funding and resource hub, we support students and families navigating scholarships, financial aid, and postsecondary pathways with clarity and confidence.

• Mentorship & Youth Development

  • Our Navigators Mentoring Program (formerly Omega Lamplighters) provides structured, relationship-centered mentoring designed to support student growth, accountability, and outcomes—guided directly by parent and student feedback.

• STEM Exposure & Career Awareness

  • Geek Squad Academy is a free, two-day STEM camp serving youth ages 8–18. The program introduces students to technology, problem-solving, and future career pathways in a hands-on, engaging environment.

• Workforce Development

  • Through Bridge to Opportunity, we assist individuals facing employment barriers caused by fines—such as driver’s license-related fines—that prevent them from working. By removing these barriers, individuals can regain access to employment and contribute to the local economy.

• Community Support

  • Our Annual Backpack Giveaway provides backpacks filled with school supplies to families in need, ensuring students start the school year prepared and confident.

• Community Recognition & Leadership

  • Women Who Build Honors celebrates women whose leadership, service, and consistency strengthen communities—often behind the scenes, always with impact.

 

Ways to Give

Supporters may choose to give in the way that aligns best with their values and capacity:

• One-Time Donations – Support our mission and ongoing programs

• Recurring Giving – Provide consistent, year-round support

• Program-Specific Giving – Direct your contribution to a specific initiative

• Student Sponsorships – Support a mentee or scholarship recipient

• Corporate & Organizational Sponsorships – Partner with us to create measurable community impact

• Honor or Memorial Gifts – Celebrate or remember someone meaningful

 

How to Donate

Donations can be made securely online by clicking the button at the bottom of this page.
 

Checks or money orders may also be mailed to:

The Bridge Builder Collective
9515 Lee Hwy
STE B #163
Ooltewah, TN 37363

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Our Commitment to Stewardship

We take the responsibility of stewarding donations seriously. Our lean, founder-led model allows us to prioritize direct program investment, minimize overhead, and remain accountable to the communities we serve.

 

Your support fuels access, opportunity, and progress.