BRIDGE Collective
Empowering nonprofits around the world through digital
A new initiative to bring together funders and nonprofits to build resilience,
strengthen digital capacity, and amplify impact at scale
Welcome from Vinay Nair
CEO & Co-Founder at Lightful
More and more, nonprofits are telling us how important storytelling and diversifying funding sources have become.
We have also been speaking with funders around the world and it’s clear that there is a desire to come together, and act in community.
I’m honoured to announce The BRIDGE Collective, a new initiative launching on the 30th of June designed to equip nonprofits with the tools, skills, and confidence to navigate these times, and respond to their needs.
Please get in touch! We’re building a collective movement - now is the time to act together and we would love for you to be involved.
In solidarity,
— Vinay Nair, CEO & Co-Founder, Lightful
The BRIDGE Collective
Working with a group of foundations around the world
The BRIDGE Collective is a powerful collaboration between Lightful, key philanthropic organisations and a wide range of nonprofits around the world offering the opportunity for funders to nominate any number of their grantees to participate in our digital capacity building programme, BRIDGE (Building Resilience in Digital Growth and Engagement). Drawing on our work with global funders we've created a programme that addresses the unique needs of small to medium-sized nonprofits.
This collective approach ensures participants benefit from tailored guidance, expert coaching, and a vibrant community of practice.
8 out of 10 charities say improving their website, digital presence or social media is their top priority for the year ahead - for many digital fundraising is a "struggle"
80% of nonprofits say AI is applicable to their work, but less than 50% are using it
96% of nonprofit attendees to Lightful’s ‘Navigating Funding Uncertainty’ webinar believe more training and support on diversifying fundraising would be helpful
88% of the nonprofit attendees were unsure or did not have enough unrestricted income to manage funding uncertainties
The BRIDGE Collective launches on 30th June
With masterclasses, one-to-one coaching, e-learning, practical AI training and tools, BRIDGE equips nonprofits with the digital storytelling and fundraising skills they need to build resilience and secure long-term sustainability. Lightful's bespoke digital and AI tools enhance efficiency, save time, and support campaign success through applied learning.
BRIDGE empowers nonprofits to:
- Run effective digital campaigns
- Build strong donor relationships through storytelling
- Develop impactful digital fundraising strategies
- Implement AI tools ethically and effectively
- Increase audience engagement through online platforms
- Learn by doing, in community
The BRIDGE Collective brings together organisations from around the world through global communities of practice, helping them learn from each other and build strong peer networks.
The impact of BRIDGE
Building a collective movement with funders
We’re inviting foundations to nominate and support as many grantees and partners as they wish to participate in The BRIDGE Collective – whether that’s 1, 10 or 100 – and come together in solidarity in our funders’ steering group. Excitingly, this will be chaired by Mari Kuraishi, President of the Jessie Ball duPont Fund and co-founder of GlobalGiving.
The group will provide strategic guidance and foster a collaborative, trusted space where funders can share insights, align efforts, and maximise the effectiveness of their support.
Supporting nonprofits around the world through partnership
Since 2018, Lightful has been strengthening the digital capacity and fundraising success of nonprofits through partnerships with incredible funders such as the UBS Optimus Foundation, Growald Climate Fund, Hewlett Foundation and Comic Relief.
Two of Lightful's longest-standing partners, the Gates Foundation and Jessie Ball duPont Fund, have funded hundreds of their nonprofit grantees to take part in the BRIDGE programme to improve their digital resilience and long tern sustainability.
Please read below to learn more about the outcomes generated by their grantees during their time on the BRIDGE programme in terms of digital confidence, funds raised and ROI.
The Gates Foundation
One of Lightful’s longest standing and most impactful partners. We have collaborated since 2020 supporting the foundation’s nonprofit grantees working in racial equity, gender justice and reproductive rights, faith-based work, midwifery and during the Covid-19 crisis.
833
nonprofits supported, together
64%
increase in funds raised by nonprofit participants during the BRIDGE programme in partnership with GlobalGiving
92%
of nonprofit participants saw an increase in confidence in creating and using a digital strategy
Gates FoundationFunderWe couldn’t agree more that supporting organisations to tell their stories and do more in their communities not only builds trust, but ultimately will help shape a future rooted in equity and justice.
Jessie Ball duPont Fund
During Lightful's longstanding partnership with Jessie Ball duPont Fund, we've supported their grantees to attract over 28,000 new donors.
126
nonprofits supported, together
$42+ million
raised directly through matched and bonus funding
5:1
return on investment for Jessie Ball duPont Fund
Mari Kuraishi, President, Jessie Ball duPont FundFunderOur grantees have seen amazing results using Lightful's digital tools and training, which is especially important during a time when expanding their digital storytelling and online donor engagement is critical to their survival. Thanks to the BRIDGE programme, our grantees are better positioned to achieve the exceptional results that help them better serve their clients now and into the future.
Get Involved
The challenges ahead require bold action,
and we do not have to face them alone.
The BRIDGE Collective is an invitation to funders and nonprofits alike to come together in a shared commitment to resilience.
As we announced during The Skoll World Forum 2025, we’re inviting foundations and other funders to nominate and support as many grantees and partners as they wish and come together in solidarity.
If you are a funder looking to support your grantees with long term capacity building, ensuring they have the skills, tools, and confidence to thrive, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.
Please get in touch with Georgie Stanton, Head of Partnerships below.
Contact us
Join The BRIDGE Collective
