Agency Fundholder Spotlight: Camp Rainbow
YouthBridge Community Foundation of Greater St. Louis offers endowment building services to help nonprofit agencies generate income for longer-term initiatives. Delivering access to low-cost, high-quality investment solutions and education on endowments is only the start. YouthBridge assists with the entire process – from establishing an endowment fund to financial reporting that creates the greatest impact. YouthBridge also provides matching funds each year to child-serving nonprofits that start or add to their endowment!
Organizations with endowment funds at YouthBridge are called Agency Fundholders. Each month we spotlight one Agency Fundholder to shine more light on these meaningful relationships. This month we feature Camp Rainbow, our newest Agency Fundholder. Executive Director, Heather Bachman, shares more.
Q. In what ways has the endowment changed your long-term vision or expanded the possibilities for your organization’s future?
A. The endowment has given Camp Rainbow the stability to dream bigger – expanding programs, creating new programs, reaching more families, and planning for decades ahead. It ensures our life-changing camps will continue to bring joy, connection, and hope for generations to come.
Q. If another nonprofit leader asked whether starting an endowment is YouthBridge is worth it, what would you say – and why?
A. It is absolutely worth it! In just two months of partnering with YouthBridge, we have already gained valuable community connections and new funding opportunities. Their expertise, network, and commitment to our mission make them an incredible partner in building long-term sustainability and expanding our impact.
Q. What recent moments or milestones have made you especially proud – the kind that remind you why you do this work?
A. Watching 155 campers and 185 volunteers come together this summer for SIBS (Super Important Brothers & Sisters) and Oncology Overnight Camp was unforgettable. Seeing campers find courage, joy, and lifelong friendships – even in the midst of illness – reminded us exactly why Camp Rainbow exists.
Q. Do you have any exciting news or events coming up for Camp Rainbow?
A. We have several exciting updates! We are keeping the magic alive by:
- Expanding our Camp-In program to the children’s hospital in Columbia, MO;
- Launching a new Bereavement Family Camp, designed to bring connection, comfort, and community to families on their healing journey;
- Hitting all the right notes this November at the Hermann Jazz Festival, our signature fundraising event; and
- Gathering friends and supporters in February for Cocktails for Camp, a night of celebration and impact.