Agency Fundholder Spotlight: Dance Moves STL

YouthBridge Community Foundation of Greater St. Louis helps nonprofits build endowment funds that promote long-term stability, generate future income, and strengthen donor trust. Its support includes affordable investment management, endowment education, personalized guidance, financial reporting, and annual matching funds for eligible child-serving nonprofits. Through these services, YouthBridge works alongside organizations to help sustain their mission and secure their long-term impact.

Nonprofits with Endowment Funds at YouthBridge are called Agency Fundholders. Each month, YouthBridge spotlights one Fundholder, celebrating partnerships that strengthen connections across our community. We are pleased to highlight our newest Fundholder, Dance Moves STL (DMSTL), an organization founded to build connections and inspire confidence through social dance. Executive Director Angie Brooks shared insight into what this new Endowment means to their organization.

Q. Looking ahead, what possibilities or future impact do you see for your organization because of your endowment with YouthBridge?

Dance Moves STL has set up both a Reserve and Quasi-Endowment fund with YouthBridge. As a small but growing nonprofit, this type of long-term investing with flexible access can help us strengthen and expand our staffing and infrastructure, and allow us to be responsive to the evolving needs of schools and families.

Q. Have you determined whether you intend to continue growing your endowment through additional contributions? If so, what vision or values guide that decision?

Yes. DMSTL seeks to grow our quasi-endowment as resources allow. By building a long-term source of financial support, we strengthen our ability to provide equitable, high-quality arts education programming for ALL students across the greater St. Louis region, including the subsidization of program fees for schools in under-resourced and low-income communities.

Q. If another nonprofit leader asked whether establishing an endowment with YouthBridge is worth it, what would you tell them — and why?

If you’re looking to build your organization’s long-term sustainability, consider YouthBridge. As we explored investment options, YouthBridge made it easy, welcoming every question and providing thoughtful, knowledgeable responses. For us, there is added value in their trusted stewardship, philanthropic expertise, and commitment to strengthening local nonprofits.

Q. Beyond your endowment, does Dance Moves STL have any exciting news, milestones, or upcoming events you would like to share with the community?

As DMSTL approaches its 17th year, we remain committed to cultivating essential life skills through social dance. In 2026–2027, we anticipate serving more than 1,200 students in 50+ classrooms across 30+ schools, expanding partnerships and transforming young lives one step at a time!

If you are interested in becoming part of the YouthBridge family and exploring your charitable giving options, please contact Andranique Joe, Director of Philanthropy.

Those wishing to make a lasting investment in Dance Moves STL’s future may contribute directly to its Endowment through the YouthBridge website. These gifts support DMSTL’s long-term financial stability, helping ensure the organization can continue serving the community for generations to come.