Investments made in YouthBridge are used to fund three initiatives, which we call the three "Es" of YouthBridge: Education, Enterprise investments and Endowment building. Each is designed to create sustainability in the agencies that serve disadvantaged children.

Educating Charities in Social Entrepreneurial Practices
In partnership with Washington University’s Skandalaris Center, YouthBridge created the Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation Competition (SEIC) and the YouthBridge Workshops. The competition and the YouthBridge Workshops are free and open to all. Agencies of any size, both new and established, will benefit from the opportunity to learn best business practices, develop an entrepreneurial business model and network with community leaders and peers. Since its inception, the SEIC has awarded more than $100,000 annually to the prizewinners; however, agencies do not have to enter the competition to attend any or all of the workshops. For workshop topics, a schedule of events and how to participate, visit www.sces.wustl.edu/SEIC.

Investing in Social Enterprise Initiatives
An important part of the SEIC curriculum is the need for agencies to develop a social enterprise. In most cases, such initiatives require investment capital to proceed. YouthBridge, along with philanthropic investors, venture funds and mentors such endeavors. Read how St. Louis ArtWorks, an SEIC prizewinner, developed a successful social business called the Boomerang Press with venture funding and mentoring from YouthBridge at www.stlartworks.org.

Enabling Endowment Building
YouthBridge believes the long-term plan for all charities should include building an endowment that provides a perpetual stream of income to support operations, provide for emergencies and expand the mission. While all agencies desire such an asset, few have the expertise or discretionary funds to invest in the long-term planned-giving effort. When children’s agencies meet the YouthBridge criteria, we provide the consulting expertise, legal guidance and financial services necessary to build and manage an endowment program. At the Good Shepherd School for Children, www.goodss.org, our endowment building partnership is creating capital and sustainability for children with special needs.

YouthBridge also assists individuals and families who wish to fulfill their philanthropic vision by investing directly in the charities of their choice or by investing through the foundation. This is often done in collaboration with the donor’s wealth advisor.