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Bridgeways Inc

EIN 63-0498347 · Homewood, AL

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong95 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Bridgeways, Inc. provides programs and services to youth which focus on promoting character and leadership through experience. In school classrooms, at camp, and in community gathering places, youth learn to make healthy choices, plan responsibly, resolve conflicts, and build healthy relationships.

Income
$1.6 million
Spending
$1.5 million
Spent on programs
79%
Reserves
20.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 67%
Employees
58
Volunteers
0
Highest pay
$94,952, chief executive officer

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Strong: 95 out of 100. Higher than 89% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 20.2 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 5% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 3% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 3% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    79% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 5 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 64% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    21 of 22 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (4)
  1. $521,419 spent. In-School Programs - For over 40 years Bridgeways, Inc. has been providing Social & Emotional Learning programs in classrooms across Central Alabama. Evidenced by demand, educators highly value our Links-Up Mentoring, Career Education, Self-reliance, and Character Development curriculum. In classrooms, small groups, and gymnasiums full of students, Bridgeway's staff and volunteers engage students in activities and discussions, providing the non-academic instruction now required by Alabama's Course of Study. Bridgeway's programs in schools teach students to be responsible, resourceful and respectful; and allows teachers to focus on teaching academics.
  2. $119,849 spent. Outdoor Education - The value of experiential learning is ageless. Whether a teacher's class of children on a fieldtrip; a local conservancy club; a church youth group needing a retreat; community leaders wanting to convene and plan: Our communities are hungry for an outdoor, 'off-the-beaten-path' space to learn, grow and do their work. O.E. programs provide expertly led experiential, outdoor adventures for a broad spectrum of groups. PLACES matter. And Outdoor Education programs at the historical Camp Fletcher intentionally & methodically deliver memorable experiences which take root and cause personal growth.
  3. $550,579 spent. Child Care - Out-of-school time is a challenge for families. Working parents need to know their children are safe, & engaged in enriching activities under the watchful eye of vetted, trained mentors. At the same time, children & youth want to socialize with their peers, while needing programs led by healthy role models who will help them to discover their true self, appropriately direct their passions, & develop their own innate strengths. Day camp, weekend & after-school programs provide academic, character & leadership development-intentionally embedded in outdoor activities contributing to overall health and well-being.
  4. $21,574 spent. Residential Camp - Over 5 days & nights, Residential Camp is a highly focused experience in independent living. Intentionally designed sessions teach campers to take responsibility for themselves, their belongings, actions, feelings & behavior. In small "tribes", campers take part in tradition outdoor camp activities & learn to plan, work, play, and function as part of a team. Lasting friendships are formed; tolerance & kindness are practiced; self-awareness is increased. Residential campers depart more capable of understanding themselves in the context of the world around them.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since July 2020.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.