The lifeblood of our organization is the thousands of devoted Rainbows volunteers. Because of them our operating costs can be held down to a conservative level considering the size of OUR ORGANIZATION and the numbers of youth being served. We wanted to take this opportunity to share a snapshot of the financial side of our organization.

In 1983, when Rainbows was founded, our mission was to provide a healing place for grieving youth. Today, our mission is exactly the same. The next child to participate in Rainbows is as important as the very first one. This commitment colors every decision we make.

While Rainbows is a charity, it is important that the community understands that this organization's needs are not underwritten by anyone. Rainbows pays the rent, utilities, paper, insurance, postage, and all other costs associated with a large corporation. Good business suggests Rainbows price the curriculum and services so that the organization remains financially solvent. What experience has taught us is that our "marketplace", schools churches, agencies, and synagogues, cannot afford the real cost of Rainbows or Spectrum materials. Unfortunately, social service dollars are not readily available for bereaved families. Not wanting money to be the reason our youth are not supported, Rainbows has committed to subsidize the cost of the program to our sites.

Through experience, Rainbows has found that creating new partnerships with program sites yields optimal results. In sharing the initial actual cost of establishing a site, their sense of ownership increases, therefore enhancing the responsibility in offering the program year after year. This unique partnership has proven to be quite successful, yet many schools, faith communities and community outreach organizations do not have the funds to train volunteers much less pay for the program materials.

As a not-for-profit organization deeply committed to reaching as many grieving children as possible, Rainbows offers its programs below actual costs, thanks to the generosity of local and national donors. As part of site support, Rainbows will assist every registered site to explore whether "scholarships" are available, or how other sources of revenue may be accessed, to underwrite all or part of actual program costs.

Once a site is established, their cost in continuing the program includes purchasing journal sets, keepsakes, and completion cards for each participating child, and training fees for new volunteer facilitators and coordinators.

We are continuously seeking funding from foundations, corporations, and individuals to support our mission and our growth. Any assistance, ideas, or guidance are always welcome.

Sincerely,
Suzy Yehl Marta
President and Founder