In 2024, BRIDGE experienced remarkable growth and significant impact. We observed the incredible strength of collective organizing and the steadfast commitment of changemakers throughout Texas. From the Rio Grande Valley to the Piney Woods, passionate individuals and organizations are tackling our state’s most pressing challenges – and BRIDGE is proud to be their partner in creating a more just and equitable future.

This past year, our commitment to supporting and empowering these changemakers deepened. We cultivated a dynamic network of 32 alumni organizations called BRIDGE Collective, equipping them with the knowledge, resources, and connections necessary for grassroots success. We saw incredible energy and innovation emerge from our Accelerator and Incubator programs, where we funded, coached, and supported 26 new organizations and their leaders as they launched impactful projects.

The first BRIDGE Collective Summit was one of last year’s  key highlights. This event brought together 19 organizations and 32 leaders from our alumni network to San Antonio to collaborate and leverage each other’s strengths to amplify impact. In partnership with Layers of Change, Seeker Strategies, Conexion, Cates Law Firm, and other Texas-based facilitators, we prepared leaders for voter engagement in the November election, to fight back against the attacks on nonprofits through weaponized compliance, and used scenario planning tools to anticipate the impacts of a second Trump administration. We left inspired and  energized around a common purpose  to achieve far more than any of us could do alone.

None of this could have happened without the incredible generosity of our supporters. Because of their contributions, we raised $1.3 million this year, which enabled us to maintain and grow our programs. We  distributed $475,000 in direct grants through our Accelerator and Incubator programs, with an additional $24,060 dedicated to alumni-led special projects.

Beyond financial support, changemakers need guidance and expertise to navigate the complexities of building and sustaining an organization. That’s why we provided 733 hours of personalized coaching, 63+ hours of training and workshops, and 8+ hours of CPA-led financial advice – all free to participants. We also expanded our legal coaching program, delivering 58+ hours of legal support , hosting compliance workshops, and playing a key role in the establishment of two exciting new organizations: BLOOM Rio Grande Valley (a youth civic education organization in McAllen) and Climate Justice Texas (an environmental organization based in Beaumont).

BRIDGE’s work goes beyond just building skills. We believe in creating a strong community among founders, organizers, and activists. This year, we hosted or sponsored 13 community events, which included casual alumni happy hours and dinners, as well as civic gatherings like the Lost River Festival in San Marcos and TEDx Democracy in San Antonio. These gatherings provided opportunities for connection, learning, and celebration together.

Now, in the early days of a second Trump administration, we need these Texas progressive organizations and leaders more than ever. In 2025, BRIDGE is focused on weaving our network into the fabric of the Texas progressive ecosystem, deepening our programmatic offerings to support founders and their staff, and prioritizing alumni sustainability and resilience. In the coming weeks, we will release our 2025-2028 Strategic Plan, outlining the blueprint for how we will build people-powered organizations and movements across the state over the next five years. 

Together, we will build a Texas where trans folks are safe, where immigrants are valued, where women have choice, where our environment is protected, and where democracy flourishes. Join us. 

Progress starts here, 

H. Drew Galloway

BRIDGE