Exciting News: We're Applying for 501 (c) 3 Status!
We are thrilled to announce that Blooming Bridges Foundation will be submitting its application for 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt status with the IRS in the coming days!
This is a significant step forward in our mission to be a steadfast source of support for families and first responders—walking beside them through overwhelming journeys, offering compassionate guidance, personalized care, and education that fosters understanding, healing, and lasting progress. We are eager to continue growing and serving our community.
Understanding Donations During Our Pending 501 (c) 3 Status:
We want to be transparent with our valued supporters about what this means for donations made while our application is under review.
When a nonprofit organization, like ours, has submitted an application for 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt status but has not yet received approval from the IRS, any donations made during this pending period are conditionally tax-deductible.
Here’s what that means for you:
- No Guaranteed Deductibility (Yet): Until the IRS officially grants our 501 (c) 3 status, we cannot guarantee that your contribution will qualify as tax-deductible.
- Retroactive Approval is Key: The good news is that if the IRS approves our application, tax-exempt status is typically retroactive to our organization’s formation date. This means donations made while our application was pending would then likely become tax-deductible for you. You would typically receive a revised receipt from us at that time.
- If Our Application is Denied: In the event our application is not approved, donations made during the pending period will unfortunately not be tax-deductible.
- Our Commitment to Transparency: It is incredibly important to us that our donors are fully informed. We are committed to keeping you updated on the progress of our application. We believe in honest and informed giving, and we want you to understand that the deductibility of your generous gift depends on the outcome of the IRS determination.
Your Support Matters More Than Ever
Your early support is crucial as we take this important step. While we await the IRS's decision, every contribution allows us to advance our key activities:
- Advocacy and Brokering Services: Guidance is provided in navigating resources for education, healthcare, and financial support.
- Community Outreach and Engagement: Partnerships with schools and organizations foster inclusion through workshops, sibling support groups, and events with accessible childcare.
- Law Enforcement Education: This program focuses on providing officers and first responders with the skills to appropriately recognize and respond to individuals on the Autism Spectrum, including understanding common behaviors and communication styles, using de-escalation techniques, and employing effective communication strategies for those who may be nonverbal or sensitive to certain stimuli; training often involves scenario-based learning to prepare responders for real-life encounters, promoting safer and more respectful interactions with the community.
We understand that the conditional nature of tax deductibility during this period requires careful consideration. We are happy to answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to reach out to us support@bloomingbridgesfoundation.org
(417)-696-5015.
Thank you for believing in our mission and for considering a gift to Blooming Bridges Foundation. We look forward to sharing updates on our 501 (c) 3 status soon!
Warmly,
The Team at Blooming Bridges Foundation
You're Invited to Our First Fundraiser!
Vendor Fair – Food, Fun, and Community Support
Location: 5399 Hwy 43, Joplin, MO 64804
Hosted by: aliceCBD
Date: Saturday, July 19 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
50% of food sale proceeds will benefit The Blooming Bridges Foundation.
Come out to support local vendors, enjoy delicious food, and help us make a difference!
Vendors- Sign up now! Booth rental and a donation for the silent auction to showcase your services.
Coming Soon!
We are thrilled to announce the upcoming opening of
Atypical Family Therapy & Disability Support Services, a new and much-needed therapy facility serving the Joplin Metro area & the surrounding four-state region, including Joplin, Webb City, Carthage, Granby, Seneca, & Neosho, MO, Miami, OK & Pittsburg, KS.
Click here to visit Atypical Family Therapy Website!
Blooming Bridges Foundation in Action
Our Mission
Building Bridges for Brighter Futures
Our Philosophy
Inclusion doesn't mean doing everything for every individual. It means setting up the right supports so they can learn to do more for themselves
Request for Services
As we get closer to opening, we'd love to connect with you. We believe that your experiences and perspectives are invaluable. Would you be willing to share your thoughts & help us create the most beneficial therapies & services or are you interested in requesting services for you or your child when we launch?
Empowering Families, Building Bridges: Your Community Resource
This core principle drives everything we do at The Blooming Bridges Foundation. We are dedicated to empowering families by providing them with the essential tools, knowledge, and compassionate support they need to navigate challenges, foster resilience, and achieve their full potential. Simultaneously, we are committed to building bridges within the community – connecting families with vital resources, fostering understanding, and breaking down barriers to access and inclusion. We strive to be your trusted community resource, offering comprehensive programs and services designed to uplift, educate, and unify individuals and families across the four-state region.
Reshaping the World, Not the Individual
Autistic individuals don’t need to be fixed—they need to be understood, supported, and celebrated. The goal isn’t to reshape them to fit the world, but to reshape the world to embrace their brilliance. Too often, systems—from schools to healthcare to public spaces—are built without neurodiversity in mind, forcing autistic people to navigate environments that are unwelcoming or even harmful. True inclusion demands more than surface-level accommodation; it requires a fundamental shift in how we design, educate, and engage. It’s about creating spaces that value different ways of thinking, communicating, and experiencing life. At Blooming Bridges Foundation and Atypical Family Therapy, we believe real progress starts when we listen, learn, and lead with empathy—building a world where every mind is not only accepted, but empowered to thrive.
Joplin Chamber of Commerce
Blooming Bridges Foundation and Atypical Family Therapy & Disability Support Services made the decision to join the Chamber of Commerce as a reflection of our deep commitment to community. For us, it’s about more than membership—it’s about becoming actively engaged in a network that values connection, collaboration, and meaningful impact.
We believe in the power of building lasting relationships and working together with fellow businesses, organizations, and leaders to support and strengthen our local community. By joining the Chamber, we hope to contribute to a shared vision of growth, inclusion, and support for all, especially families and individuals who are often underserved.
Inclusive & Welcoming: Businesses we proudly recommend
