FAQs
We believe that safe access is a human right. Access is an equalizer, creating equal opportunity for all members of a community. We act on this belief by turning rural isolation into connection. We’re a non-profit organization that connects isolated communities to education, health care, and economic opportunity. We do this by working alongside community members, industry partners, and governments to build trailbridges.
The isolated communities where we work are cut off from schools, health clinics, and markets for months out of the year. The rivers our trailbridges span are perilous to cross on foot, and they often become completely impassable during the rainy season. Trailbridges create improved access to essential services and opportunity.
Take a look at our Global Work page, there you can see where we work and more!
We believe there is efficiency and strength in specialization. By limiting our focus to pedestrian bridges, we have become an expert in trailbridge design and construction, and aim to be the primary source of rural bridge resources and support. You can read more at: Our Approach or Why Bridges, just click on the links!
Our in-country staff members forge strong ties with local organizations and governments, who often are already aware of areas that may benefit from a safe river crossing. We collaborate with these partners to identify a potential bridge site and then we determine project feasibility by assessing level of need, community participation and long term partnership potential with local governments.
Our suspended and suspension bridge projects generally take eight weeks to complete, depending on the commitment and availability of the community and the participation of industry partners.
Our longest suspended bridge is the Chari Chari bridge in Bolivia, which measures 158m, or 518.4ft.
Our longest suspension bridge is Arenales in Nicaragua, which measures 129.5m or 424.9ft.
All projects must meet these main criteria:
- The project must be constructible with locally-sourced materials and labor
- There must be a realistic method of funding the construction of the project after the design is complete
Our average trailbridge project costs approximately $60,000, taking into consideration varying topographic and geographic conditions, community contributions and logistical challenges. This competitive cost is driven by our technical innovations, efficient supply chain, and requirement of local investment.
Many of our Industry Partner teams request power tools and generators to maximize their limited time on-site. As these are not required to complete the design as specified and are rather a means to quicken the pace of construction, they are not considered “design critical.” Otherwise, all tools are locally available in-country, and found at most hardware stores. Our standard projects never utilize heavy machinery, such as backhoes or excavators. They may, however, employ the occasional cattle or donkey!
We generally accept volunteers who are participating in our Industry Partnership Program, and we welcome inquiries from volunteers with specific skill sets that can contribute to our programs.
Contact us to see how you can take action.
Our primary stipend volunteer opportunity is the Bridge Corps Fellowship. Bridge Corps Fellows are immersed in a culture, work on a variety of projects, and gain valuable professional experience. Field positions require a minimum 6-month commitment in the country of application, 1-year preferred.
We love it! Here’s what we suggest:
- Make sure to join our email list to receive regular news updates and alerts about our work.
- Spread the word about B2P. We have materials that you can use to introduce B2P to your civic group, neighborhood council, place of worship, school, youth group, book club, friends and family! Simply contact us.
- Help make our work possible with a tax-deductible donation to B2P. Funding directly impacts the number of bridges we can support and the expansion of our reach to serve a greater number of isolated communities. You can be an essential part of connecting people in these communities to opportunity.
Check out our Join Us page for employment and fellowship opportunities.
Rotary International has been our longest-running and most constant supporter, having funded our first project, and participating on multiple projects today. B2P was founded by a Rotarian, and several board members are active Rotarians.
Interested in getting your Rotary club involved? Find out more on our Rotary page. For additional questions, connect with Robyn Long, B2P’s Grants Administrator.
B2P’s mission – to connect isolated rural communities with healthcare, education and economic opportunities by building trailbridges over impassable rivers – directly aligns with Rotary International’s mission to practice service and integrity and advance understanding, goodwill and peace throughout the world.
Read more about our vision and mission.
Check out our Corporate page to learn more about the benefits of partnering with us and how to get your company involved.
We’re fortunate to have many Industry Partners who offer support through generous donations, in-kind material contributions, and programs that make it possible for employees to volunteer their time on bridge projects around the world.
This support fuels growth in the number of projects we can complete each year.
All online donations will prompt an automatic email receipt for your tax records. Tax-deductible donations given through other means will receive an email or hard copy receipt from our headquarters. If you have not received your receipt or would like a duplicate copy of your receipt, please contact .
B2P is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, ID #54-2031102. Gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.