frequently-asked-questions

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bright Horizons Foundation for Children is a nonprofit organization focused on brightening the lives of children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness and other crises. We do this by creating and supporting Bright Spaces; warm, safe, enriching spaces in homeless shelters and other agencies for children and youth to build caring relationships, heal from trauma through play, and experience the joy of childhood. The Foundation believes that we can make the world a better place by engaging Bright Horizons’ employees, clients, families, friends, and community partners to strengthen families, support our communities, share our knowledge, and encourage others to join us in making a difference.

How is the Foundation related to Bright Horizons?

Bright Horizons Family Solutions founded the Foundation in 1999. Through the Foundation, Bright Horizons employees are able to work with community organizations while tapping into our teachers experience and expertise to serve at-risk children.

How is the Foundation funded?

We receive funding from many sources, including Bright Horizons Family Solutions and its corporate clients, parents, and employees. As a nonprofit organization, all donations are tax-deductible.

Bright Spaces

What is a Bright Space®?

It is a warm, enriching place in shelters and community agencies where children and youth can build caring relationships, heal from trauma through play, and experience the joy of childhood. They are created and supported through partnerships with community agencies, financial sponsors, a Bright Horizons center, school or department and the Bright Horizons Foundation for Children.

I want to open a Bright Space. How do I start?

Great! We would be happy to discuss with you how to get a team together, the funding needed, and finding the right agency for you to work with. Please contact the Bright Spaces team at brightspaces@brighthorizons.com.

I want to volunteer in a Bright Space, how do I find one?

For information on how to volunteer in a Bright Space, please contact the Bright Spaces team at brightspaces@brighthorizons.com. They can assist you in locating an agency that needs volunteers.

Can we donate items to a shelter or a Bright Space through the Foundation?

The Foundation does not have the resources to manage donations of items. We can provide you with a list of agencies and shelters that would like to accept donations. In most cases, the best practice is to identify a local agency and work directly with them. Please contact the Bright Space team at brightspaces@brighthorizons.com for assistance.

Grants and Community Champions

I am interested in applying for a Foundation grant. Is everyone eligible?

The Gleason Grants Program provides grants to qualified nonprofit organizations receiving volunteer service from a Bright Horizons employee. There are two levels of Gleason Grants: $250 grant is available to qualified nonprofit organizations where a Bright Horizons employee volunteers at least 20 or more hours a year; $500 grant is available to qualified nonprofit organizations where a Bright Horizons employee volunteers more than 100 hours a year. For more information about our grant criteria click here.

Where do I find the grant applications?

On this website at www.https://brightspaces.org.uk//what-we-do/grants/

Who can become a Community Champion?

Bright Horizons employees that volunteer their time with nonprofit organizations are eligible to be nominated by a Bright Horizons colleague to receive a Community Champions award. A plaque along with a letter of gratitude will be sent to the employee. Click here to access the Community Champion nomination form.