Every act of giving is a
Courageous Step forward.

When you give to Courageous Steps, you’re not just making a donation—you’re opening doors of opportunity for children and families who need a little extra support to find their path. 

For just $25, you can help supply a school full of supplies for the year.
A gift of $50 helps fund sensory resources in local classrooms and enrichment programs.
And with $100, you can provide a week of preschool for a child who needs that right start.  

Your generosity today
​creates real change tomorrow! 

Gifts to Courageous Steps support nearly a dozen community programs all over Maine and thousands of children....that number is growing everyday.

Whether it's a donation now, or a planned donation down the road, we encourage you to learn about the ways you can Step Forward and create a Bright Path forward for every child!

Payroll Deductions

This is the easiest way to give. If your company runs a Courageous Steps campaign just fill out a pledge card and the amount you select per pay period will be deducted directly from your paycheck. Small increments over time make big change! Contact us to learn more about running a campaign.

Donate By Check

You can mail a check to:
The Courageous Steps Project 
P.O. Box 1
​Stillwater, ME 04489

Donate ONline

You can make either a one time or recurring donation via credit or debit card payment. Recurring gifts through our website are evergreen, meaning once you make the pledge it continues until you change or cancel it. Donate Today: https://give.thecourageousstepsproject.org/give/531141/#!/donation/checkout?eg=true

Gift of Stock

A great way to give to the Courageous Steps Project is a gift of stock. Avoid paying taxes on appreciated value and qualify for an income tax charitable deduction based on today’s market value, when you itemize. If a gift of stock makes sense for you, please contact us at (207) 827-7270 or email [email protected] for account transfer information.

IRA Distribution

IRA owners must be age 70 1/2 or older to make a tax-free charitable contribution. Those who meet the age requirement can transfer up to $100,000 per year directly from an IRA to an eligible charity like Courageous Steps without paying income tax on the transaction. If you are 73 or older, use this transfer to satisfy your required minimum distribution (RMD).

Endowments and Planned Giving

Over the years we’ve learned that the work of today may not be the work of tomorrow. We know that our communities will grow and change. When you commit yourself to our endowment funds, you guarantee our ability to respond to the changing landscape of our region. With your help we can build capacity for both present and future needs for years to come.  Please reach out to [email protected] or call 207-827-7270 for more information. 

Corporate Giving

Businesses and organizations often choose to give beyond a workplace campaign. Gifts can be above and beyond a workplace campaign. Examples include employee matching gifts or gifts from an organization’s Foundation. Corporate gifts can be mailed to our office or you can reach out to [email protected] to get an online link to the gift portal. 

Bequests

What is a Bequest?

• A bequest is a gift made through a donor’s will or living trust.
• It allows donors to support BrightPath’s mission without affecting their finances during their lifetime.
• Bequests are flexible: donors can give a fixed dollar amount, a percentage of their estate, or the remainder after other obligations.

Types of Bequests to Promote

• Specific Bequest: A set amount of money or a specific asset (e.g., $10,000 or a piece of property).
  • Example: “I give $25,000 to The Courageous Steps Project for the Step Forward Center.”
• Percentage Bequest: A percentage of the donor’s estate (helpful when estate size may change).
  • Example: “I give 10% of my estate to The Courageous Steps Project for the BrightPath Expansion.”
• Residual Bequest: Whatever remains after other obligations (family, debts, taxes) are met.
  • Example: “I give the residue of my estate to The Courageous Steps Project for the Step Forward Center.”
• Contingent Bequest: Only goes into effect if heirs predecease the donor.
  • Example: “If my spouse does not survive me, I give my estate to The Courageous Steps Project for the Step Forward Center.”

Suggested Legal Language

For BrightPath, something like:
“I give, devise, and bequeath [the sum of $____ / ____% of my estate / the residue of my estate] to The Courageous Steps Project, a nonprofit corporation organized under the laws of the State of Maine, with a principal business address of 78 Main Road, Milford, ME 04461, to be used for its general charitable purposes, with a preference for supporting the the organization's mission and vision (or specific cause)”

Benefits for Donors

• Simple: Adding a bequest just requires a will or trust update.
• Flexible: Can be changed at any time as life circumstances evolve.
• Impactful: Creates a legacy of hope and opportunity for future children and families.
• Inclusive: Doesn’t require great wealth—any size gift makes a difference.

"Every child and young adult deserves a bright path forward. I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure every child has what they need to grow, to thrive, and to succeed, just like I did."

Connor J. Archer, Founder & Chairman/CEO