Question 1

What is Bhargava Bridges?

Accepted Answer

Bhargava Bridges is a Canadian nonprofit that strengthens other nonprofits, charities, community groups and education programmes. We connect them with the funding contacts, technology, skilled volunteers and partners they need to do more good.

Question 2

Why “Bridges”?

Accepted Answer

Because that is the work: we build connections between people who want to help and organisations that need help — between donors and projects, professionals and causes, and between organisations that achieve more together than apart.

Question 3

Where are you based?

Accepted Answer

We are based in Toronto, Ontario, and work with organisations across Canada and, through Canadian partners, internationally. Our mailing address is on the contact section of the home page.

Question 4

Who founded Bhargava Bridges?

Accepted Answer

Bhargava Bridges was founded by Rajiv Bhargava, a technology leader with a career in IT and organisational transformation. His message is on the home page.

Question 5

Are you religious or political?

Accepted Answer

No. We are non-partisan and serve people of every background, faith and culture. We do not support political campaigns or activities that exclude people based on identity.

Question 6

Is the website available in French?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every page is available in English and French. Use the EN / FR switch in the header.

Question 7

What services do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Funding support, NGO partnerships, project development, technology support, volunteer engagement and resource facilitation. Most organisations use a combination.

Question 8

Do you charge nonprofits for your help?

Accepted Answer

Our support is designed to be affordable for small organisations. Any costs are discussed openly before work begins, and many services are delivered with sponsors and volunteers.

Question 9

How is Bhargava Bridges different from a consultant?

Accepted Answer

We are a nonprofit working for the sector, not selling to it. Our goal is to leave organisations stronger and more independent, and to connect them with others rather than create dependence on us.

Question 10

Can you help an organisation outside Canada?

Accepted Answer

Yes, where there is a Canadian partner or community connection. Technology and planning support can often be delivered remotely.

Question 11

How do I request help?

Accepted Answer

Use the Submit a Project form for project support, or the contact form for anything else. We reply within two business days.

Question 12

Are the numbers on your website results?

Accepted Answer

No. The figures in “Areas of impact” and on initiative pages are our 2030 goals and are labelled as such. Verified results will be published in our annual report.

Question 13

Are the success stories real?

Accepted Answer

The stories currently on the site are clearly labelled “Illustrative”. They show the kinds of change we exist to make possible. Real partner stories will replace them, published only with written consent.

Question 14

Will you publish an annual report?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Each year we will publish what we did, what it cost and what changed, including what did not go to plan.

Question 15

How do you choose which organisations to support?

Accepted Answer

We look for clear community benefit, a realistic plan, a named lead and alignment with our causes. The criteria are listed on the Submit a Project page.

Question 16

Do you share the data you collect?

Accepted Answer

Never for marketing. Partners receive aggregated impact information; personal information stays private (see Privacy below).

Question 17

What are your initiatives?

Accepted Answer

The Digital Literacy Program, Community Technology Hubs, Educational Resource Networks, Health Outreach Partnerships and the Green Earth Campaign. Each has its own page under Projects.

Question 18

Are the initiatives already running?

Accepted Answer

They are being set up with founding partners now. Each initiative page shows its current status.

Question 19

Can my organisation host an initiative?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Libraries, community centres, schools, faith and cultural spaces and nonprofits can host classes, hubs, events or plantings. Use the Become a Partner form.

Question 20

Does Bhargava Bridges provide medical care?

Accepted Answer

No. Health Outreach Partnerships are delivered by licensed partner clinics and professionals. We coordinate the partnership and logistics.

Question 21

Can I suggest a new initiative?

Accepted Answer

Please do — through the Submit a Project form. Many good programmes start as someone else’s idea.

Question 22

What kind of IT help can we get?

Accepted Answer

Assessments, Microsoft 365 and cloud setup, secure file sharing, device and network advice, website help, cybersecurity basics and staff training.

Question 23

Can you help if we have no IT person at all?

Accepted Answer

That is exactly who we are for. We start with the basics and leave you with simple instructions your team can follow.

Question 24

How do you handle donated devices?

Accepted Answer

Every device is securely data-wiped to recognised standards before it is refurbished. Devices that cannot be reused are recycled with certified partners.

Question 25

Do you build websites?

Accepted Answer

We help small organisations plan, build or improve accessible websites that are easy to update, often with volunteer designers and developers.

Question 26

Is our data safe with you?

Accepted Answer

We follow least-access principles, never keep copies of partner data we do not need, and put multi-factor authentication and backups at the top of every checklist.

Question 27

Who can become a partner?

Accepted Answer

Corporations, foundations, NGOs and charities, schools and universities, community organisations and public agencies of any size.

Question 28

What does a partnership involve?

Accepted Answer

It can be sponsorship, employee volunteering, technology or in-kind donations, co-delivering a programme, expertise or events — often a mix. Every partnership has written goals and a named contact.

Question 29

Is there a minimum commitment?

Accepted Answer

No. Partnerships range from a single team day to multi-year programme sponsorship.

Question 30

Will you display our logo?

Accepted Answer

Only with your written permission and only once the partnership is active.

Question 31

How do we start?

Accepted Answer

Complete the Become a Partner form. We will arrange a 30-minute discovery call within two business days.

Question 32

How do I donate?

Accepted Answer

Send a pledge through the Donate page. We reply personally with giving options and all the details, and you complete your gift when it suits you. We never take payments through website forms.

Question 33

Will I receive a tax receipt?

Accepted Answer

We confirm the receipting details that apply to your gift before you give.

Question 34

Can I give monthly?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Monthly giving is one of the most helpful ways to support us because it lets partners plan ahead.

Question 35

Can I donate equipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes — working laptops, desktops, tablets, networking gear and professional services are all welcome. Mention them in the pledge form.

Question 36

Can I give in memory of someone?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Add a dedication in the pledge form and let us know if you would like us to notify a family member.

Question 37

Who can volunteer?

Accepted Answer

Anyone 18 or older. Younger people can join family-friendly events with a parent or guardian.

Question 38

How much time is needed?

Accepted Answer

As little as two hours a month. You can choose one-off events, short projects or ongoing roles.

Question 39

Can I volunteer online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many technology, professional and mentoring roles are fully remote.

Question 40

Is there screening?

Accepted Answer

Roles with children, youth or vulnerable people require references and a police vulnerable-sector check. Health roles are open only to licensed professionals.

Question 41

Will I get a reference?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We confirm volunteer hours in writing and provide references on request.

Question 42

Who can submit a project?

Accepted Answer

Registered charities, nonprofits, community groups (including unincorporated ones), schools, youth-led initiatives with an adult sponsor, and international partners with a Canadian connection.

Question 43

Do you give grants?

Accepted Answer

Our main role is to connect projects with funding, technology, volunteers and partners. Where we can help with funding directly, we discuss it with you.

Question 44

How long does a review take?

Accepted Answer

We reply within ten business days. If there is a fit, we arrange a conversation.

Question 45

Can I submit just an idea?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We support projects at every stage, from early ideas to programmes ready to scale.

Question 46

What won’t you support?

Accepted Answer

Political campaigns, support for individuals, and activities that exclude people based on identity.

Question 47

What happens to the information I submit?

Accepted Answer

It is stored securely in our private submissions inbox and emailed to our team so we can reply. It is used only to respond to you and is never sold, rented or shared for marketing.

Question 48

Can I ask you to delete my information?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Email connect@bhargava.ngo and we will delete it, except where we must keep a record by law.

Question 49

Do you use tracking or advertising cookies?

Accepted Answer

No. The site does not use advertising trackers.

Question 50

Is the website accessible?

Accepted Answer

We aim for WCAG 2.1 AA and AODA: keyboard navigation, screen-reader support, good contrast and reduced motion when your device asks for it. Tell us if anything is hard to use.

Question 51

How do I unsubscribe from the newsletter?

Accepted Answer

Use the unsubscribe link in any email, or write to connect@bhargava.ngo.

Frequently asked questions

About Bhargava Bridges

What we do

Impact & transparency

Our initiatives

Technology for Good

Partnerships

Donating

Volunteering

Submitting a project

Privacy & this website

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