No, Rainbow Bridge Projects LLC does not fund new bridges. Rather, it is a network of connections, ideas, resources, and potential partners. It was launched by it’s founder as a gratitude project for the kindness and support she’s experienced throughout her life. Ideas and resources will be shared and celebrated with each bridge built.

Rainbow Bridges can be created in parks, gardens, churches, humane societies, residential communities, veterinarian clinics, business settings, schools, or other welcoming spaces.

It only takes one person with the idea and motivation to build a Rainbow Bridge in their community. You will quickly find that people welcome the idea and finding volunteers to help may not be a challenge.

The basic steps:

• Finding a space, and getting the “buy in” from the individual, organization, or town that controls that space.

• Gathering volunteers who want to be involved from the beginning.

• Researching local companies and artists who would like to build and paint the bridge. Size can be based on your space. Keep in mind that if a bridge is to be walked on, you must plan for the weight limit of the bridge. Some are built for wheelchairs. There may be multiple people walking across it at the same time.

• Secure the funding. This could be corporations, individuals, and fundraising events.

• Ongoing funds can be raised with sponsorships and memorial bricks or plaques. Be creative!

• Know that the bridge will need upkeep (as will the area around it). Volunteers may keep it clean, repaint it as needed, plant a garden and a install a bench around it.

You could add a spot for pet owners to hang their pet’s tags and collars. This allows the community to feel connected to their bridge.

Adding a plaque to recognize those who built or funded it is a nice touch. A copy of the rainbow bridge poem allows visitors to understand the “why” of the bridge. A bench nearby allows visitors to sit as they remember their beloved pet.

There are multiple ways to recognize your beloved pet at a public space: flowers, plaques, bricks, notes, collars and tags. If you are concerned about losing a collar or tag that your pet wore, you can purchase a duplicate collar/tag at a local pet store or online. This can be left on the bridge.