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Bridges for Peace, Inc./ BFPUSA

Rating
Sector:

Advocacy

Total
Revenue:

$4,379,209

Total
Expenses:

$4,286,187

Net
Assets:

$808,914
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Profile Contents

Research Analysis
Financial Information

Ministry Pie Chart

Database Avg This Ministry
Program 79.7% 81.4%
General & Admin 12.6% 6.4%
Fundraising 6.8% 10%
Savings .4% 2.1%


Ministry Pie Chart

Ministry Pie Chart

Age Size Box:

>50
Yr(s)25-50
<25
<$1m$1m-
$5m
>$5m

Summary

Bridges for Peace is working to build positive relationships between Christians and Jews and to educate the church about its rich Hebraic heritage. They offer assistance to Jewish immigrants and other poor people in Israel by providing food baskets, blankets, medical assistance, etc. In addition, they provide education and ministry through various means such as television programs, prayer and teaching letters, newspapers and other periodicals. Bridges for Peace is a nonprofit organization and contributions to it are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. In addition, it is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA).

Contact Information: [ Back to top ]

Mailing Address:300 Tucker Lane
Cocoa, FL
32926-2926
Website: www.BFPUSA.org
Phone:(800) 566-1998, (321) 637-0010
Email:You need to enable javascript to see the email

Organization Details [ Back to top ]

EIN: 411334042
CEO/President: Rev. James B. Solberg Tax Deductible: Yes
Chairman: Rev. Rebecca J. Brimmer Fiscal Year End: December 31
Board Size: 13 Financial info from: 990
Founder: Dr. G. Douglas Young Member of ECFA: Yes
Year Founded: 1977 Member of ECFA since: 1996

Purpose [ Back to top ]

Bridges For Peace, Inc. ("BFP") is a Jerusalem-based, multi-faceted, Christian organization dedicated to the building of sincere relationships between the Christian and Jewish communities, while encouraging greater concern for the land and people of Israel. It is BFP's desire to see Christians and Jews working side by side for better understanding and a more secure Israel. BFP has the following programs:

Dispatch from Jerusalem: A bi-monthly publication with pertinent and positive news from Israel and informative insights into the hopes and aspirations of the Israeli people, all in a prophetic context. Israel Teaching Letter: Monthly in-depth studies bringing to light the fuller meanings of biblical concepts from the Hebraic roots of the Scriptures.

Jerusalem Mosaic: A television series, shot on location in Israel, which brings the Land of the Bible and her people direct from Israel to viewers.

Update From Jerusalem: Weekly e-mail update with prayer focus.

Chai Night Prayer and Study Groups: A monthly intercessory prayer program sponsored by individuals and churches around the world who desire to "Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem."

Bridge-Building Projects: Promote better Christian-Jewish understanding and support for Israel on the local and regional level around the world. Projects such as Hebrew classes, film series, Israel Awareness Programs, speakers bureau, study seminars, etc. are offered.

Operation Ezra: A vital social assistance program providing a channel of practical help to a variety of worthy projects in Israel utilizing cash contributions and gifts-in-kind from Christians to bless Israel.

Operation Rescue: This program helps the poorest Jews, from the countries of the former Soviet Union, prepare to immigrate to Israel.

Short Term Service: A wonderful opportunity for Christians to build sincere relationships by volunteering to serve as short term staff assisting Israel's poor and new immigrants directly via our BFP Food Bank/Distribution Center, Gleaning Program, and Home Repair Project.

Bridges for Peace Forest in Israel: Located on Mt. Tabor, this forest gives Christians the opportunity to participate in the greening of Israel and the fulfillment of the prophecies about the restoration of the Land.

Bible Study Tours in Israel: Bridges for Peace provides a variety of travel opportunities and lectures to help you or your tour group gain a deeper understanding of Israel, the Jewish people and the Jewish roots of our Christian faith in light of the Bible, history, archaeology, and current events.

Bridges For Peace is a nonprofit organization and contributions to it are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. In addition, it is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA).

Mission Statement [ Back to top ]

Bridges For Peace communicates its goals as the following:

  • To encourage meaningful and supportive relationships between Christians and Jews in Israel and around the world.
  • To educate and equip Christians to identify with Israel, the Jewish people, and the biblical/Hebraic foundations of our Christian faith.
  • To bless Israel and the Jewish people in Israel and worldwide, through practical assistance, volunteer service, and prayer.
  • To communicate Christian perspectives to the attention of Israeli leaders and the Jewish community-at-large.
  • To counter Anti-Semitism worldwide and support Israel's divine God-given right to exist in her God-given land.

Program Accomplishments [ Back to top ]

Need Program Accomoplishments info

Statement of Faith [ Back to top ]

Bridges for Peace communicates its statement of faith as follows:

The Bible:
The Bible is the inspired Word of God (II Timothy 3:16).

God:
God is one (Deuteronomy 6:4; I Corinthians 8:6);
The Father, Son and Holy Spirit exist in Unity (Matthew 28:19);
Jesus Christ is God's only begotten Son (Matthew 16:16; John 3:16);
Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and Man (Timothy 2:5).

Man:
All men have sinned and come short of the Glory of God (Romans 3:23);
The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23, John 3:16, 36).

Salvation:
Salvation is by grace through faith as a gift of God (Ephesians 2:8);
Repentance and Baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are outward signs of an inward faith; Faith is also exhibited by a consecrated and holy life; faith without works is dead (James 2:18).

The Future:
The return of Jesus Christ is imminent (Acts 1:11);
There will be a literal resurrection of the dead (John 5:28);
Those in Christ shall be immortalized (I Corinthians 15:53, 54);
Those wicked shall be destroyed (Revelation 21:8);
Israel will be restored as the Kingdom of God under the kingship of Messiah Jesus (Luke 1:32);
All believers shall be joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).

History [ Back to top ]

Founded in 1976, Bridges for Peace seeks to be a ministry of hope and reconciliation. Through programs both in Israel and worldwide, BFP are giving Christians the opportunity to actively express their biblical responsibility before God to be faithful to Israel and the Jewish community. The ministry's founder, Dr. G. Douglas Young, came to Israel in 1957, and today Bridges for Peace is an international organization with offices serving six continents.

Ministry Needs [ Back to top ]

Bridges For Peace has communicated the following needs:

Prayers are one of the most important and needed commitments.

Research Analysis

Transparency Grade [ Back to top ]

Transparency Grade of : A
Criteria categoryGradeOther Comments
Timeliness:100
Financial Information:10010/28/2011 12:45:22 PM: Organization provided all financial information requested. Information was clear and thorough.
Foundational Clarity:10010/28/2011 12:45:16 PM: Descriptive information was abundant and thorough.
Level of Cooperation:100Proactive in sending financial information.
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MinistryWatch.com 5 Star Financial Efficiency Ratings [ Back to top ]

Ranking CategoryRatingOverall RankAdvocacy Sector
Overall Efficiency RatingStarStarStar126 of 347    5 of 22
Fund Acquisition DecisionStarStar242 of 347      13 of 22
Resource Allocation DecisionStarStarStar149 of 347      7 of 22
Asset Utilization DecisionStarStarStarStar53 of 347      6 of 22
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Shining Light [ Back to top ]

2011 MinistryWatch.com Shining Light top ministry list
2007 MinistryWatch.com Shining Light top ministry list

Analyst Comments [ Back to top ]

Bridges for Peace listed by MinistryWatch.com as a 2011 Shining Light ‘Top 30’ Exemplary Ministry.

This ministry is called a ‘Shining Light’ because it is indeed a model of letting their light shine before men, and God is to be glorified in what they are doing. Consequently, we are shining a figurative light on them so that donors may be aware of their good deeds.

Believers are recognizable by their fruit, which includes the services they perform for Him and for others. We see a glimpse of His light and glory in this ministry and if you do too, you should feel very good about giving to it; however, only you can decide for yourself with confidence if a ministry shares your values and with your giving plan.

Inclusion as a Shining Light does not mean it is perfect. No ministry is perfect and any that look long and hard enough may find areas for improvement; as no doubt most legitimate ministries are aware of areas to improve and have their own to-do list for improvement. As far as MinistryWatch.com’s assessment, given the criteria that we followed, this ministry rose among the top.

Identifying a diversity of the best ministries is challenging given the selfless work that so many do for the cause of Christ. MinistryWatch.com’s assessment looked at the following seven areas when considering those to make the list: (1) Transparency, (2) Truth Claims, (3) Values/ Worldview, (4) Sectors/Functions, (5) Resourcefulness, (6) Red Flag Issues, (7) Counsel with others.

A fuller explanation of our evaluation criteria is on the front page of MinistryWatch.com. As is evident, we looked at many factors and as such, a high Financial Efficiency Rating was not a requirement of inclusion on this list, although most do have good ratings. Many factors were reviewed and strengths in other areas can offset weakness in financial efficiency when determining whether a ministry should be of interest to donors seeking to be good stewards of their giving. A foundational premise was to shine a figurative light on those ministries that were "Christian" more than in name only. Ministries were chosen that were not just marketing to Christians as a market segment for "Christian donor money", but ministries that had theological underpinnings and Biblical values that determined their actions. Organizations that relied more on a secular motivation and means were excluded as well as those “ministries” that seem to view the organization as their own vehicle as a business to make money rather than a love to maximize ministry to others and to let their light shine for the glory of God.

MinistryWatch.com desires to see overall giving to Biblical Christian values increase and as such we developed this format to highlight those ministries which are exemplary. This ministry is an outstanding example when we consider it through the lens of Philippians 4:8 and weigh and take account of those ministries that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Ministry Statement or Response [ Back to top ]

Financial Information:

Financial Ratios[ Back to top ]

Funding RatiosDatabase Average20102009200820072006
Return on FR Efforts10%10%9%8%11%5%
Fundraising Cost Ratio7%10%9%8%11%5%
Contributions Reliance83%100%100%100%100%100%
Fundraising Expense Ratio7%10%9%9%10%6%
Other Revenue Reliance17%0%0%0%0%0%
Operating RatiosDatabase Average20102009200820072006
Program Expense Ratio80%83%84%85%82%82%
Spending Ratio100%98%103%97%104%93%
Program Output Ratio80%81%86%83%85%76%
Savings Ratio0%2%-3%3%-4%7%
Reserve Accumulation Rate11%11%-19%19%-26%36%
General & Admin Ratio13%6%7%6%8%12%
Investing RatiosDatabase Average20102009200820072006
Total Asset Turnover2.8x4.77x6.31x5.38x6.47x4.21x
Degree of L-T Investment2.85x1.1x1.14x1.1x1.13x1.14x
Current Asset Turnover5.26x5.27x7.22x5.9x7.31x4.78x
Age of Assets9.7yr(s)7.6yr(s)8.3yr(s)7.1yr(s)5.8yr(s)11.1yr(s)
Liquidity RatiosDatabase Average20102009200820072006
Current Ratio2964.81x13.79x10.03x11.78x10.96x9.95x
Current Liabilities Ratio.31x.07x.1x.08x.09x.1x
Liquid Reserve Level4.96x2.11x1.5x1.86x1.49x2.26x
Solvency RatiosDatabase Average20102009200820072006
Liabilities Ratio.23x.1x.09x.08x.08x.09x
Debt Ratio.06x0x0x0x0x0x
Reserve Coverage Ratio80%19%14%17%14%22%

Financials[ Back to top ]

Balance Sheet
Assets20102009200820072006
Cash$513,451$451,264$538,583$410,027$539,729
Receivables, Inventories & Prepaids$184,367$233,860$301,882$251,624$295,215
Short-Term Investments$115,957$0$0$0$0
Total Current Assets$813,775$685,124$840,465$661,651$834,944
Long-Term Investments$0$0$0$0$2,784
Fixed Assets$79,968$93,631$69,706$74,325$99,533
Other Long-Term Assets$4,811$5,411$10,361$10,961$11,561
Total Long-Term Assets$84,779$99,042$80,067$85,286$113,878
TOTAL ASSETS$898,554$784,166$920,532$746,937$948,822
Liabilities20102009200820072006
Payables & Accrued Expenses$58,999$68,274$71,339$60,349$83,886
Other Current Liabilities$0$0$0$0$0
Total Current Liabilities$58,999$68,274$71,339$60,349$83,886
Debt$0$0$0$100$250
Other Long-Term Liabilities$30,641$0$0$0$0
Total Long-Term Liabilities$30,641$0$0$100$250
TOTAL LIABILITIES$89,640$68,274$71,339$60,449$84,136
Assets20102009200820072006
Unrestricted$212,116$86,392$8,859($480,117)$110,057
Temporarily Restricted$596,798$629,500$840,334$1,166,605$754,629
Permanently Restricted$0$0$0$0$0
NET ASSETS$808,914$715,892$849,193$686,488$864,686
Revenue and Expenses
Revenue20102009200820072006
Total Contributions$4,388,162$4,832,365$5,129,998$4,663,001$4,314,456
Program Service Revenue$0$0$0$0$0
Membership Dues$0$0$0$0$0
Investment Income$2,059$747$1,585$967$4,323
Other Revenue($11,012)($19,014)($13,893)($8,312)($12,514)
Total Other Revenue($8,953)($18,267)($12,308)($7,345)($8,191)
TOTAL REVENUE$4,379,209$4,814,098$5,117,690$4,655,656$4,306,265
Expenses20102009200820072006
Program Services$3,565,688$4,153,070$4,229,573$3,961,786$3,286,965
Management & General$278,472$337,215$298,975$366,033$478,303
Fundraising$442,027$457,114$426,437$506,035$226,476
TOTAL EXPENSES$4,286,187$4,947,399$4,954,985$4,833,854$3,991,744
Change in Net Assets20102009200820072006
SURPLUS (DEFICIT)$93,022($133,301)$162,705($178,198)$314,521
Other Changes in Net Assets$0$0$0$0$0
TOTAL CHANGE IN NET ASSETS$93,022($133,301)$162,705($178,198)$314,521