- Your donations build capital infrastructure
Who We Are
Builders of Bridges Across Young Minds Initiative (BBYMI) is a California-incorporated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to mobilizing and stewarding charitable contributions to establish and sustain endowment funds for secondary and tertiary public schools in Nigeria. Its mission is to improve the quality and access of public education in Nigeria.
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Many public schools face inconsistent funding, which hinders infrastructure upgrades, faculty support, and scholarship opportunities. Our alumni-led endowment fund preserves capital, generates sustainable income, and reduces reliance on unpredictable donations, ensuring structured, long-term support for future generations while fostering ownership and accountability among alumni.
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We provide endowment trust solutions that combine legal compliance, strong governance, and strategic investment policies. Our approach ensures transparency, accountability, and proper fund utilization, while supporting alumni in fundraising and donor engagement, all aligned with global best practices.
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To institutionalize sustainable education funding across public schools in Nigeria and beyond.
The Beginning of a National Movement
In 2026, BBYMI launched the BBYMI–FGCL Alumni Endowment Trust Fund, the first implementation of our alumni-driven capital platform. Established under a formal Trust Deed and managed by a licensed independent Trustee, the Fund transforms alumni generosity into permanent financial infrastructure for public education. This flagship endowment marks the beginning of a broader movement to institutionalize sustainable financing across Nigeria’s public schools. By moving beyond one-time donations to preserved capital and recurring investment income, we are laying the foundation for financially supported schools and expanded opportunity for future generations.
Year Vision
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(US$) Permanent Capital
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Volunteers & Committee Members
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Impacted
- What our donors are saying
Our Donors
Testimonial
"My success story would be incomplete without acknowledging the invaluable training and discipline I received from FGC Lagos. I strongly believe in the importance of sustaining and strengthening federal government colleges, and I am convinced that the most effective way to do so is for those of us who have benefited from them to give back and support future generations. My success story would be incomplete without acknowledging the invaluable drills and training I received from FGC Lagos. I firmly believe in the importance of maintaining and supporting federal government colleges, and I am convinced that the best way to achieve this is for those of us who have benefited from them to give back."
“Becoming an entrepreneur presents its own set of challenges. It requires resilience and adaptability, as these become the most valuable skills needed to overcome adversity and continue pursuing one's dreams. FGC Lagos played a vital role in shaping my entrepreneurial journey by providing me with strong academic fundamentals, essential behavioral competencies, and a supportive alumni network that continues to empower me in today's ever changing economy. I am deeply committed to supporting this initiative, and I encourage others to join this commendable project. Together, we can make a significant impact and create opportunities for future generations"
Your gift today supports education for generations.
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FAQs
What is BBYMI?
Builders of Bridges Across Young Minds Initiative (BBYMI) is a U.S.-registered 501(C(3)) nonprofit organization that partners with alumni to establish Alumni-Led Endowment Trust Funds for public secondary and tertiary schools in Nigeria.
We work with alumni to raise funding both locally and internationally and provide structuring guidance to ensure each Endowment is sustainable and professionally governed.
What is an Alumni-Led Endowment Trust Fund?
An Alumni-Led Endowment Trust Fund is a legally established charitable trust created and funded by a school’s alumni.
The capital is preserved permanently and invested. Only investment income is used to fund scholarships, teacher support, infrastructure, and other approved programs.
This ensures long-term impact beyond one-time donations.
Who establishes the Endowment Trust?
A single set, or even 5 – 10 like minded alumni can establish a trustee- backed Endowment Trust – not the school.
Alumni execute the Trust Deed, appoint governance committees and mobilize seed capital to create permanent funding structure for their Alma mater
Who manages the funds?
Each Endowment Trust Fund is managed by a licensed independent Trustee in Nigeria.
The Trustee safeguards the capital, manages investments, and releases funds only upon formal approval by the Endowment’s Management Committee.
BBYMI does not hold or control the funds directly.
What is BBYMI’s ongoing role?
While each Endowment Trust is alumni-led and independently governed, BBYMI continues to provide administrative and coordination support to help ensure the Trust meets its objectives.
This may include:
-Fundraising support (local and international)
-Governance guidance
-Reporting coordination
-Documentation and compliance support
-Donor engagement assistance
-Program monitoring coordination
BBYMI supports — but does not control — the Endowment Trust Funds.
BBYMI applies a standard administrative and compliance fee allocation of 10% to funds raised and to be granted cross border, to ensure legal oversight, audit integrity, monitoring, and long-term sustainability of the endowment platform.
Can the capital be spent?
No.
The capital (corpus) is preserved permanently. Only approved investment income may be used to fund programs and grants.
This protects long-term sustainability.
What do School Endowments typically Fund?
Depending on the approved Usage Policy, funds may support:
Merit-based scholarships
Need-based student support
Teacher professional development
Equity and inclusion initiatives
Girls’ education programs
Infrastructure and operational stabilization
What is the role of the school?
The school is the beneficiary of the Endowment.
School leadership may recommend needs and verify applicants, but final approval of grants rests with the Endowment’s Management Committee, and all disbursements are made by the licensed Trustee.
How can alumni get involved?
Alumni can:
Contribute to their school’s Endowment
Serve on governance committees
Support fundraising efforts
Volunteer professional expertise
Alumni leadership is the foundation of every Endowment Trust.
How can an alumni group start an Endowment?
Alumni groups may partner with BBYMI to:
-Structure a formal Trust
-Appoint a licensed Trustee
-Establish governance committees
-Secure seed capital
-Raise funds locally and internationally
-Approve program and investment policies
BBYMI provides ongoing support to ensure the Endowment is sustainable, transparent, and impactful.
What do School Endowments typically Fund?
- From our blog
