Become a Dream Catcher
Help create the experiences, support and opportunities that allow children and families to dream bigger.
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The Dream Catcher Recognition System
Dream Catchers do more than fund programs. Their support becomes part of the Dreamer's story, represented through feathers, beads, experiences and, at the highest level, sustained Morning Light support for children and caregivers.
Feather Level
Feathers symbolize the support that carries positive possibilities and opportunity toward the Dreamer.
Bead Level
Beads represent meaningful activities, opportunities and milestones a Dreamer experiences.
Morning Light Level
Morning Light symbolizes the deepest level of support: sustained investment that helps children and caregivers address the effects of adversity through consistent, wraparound, two-generation programming.
A Dreamer's dream catcher
Each Dreamer receives a personal dream catcher as they move through LFYD programming. Rather than serving as a decorative donor plaque, the dream catcher belongs to the Dreamer and evolves as a record of experiences completed, milestones reached and people who helped make those opportunities possible.
“As Dreamers grow through the program, their dream catchers grow with them. Feathers recognize those who helped carry opportunity to them. Beads mark the experiences and milestones they complete. Morning Light represents the sustained support that helps children and families move from adversity toward stability, growth and possibility.”
Cultural note: LFYD uses this symbolism as an organizational metaphor inspired by commonly shared dream-catcher teachings. It is not intended to define or replace the cultural meanings held by Indigenous communities.
Giving Levels
Individual donors primarily help children access scholarships for sports and movement. Corporate Dream Catchers primarily help sustain PEARL and Pebbles, our wraparound programs for children and families. Every donor may choose where their gift goes.
Scholarship impact
Current LFYD scholarship planning assumes approximately $500–$1,500 per child. A $5,000 individual gift could therefore support roughly 3–10 scholarship awards depending on need and award size.
These are planning estimates and approximate examples, not guarantees.
Corporate impact
PEARL and Pebbles are intensive, wraparound and two-generation programs. Current planning assumes approximately $15,000–$20,000 per youth/family per year. Gifts of roughly $45,000–$60,000 can underwrite approximately three years of support for one youth/family, or the contribution may be spread across multiple Dreamers and program needs.
These are planning estimates and approximate examples, not guarantees.
In-kind support counts too.
Cash and approved in-kind contributions can both qualify for Feather, Bead or Morning Light recognition. Approved in-kind support can receive the same LFYD donor-level recognition as cash, based on an agreed and documented recognition value.
Donor-level recognition is separate from tax treatment. LFYD acknowledges qualifying contributions appropriately, but donors are responsible for tax valuation and should consult their own advisor, particularly for non-cash property and donated services.
How You Are Recognized
Dream Catchers may be recognized online, on donor banners at the LFYD Showcase and, at the Bead and Morning Light levels, with permanent placards on donor plaques displayed in the LFYD office. Recognition is optional, and donors may choose the name/logo displayed or remain anonymous.
Recognition is always optional. Donors may choose to be publicly recognized, limit the use of their name/logo or remain anonymous.
The LFYD Showcase
The Showcase is a celebration of Dreamers, experiences and growth. Donors may be invited to see completed dream catchers, learn what beads and milestones represent, hear program updates and connect with the mission in an appropriate, family-centered setting.
Following Your Dreamer
When a gift is connected to specific Dreamers or activities, LFYD may provide privacy-protected updates on experiences, earned beads, participation milestones and growth. Photos or personal stories are shared only when appropriate permission has been obtained.
Direct access to a child is never automatic. Mentorship, internships, job shadowing or other direct engagement must follow LFYD youth-protection practices, caregiver consent, screening requirements and program supervision.
Ways to Deepen Your Impact
Your relationship with LFYD can extend beyond financial support.
Mentorship
Share encouragement, experience and perspective through approved LFYD mentoring opportunities.
Internships and job shadowing
Create exposure to workplaces, industries and career pathways.
Professional development
Lead workshops on communication, leadership, financial literacy, career readiness or other areas of expertise.
Workplace and career exposure
Host a tour, panel, demonstration or career conversation.
Volunteer service
Support showcases, enrichment activities, community-service projects and family events.
In-kind resources
Provide equipment, space, transportation, technology or professional services.
Community connections
Introduce LFYD to employers, mentors, service providers and other potential Dream Catchers.
What Happens Next
Confirm your commitment
LFYD confirms the accepted amount, designation, payment schedule and recognition level.
Design your donor elements
Corporate donors provide logos and brand colors; individual donors may select colors or allow LFYD design discretion.
Connect your gift to impact
LFYD identifies the programs, experiences, scholarships or Dreamers your contribution will support.
Follow the journey
You receive appropriate updates on milestones, experiences and program outcomes, while protecting Dreamer privacy.
Celebrate at the LFYD Showcase
Donors are invited to see Dreamer progress, completed dream catchers and the experiences their support helped make possible.
Choose how else to engage
Mentorship, internships, career exposure, professional development, volunteering and in-kind support can extend your impact beyond the gift itself.
Thank you for helping make dreams tangible.
The most important part of every LFYD dream catcher is the Dreamer. Donor feathers, beads and Morning Light elements are there to remind a child that people and organizations in their community believed in their potential enough to invest in their opportunities.
Program details, recognition benefits and timing may evolve as LFYD grows. Specific donor commitments, restrictions and benefits are confirmed in writing by LFYD.