Help Us Color Outside the Lines - Everywhere!
From Bluffton to Your Backyard: Supporting Youth-Led Community
What started with three students in Bluffton, SC is ready to grow into something bigger.
Color Outside the Lines began when three teens wished for a space where they could connect without judgment - an inclusive space where friendship and activism go hand in hand. Today, we're a growing youth group of young people ages 11-17 who write letters that matter, march for causes we believe in, create art, play games, and support each other.
What makes this group different is its commitment to fighting exclusivity. As they developed the model for the group, the founding members wanted to make sure everyone was welcome — no matter their family's religious, political, and identity beliefs.
Our COTL youth volunteer with local businesses promoting literacy, give talks about finding the good in yourself and others, march and mail for progress, and enjoy art, games, and real conversation.
Why We Need Your Help to GROW
We're raising funds for three reasons:
- Take a group overnight to Sleep Under the Seas at the Georgia Aquarium on February 28, 2026. Students collectively decided to fundraise so that every youth group member could join, regardless of family income.
- Make It Official by becoming a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit or donor fund so we can apply for program funding and grants.
- Create the COTL Starter Kit: A downloadable resource package so teens and families anywhere can start their own Color Outside the Lines group.
Expand Our Impact
With not-for-profit or community-fund status, we can apply for grants, accept tax-deductible donations, and partner with other organizations to create safer and inclusive spaces for LGBTQIA+ youth and allies
What We've Already Accomplished
✨ Youth-Led from Day One: Our founding students created our mission, ground rules, and even designed our website
✨ Real Community Impact: Civic engagement through marching, letter-writing, and learning
✨ Safe, Inclusive Space: Zero tolerance for bullying, welcoming to all identities and backgrounds
✨ Sustainable Model: Free to attend, adult-supervised but youth-driven
✨ Improved Mental Health: In just one year, we've seen grades and moods drastically improve!
The Bigger Picture
Every teen deserves a place where they can be themselves, find their voice, and know they're not alone. In a world that often feels divided, these young people are proof that community, creativity, and activism can coexist beautifully.
Your support helps us:
- Formalize our organization for long-term sustainability
- Share our model with communities nationwide
- Empower more teens to create the change they want to see
About the Costs
$3,500 Goal Breakdown:
- 501(c)(3) Federal filing fees: $275 (Form 1023-EZ for small organizations)
- South Carolina incorporation: $25 state filing fee + $7.50 online processing
- Legal consultation and document preparation: $1,500
- Design and creation of downloadable COTL starter kit: $500
- Administrative setup and initial operations: $400
Every Dollar Counts
$10 - Helps cover state filing fees
$25 - Supports one component of our starter kit
$50 - Funds legal document preparation
$100 - Covers federal filing fees
$250 - Makes you a founding supporter of a our movement!
Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities
Community Champion - $500
- Recognition on our website and materials
- COTL Hat (email us your receipt and we'll get it ordered!)
Change Maker - $1,000
- All Community Champion benefits
- Logo inclusion in downloadable starter kit
Movement Builder - $2,500+
- All previous benefits
- Premier sponsorship acknowledgment & logo on website and all feasible materials for 1 year
From Our Hearts
This isn't just about one youth group in Bluffton. It's about believing that young people have the power to create the communities they need - and helping them do it everywhere.
Whether you're a parent who remembers wishing for a space like this, an adult who values youth leadership, or someone who believes in the power of inclusive community, your support matters.
Thank you for helping us color outside the lines - and spread hope beyond our hometown.
With gratitude,
Ashley & the Color Outside the Lines Community
Organizer
