FUNDRAISING RESOURCES

How to fundraise for Big Brother Big Sister?

Fundraising for Big Brother Big Sister requires a blend of proven grants, corporate partnerships, and creative ideas. This complete guide offers insights from industry experts to help your nonprofit thrive.

Top 5 grants for Big Brother Big Sister nonprofits in 2025

Unlock funding for your nonprofit with grants designed for Big Brother Big Sister. Explore government, foundation, and corporate grants to expand your impact.

Youth Mentoring Grant

Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)

$1,500,000

Government

Supports mentoring programs for youth at risk of delinquency, victimization, and juvenile justice system involvement. Includes Big Brother Big Sister programs.

Apply

Community Impact Grant

The Coca-Cola Foundation

$50,000 - $250,000

Private Foundation

Supports youth development programs, including mentoring initiatives like Big Brother Big Sister. Focus on empowering youth and building stronger communities.

Apply

Social Innovation Fund

AmeriCorps

$100,000 - $1,000,000

Government

Supports innovative community-based solutions, including youth mentoring programs. Big Brother Big Sister organizations are eligible to apply.

Apply

Youth Opportunity Fund

Starbucks Foundation

$25,000 - $100,000

Private Foundation

Supports organizations that empower youth, including mentoring programs like Big Brother Big Sister. Focus on workforce readiness and community engagement.

Apply

Community Thrives Grant

USA TODAY NETWORK

$2,500 - $100,000

Private Foundation

Supports community-building initiatives, including youth mentoring programs. Big Brother Big Sister organizations are eligible to apply.

Apply

Top 5 companies donating to Big Brother Big Sister nonprofits in 2025

Partner with businesses that share your mission! Corporate sponsorships can provide funding, in-kind donations, and visibility to help your nonprofit expand and sustain Big Brother Big Sister efforts.

Youth Development
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Youth Services
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Youth Development
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Youth Development
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Community Development
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Top 5 best fundraising platforms for Big Brother Big Sister

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10 Best fundraising ideas for Big Brother Big Sister in 2025

Innovative fundraising fuels your mission. From peer-to-peer campaigns to community events, explore creative ways to raise funds and ensure long-term success for your Big Brother Big Sister.

1

Digital Mentorship Challenge

Launch a month-long social media campaign where supporters pledge to complete daily mentorship-inspired challenges. Each completed challenge unlocks a donation from corporate sponsors. Participants share their progress using a branded hashtag, increasing visibility and engagement.

2

Big Night of Bourbon Virtual Tasting

Host an exclusive virtual bourbon tasting event featuring a prominent distillery partnership and local celebrity host. Participants receive tasting kits delivered to their homes and join an interactive online experience with live auctions and donation opportunities.

3

Mentor Match Crowdfunding Campaign

Create personalized crowdfunding pages for each Big-Little match, showcasing their stories and impact. Encourage matches to share their pages with friends and family, setting fundraising goals tied to specific mentorship activities or milestones.

4

Big Brothers Big Sisters Branded Merchandise Line

Develop a high-quality, ethically-produced merchandise line featuring inspiring mentorship quotes and artwork created by Littles. Partner with a popular local designer or influencer to boost appeal. Sell products online and at events, with proceeds supporting the organization.

5

Corporate Mentorship Day

Partner with local businesses to host a day-long mentorship event where employees can sign up as temporary mentors. Companies donate based on employee participation. Littles gain valuable career insights, while businesses benefit from team-building and CSR opportunities.

6

Community Mural Project

Collaborate with a local artist to design and paint a large-scale mural celebrating mentorship. Engage Bigs and Littles in the painting process. Sell personalized tiles or brushstrokes to community members to be incorporated into the mural, with proceeds supporting the organization.

7

Virtual Reality Mentorship Experience

Create an immersive VR experience showcasing the impact of mentorship. Partner with local VR arcades or tech companies to host fundraising events where participants can try the experience and make donations. Offer sponsored VR headsets as high-tier donation rewards.

8

Mentorship Memory Box Subscription

Launch a monthly subscription box filled with curated activities, games, and keepsakes for Bigs and Littles to enjoy together. Offer gift subscriptions to supporters, with proceeds directly funding mentorship programs.

9

Big Brothers Big Sisters Podcast Series

Produce a weekly podcast featuring inspiring stories from Bigs, Littles, and successful mentorship pairs. Secure corporate sponsorships for episodes and encourage listeners to make recurring donations to support the show and organization.

10

Mentorship Marathon

Organize a 24-hour mentorship marathon where Bigs and Littles participate in a series of fun, educational activities. Live stream the event and encourage viewers to make donations to unlock special challenges or provide supplies for activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

<div ms-code-snippet-q="1">How can I fundraise for Big Brothers Big Sisters in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="1">There are several effective ways to fundraise for Big Brothers Big Sisters in 2025. One popular option is to participate in or organize a Play For Kids' Sake event, which can include activities like bowling or indoor golf simulation[5]. You can also create an online fundraising page to easily share with family, friends, and colleagues through email or social media[5]. Consider organizing themed events like TV Takeovers or partnering with local businesses for special promotions. Additionally, you can become a monthly supporter through BBBS's official fundraising page[1]. For larger impact, look into corporate partnerships or grant applications. Remember to leverage digital tools and platforms to expand your reach and make donating convenient for supporters.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="2">What are the most impactful ways to support Big Brothers Big Sisters?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="2">The most impactful ways to support Big Brothers Big Sisters include both financial contributions and volunteer engagement. Becoming a mentor (Big) is arguably the most powerful way to support the mission, as it directly impacts a child's life[1]. For those unable to mentor, consistent financial support through monthly donations helps provide stable funding for mentorship programs[4]. Participating in or organizing fundraising events like Play For Kids' Sake can also make a significant impact[5]. Additionally, corporate partnerships and workplace giving programs can amplify support. Shopping through BBBS partner campaigns with retailers like Crocs, HEYDUDE, Macy's, and Nordstrom Rack allows you to contribute while making everyday purchases[1]. Ultimately, a combination of time, money, and advocacy creates the most substantial impact for BBBS.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="3">How does Big Brothers Big Sisters use fundraising money?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="3">Big Brothers Big Sisters uses fundraising money primarily to support and expand its mentoring programs. Funds directly contribute to matching youth (Littles) with adult mentors (Bigs) and providing ongoing support for these relationships. This includes background checks, training for mentors, and professional support from Match Support Specialists[3]. Money also goes towards organizing activities and events for matches, such as educational workshops or recreational outings. Additionally, funds support the Big Futures program, which focuses on post-secondary success for youth[3]. In 2021-2023, Express' partnership raised over $1.6 million, impacting 25,000 youth across 125+ agencies[3]. Importantly, all funds raised in local campaigns typically stay within the community, supporting programs at no cost to participating families[5]. BBBS maintains transparency in its use of funds, with detailed information often available in annual reports and strategic plans.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="4">What are the current fundraising goals for Big Brothers Big Sisters?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="4">Big Brothers Big Sisters' current fundraising goals focus on expanding their impact and ensuring program sustainability. While specific monetary targets vary by local agency, the overall aim is to increase the number of youth served through quality mentoring relationships. BBBS of America has expressed a goal of reaching several thousand monthly supporters, which could potentially lead to reducing dependence on advertising revenue[4]. Local agencies often set goals for annual events like Play For Kids' Sake, with targets for both participation and funds raised[5]. The organization also seeks to diversify its funding sources, balancing individual donations, corporate partnerships, and grants. A key objective is to secure consistent monthly donations to provide stable funding for ongoing programs. Additionally, BBBS aims to raise funds to support innovative programs like the Big Futures initiative, which focuses on post-secondary success for youth[3].</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="5">How can businesses partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters for fundraising?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="5">Businesses can partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters for fundraising in several impactful ways. One effective method is through cause marketing campaigns, where a portion of sales is donated to BBBS. For example, Crayola Flowers donates 10% of each sale when purchased through a specific link[1]. Companies can also create co-branded products, like Merrell's BBBS-inspired sneakers[1]. Implementing round-up campaigns in-store or online, as done by Crocs, HEYDUDE, Macy's, and Nordstrom Rack, is another popular option[1]. Businesses can sponsor or host fundraising events like Play For Kids' Sake[5]. Corporate volunteer programs that encourage employees to become mentors or participate in fundraising activities are highly valuable. Additionally, companies can offer matching gift programs to amplify employee donations. For larger corporations, consider multi-year partnerships that provide substantial funding and support for specific BBBS initiatives, similar to Express' partnership with the Big Futures program[3].</div>