Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities

What Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities does

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Twin Cities is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 32-0017737) founded in 1920 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It delivers one-to-one youth mentoring and arts-based programming to children ages 8-13 across five counties — Hennepin, Ramsey, Dakota, Washington, and Anoka — serving more than 2,000 youth annually with a 600+ youth waitlist. Core programs include community-based and site-based youth mentoring (the "Big" pairing), Free Arts programming, and a College & Future Readiness track branded as Big Futures; the match model depends on background-checked volunteer mentors supervised by professional caseworkers under nationally mandated child-safety protocols.

The operating model is human-relationship intensive: matches are screened, trained, and supervised by paid program staff, with funding derived from a mix of individual donations, corporate sponsorships (Cargill, General Mills, 3M, Best Buy Foundation, Carlson, Target, Federated Insurance, Baird), major gifts, foundation grants (including a transformational unrestricted $6 million gift from MacKenzie Scott in May 2022), and signature fundraising events such as the Big Night gala and the Federated Insurance Federated Challenge. The agency employs 51–100 staff and operates under a federated model with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, ranking in the top 10% of more than 230 affiliates and winning Large Agency of the Year in 2023 and a Growth Award in 2025.

Revenue concentration is moderate-to-high at the event level (Federated Challenge: $4.945M in 2025; Big Night: $545K in 2026) but diversified across individual donors, recurring giving (Match Makers), corporate partnerships, and foundation grants. The CEO transition announced in early 2026 — Pat Sukhum departing summer 2026 — is the most material near-term governance event. Disclosed technology footprint is standard for a regional nonprofit (CRM, donor database, website), with no evidence of proprietary AI/ML systems.

Name

Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities

Legal name

Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities

Website

https://bigstwincities.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1920

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities is a Minneapolis-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1920 that provides one-to-one youth mentoring and arts-based programs to children ages 8-13 across five Twin Cities counties, funded through donations, corporate sponsorships, and major fundraising events.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Mentoring Services

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (62411), Other Individual and Family Services (624190)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Youth Mentoring & Positive Youth Development Nonprofits (BPAGADAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Community Centers & Neighborhood Support Services (BPAGAEAL), Student Mentoring & Peer Support Programs (EDAJALAL)

Keywords

• Youth mentoring
• Nonprofit services
• Community mentorship
• Youth development
• Volunteer mentoring

Headquarters

HQ city

Minneapolis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Annual Fundraising Gala (Big Night): Major annual fundraising event. Big Night 2026 raised over $545,000; Big Night 2025 raised over $520,000; Big Night 2024 raised $446,000.
2. Corporate Sponsorships and Federated Challenge: Federated Challenge 2025 raised a record-breaking $4.945 million. Corporate sponsors support events and programs. Event sponsorship opportunities include Match Events, Fundraising Events, and Volunteer Events.
3. Individual Donations and Monthly Giving (Match Makers): Monthly donor program called Match Makers. One-time and recurring donations from individuals. Donation page available at bigstwincities.org/donate/.
4. Workplace Giving Programs: Corporate workplace giving campaigns, employee matching gift programs, and payroll deduction options through United Way and similar programs.
5. Planned Gifts and Stock Donations: Legacy gifts through estate planning. Appreciated securities donations. EIN 32-0017737.
6. Grants: Foundation and corporate grants for specific projects and programs.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that creates and supports one-to-one youth mentoring relationships between adult volunteers (Bigs) and youth ages 8-13 (Littles) in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Core offerings include Community-Based Mentoring, Site-Based Mentoring at schools, the Free Arts creative mentorship program, and College & Future Readiness (Big Futures) programming for teens. All programs are provided free of charge to youth and families.

Product overview

Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities operates as a nonprofit youth mentoring organization offering a portfolio of programs centered on one-to-one mentoring relationships. The core offerings include Youth Mentoring (Community-Based and Site-Based programs pairing adult Bigs with youth Littles ages 8-13), the Free Arts creative arts program, and College & Future Readiness (Big Futures) programming for teens. Supporting initiatives include the Game Changers Twin Cities ambassador program, the annual Big Night Gala fundraising event, and the Match Makers monthly donor program. The organization has been creating youth mentoring relationships since 1920 and currently operates in Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, and parts of Dakota and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Youth Mentoring Programs

Quantifiable outcome

• 92% of youth keep or create plans for high school graduation and beyond
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

33 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Minnesota TimberwolvescoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 April 2026Season-long community partnership with Sezzle Inc. hosting VIP experience for BBBSTC at Timberwolves' April 12 regular-season finale. Partnership with nine local charities including Make-A-Wish, Boys and Girls Club, and Be the Change. Shifts sponsorship model from traditional brand visibility toward community service. Represents collaborative effort between two Minnesota organizations that have grown to national prominence while maintaining local community roots.
• Sezzle Inc. (NASDAQ:SEZL)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 April 2026Minneapolis-based fintech company and official jersey patch partner of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Hosted VIP experience for BBBSTC at Timberwolves' April 12 season finale, capping a season of community giving. Partnership emphasizes Sezzle's commitment to supporting Minnesota youth and represents collaborative effort between two Minnesota organizations.
• 100 Black Men of the Twin CitiescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2026Strategic partnership announced during Black History Month to expand mentorship, leadership development, and community connection for Black male youth across the Twin Cities. Collaboration includes Jr. 100 programming, joint community events, and annual Black MENTors BBQ. Partnership responds to high demand with over 600 youth on waiting list, some waiting more than two years for a male mentor match. Goal is mobilizing more Black men into mentorship roles.
• Minnesota State Arts BoardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFree Arts Artist Residencies are made possible in part by voters of Minnesota through a grant from Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to legislative appropriation from arts and cultural heritage fund.
• Junior League of MinneapolisminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFree Arts was previously offered by Free Arts Minnesota, originally founded by Junior League of Minneapolis. BBBS is grateful to Junior League members for supporting arts programming in the Twin Cities.
• Esperanza UnitedcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner site for Free Arts program - community organization serving youth through arts programming.
• Northside Childhood Development CentercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFree Arts program partner site for weekly art mentorship with youth.
• People Serving PeoplecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFree Arts program partner site - shelter serving families experiencing homelessness.
• YWCA SheltercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFree Arts program partner site for youth arts programming.
• The Bridge for YouthcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFree Arts program partner site serving youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
• CornerstonecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFree Arts program partner site for youth arts and mentorship programming.
• Project for Pride in Living (PPL)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFree Arts program partner site for youth development services.
• Women of NationscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFree Arts program partner site serving women and children.
• Neighborhood HousecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFree Arts program partner site for community-based youth programming.
• Family Service CentercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFree Arts program partner site for youth and family services.
• St. Anne's PlacecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFree Arts program partner site through People's Serving People.
• CargillcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCorporate partner for Beyond School Walls workplace mentoring program. Employees serve as volunteer mentors at corporate campus with youth from Harvest Best Academy.
• General MillscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCorporate partner for Beyond School Walls workplace mentoring program. Employees participate as volunteer Bigs meeting youth during lunch at corporate campus.
• Carlson TowerscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCorporate partner for Beyond School Walls workplace mentoring program. Hosts lunchtime mentoring sessions with youth from local schools.
• Make-A-WishminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOne of nine local charities partnered with Sezzle and Minnesota Timberwolves for season-long community giving initiative.
• Boys and Girls ClubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOne of nine local charities partnered with Sezzle and Minnesota Timberwolves for season-long community giving initiative.
• Be the ChangeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOne of nine local charities partnered with Sezzle and Minnesota Timberwolves for season-long community giving initiative.
• MentoristcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with Mentorist and Mentor Minnesota for LGBTQ+ Ally Certification, implementing nationally recognized best practices from the LGBTQ Supplement to Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring.
• MENTOR MinnesotacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with Mentorist and MENTOR for LGBTQ+ Ally Certification program and implementation of best practices for supporting LGBTQ+ youth and volunteers.
• Ballinger | LeafbladcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerExecutive search firm engaged by Board of Directors to oversee CEO search process and facilitate smooth transition for Pat Sukhum's succession.
• Harvest Best AcademycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSchool partner for Beyond School Walls program where youth meet corporate volunteer mentors at workplace locations of Cargill, Carlson Towers, and General Mills.
• HOPE Community AcademycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSchool partner for Graduation Coaches program and site-based in-school mentoring in Saint Paul for high school students grades 9-12.
• Four Seasons A+ Elementary SchoolcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner elementary school site for in-school mentoring program in St. Paul.
• Marcy School for the ArtscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner school site for in-school mentoring program in Northeast Minneapolis.
• Weaver ElementarycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner elementary school site for in-school mentoring program in Maplewood.
• Minnesota VikingscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNFL team partnership with Game Changers initiative featuring Vikings players. Harrison Smith hosts charity softball events; players serve as ambassadors for youth mentorship.
• Minnesota United FCminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMLS team partnership with Game Changers program featuring players like DJ Taylor as ambassadors.
• Minnesota FrostminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWNBA team partnership with Game Changers program featuring player Grace Zumwinkle.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles: Large regional BBBS affiliate delivering the same one-to-one mentoring model with similar waitlist dynamics, corporate partnership development, and site-based/community-based program mix in another major U.S. metro.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater New York: Another large regional BBBS affiliate offering the same one-to-one youth mentoring model in a major U.S. metro area, with comparable programming (community-based, site-based, college readiness) and a similar donor/corporate partnership structure. Most directly comparable peer.

Broad incumbents

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of America: National parent organization of BBBS Twin Cities and the world's largest youth mentoring nonprofit, serving all 50 states and 12 countries. The Twin Cities affiliate operates under BBBSA's brand, methodology, and agency accreditation framework, making it the closest structural comparable.
• Girls Inc. National youth development nonprofit focused on girls and young women, with mentoring, college readiness, and career programming comparable to Big Futures. Overlaps in donor base, outcome measurement expectations, and corporate partnership channels.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America: National youth development nonprofit with a broader after-school programming portfolio that includes mentoring, academic support, and college/career readiness. Overlaps with BBBS Twin Cities in target demographic, donor pool, and corporate partnership structure.

Others

• MENTOR (National Mentoring Partnership): National umbrella organization advancing the mentoring field through research, advocacy, and standards (including the Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring). Comparable as the field-level infrastructure partner rather than a direct service competitor.
• Greater Twin Cities United Way: Regional funder and convener of human services nonprofits in the Twin Cities, including BBBS Twin Cities as a partner/grant recipient. Comparable as a sibling organization in the same regional nonprofit ecosystem with overlapping workplace giving and corporate partnership channels.

Emerging players

• National Urban League Twin Cities: Community-based youth services and mentoring nonprofit serving youth and families in the Twin Cities urban core, including Black male youth — a population BBBS Twin Cities is actively targeting through its 2026 partnership with 100 Black Men of the Twin Cities.

Regional players

• Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities: Direct regional peer operating in the same Twin Cities geography serving youth through after-school programming, mentoring, and college/career readiness. Competes for the same corporate sponsors, civic partnerships, and volunteer pools.
• YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities: Regional youth-serving nonprofit operating youth development, mentoring-adjacent, and college readiness programming in the same Twin Cities geography, competing for corporate partners, volunteers, and philanthropic dollars.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/freeartsminnesota
• Instagraminstagram.com/bbbsfreearts
• Xx.com/bigstwincities

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities