Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga

What Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga does

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth mentoring organization founded in 1957 and affiliated with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the oldest and largest youth mentoring network in the United States. The agency operates one-to-one mentoring programs serving children ages 6 through 18 across six counties in southeast Tennessee (Hamilton, Marion, Bradley) and northwest Georgia (Walker, Catoosa, Dade). Its program portfolio includes Community-Based Mentoring, Site-Based Mentoring (in 27 Hamilton County schools), Beyond School Walls (workplace mentoring), E-Mentoring (high school virtual mentoring using MentorU curriculum), Bigs in Blue (law enforcement mentoring), Reading to Learn (K-3 literacy), High School Bigs (peer mentoring), and Big Futures (transition-to-adulthood support). The agency has served over 20,000 children since founding and currently serves approximately 250 children per year with a waitlist of 167 unserved youth.

The organization's underlying technology stack is modest: Matchforce (a customized Salesforce system) for match management and data tracking, QuickBooks Online for financial administration, and standard virtual communication platforms for remote mentoring. There is no proprietary AI, model, or platform technology. Operations are supported by specialized staff including Match Support Specialists (one bilingual for Hispanic family outreach), a Big Futures Manager, and a Diversity Partnerships Manager, with volunteer mentors drawn from the community, universities (UTC Bigs), and corporate partners.

Revenue is generated exclusively through donations, grants, and fundraising—no fees are charged to youth or families. Revenue streams include individual donations (including Match Maker monthly giving), corporate partnerships and sponsorships (Pinnacle Financial Partners, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Community Trust, EPB, Unum, Chick-fil-A), foundation grants, government grants ($500,000 TANF 2Gen grant from the Tennessee Department of Human Services in 2021), special events (Annual Golf Classic, City of Potential Awards Breakfast, Big Happier Hour, Bass Fishing Tournament), and planned giving. The agency's fully-loaded cost per match is approximately $1,500 per year. The agency is presently investing in the Warner Mentoring Hub capital campaign to expand its 53-year-old headquarters at 2015 Bailey Avenue.

Name

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga

Legal name

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga

Website

https://bbbschatt.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1957

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1957 that delivers one-to-one youth mentoring programs to children ages 6-18 across six counties in Tennessee and Georgia, relying on volunteer mentors, donations, grants, and corporate partnerships.

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), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPAGADAD

Youth Mentoring & Positive Youth Development Nonprofits

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Education & Youth Development Nonprofits

SECONDARYEDAJALAL

Student Mentoring & Peer Support Programs

Education/K–12 / Primary & Secondary Education/K–12 Educational Support Services (Tutoring & Counseling)

SECONDARYEDACALAH

Family Resource Centers & Wraparound Support Services

Education/Early Childhood Education/Parent Education & Family Engagement Programs

SECONDARYEDAJAKAK

Family Advocacy, Parent Training & Support Services

Education/K–12 / Primary & Secondary Education/K–12 Special Education Services

Keywords

• Youth mentoring services
• Volunteer mentoring programs
• Nonprofit youth development
• Community-based mentoring
• School-based mentoring

Headquarters

HQ city

Chattanooga

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, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: One-time and recurring donations from individual supporters, including monthly giving programs (Match Maker donors) and lump-sum contributions.
2. Corporate Partnerships: Sponsorships, employee giving programs, and cause-related marketing from corporate partners. Includes annual corporate partner tiers and event sponsorships.
3. Foundation Grants: Grant funding from private and community foundations supporting youth mentoring programs and organizational growth.
4. Government Grants: Federal TANF dollars through Tennessee Department of Human Services 2Gen grants supporting family engagement programs. Awarded $500,000 in 2021.
5. Special Events: Revenue from signature events including Annual Golf Classic, City of Potential Awards Breakfast, and Big Happier Hour.
6. Planned Giving: Legacy gifts including charitable bequests, trust arrangements, life insurance policies, and endowment contributions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels9 records

Marketing channels14 records

Core offering

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga delivers free one-to-one youth mentoring services that pair adult volunteer mentors ("Bigs") with children ages 6-18 ("Littles") across six counties in Tennessee and Georgia. The organization operates multiple program modalities including community-based mentoring, school-based mentoring, workplace mentoring (Beyond School Walls), virtual mentoring (E-Mentoring), law enforcement mentoring (Bigs in Blue), literacy mentoring (Reading to Learn), and transition-to-adulthood support (Big Futures), supplemented by a scholarship program for eligible alumni.

Product overview

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga operates as a youth mentoring organization offering a portfolio of one-to-one mentoring programs designed to serve youth from ages 6 through 18 and beyond. The core offerings include Community-Based Mentoring, Site-Based Mentoring, Beyond School Walls workplace mentoring, E-Mentoring, Bigs in Blue (law enforcement mentoring), Reading to Learn (literacy support), and High School Bigs. Supplementary programs include UTC Bigs (university campus organization), Big Futures (transition-to-adulthood support for 9th-12th graders), and the Scholarship Program (established 1983, providing financial aid up to $1,500/semester). The organization served over 20,000 children since its founding in 1957, currently operating in six counties across Tennessee and Georgia.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Big Futures: College, career, and life development program that allows mentoring beyond age 18, offering holistic support as youth transition into adulthood including workforce exposure, company tours, networking opportunities, and financial guidance.
• Bigs in Blue
• UTC Bigs

Products and services

• Community-Based Mentoring One-to-one mentoring program matching adult volunteers ("Bigs") with youth ("Littles") from the community; pairs meet approximately twice monthly for outings such as parks, museums, or casual activities. Requires volunteers to be 21+ with driver's license, reliable transportation, and a 12-month minimum commitment.
• Site-Based Mentoring School- and after-school-based mentoring program where Bigs meet with Littles weekly for at least one hour, engaging in activities such as homework help, board games, sports, or reading. Operates across Hamilton, Bradley, Marion, and Walker counties during the school year.
• Beyond School Walls (Workplace Mentoring) Workplace mentoring program that transports middle school students weekly from school to corporate partner sites, combining one-to-one mentoring with job shadowing and customized group activities to teach life and employability skills.
• E-Mentoring High school mentoring program at Tyner High School using the MentorU curriculum for career and college preparation; Bigs mentor students for 2 years through weekly virtual communication and monthly in-person meetings.
• Bigs in Blue Specialized mentoring program pairing youth with police officers and law enforcement personnel to build bridges of understanding between communities and law enforcement, operating within Community-Based or Site-Based program frameworks.
• Reading to Learn Literacy-focused mentoring program for K-3 students falling behind in reading; Bigs meet with students at school for weekly one-on-one sessions after receiving literacy training, books, and activity materials provided by BBBS.
• High School Bigs Program enabling high school students to mentor younger children during school hours at their own K-12 schools, providing youth leadership development and service learning opportunities.
• UTC Bigs Campus organization at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga providing student volunteer opportunities to mentor youth through Community-Based or Site-Based programs, with 248 total club members including 81 current active Bigs.
• Big Futures Program serving youth through mentoring beyond age 18, offering holistic transition-to-adulthood support for 9th-12th grade students including workforce exposure, company tours, networking opportunities, and financial guidance.
• Scholarship Program Financial aid program established in 1983 for qualified Littles demonstrating financial need, offering up to $1,500/semester for 4-year colleges and $900/semester for 2-year institutions.

Quantifiable outcome

• 46% less likely to use drugs
• +9 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Kingdom PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFaith-based organization partnering to launch the Mentoring Collective initiative. Goal to mobilize the faith-community to mentor youth by partnering with churches to employ Mentoring Coordinators and recruit mentors. First major initiative from the 'charity to change churches' cohort.
• City of ChattanoogacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal government partner in Mentoring Collective and ongoing programs. Mayor Tim Kelly serves as honorary BBBS board member. Partnership through Youth and Family Development Centers for mentoring initiatives.
• United Way of Greater ChattanoogacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner in Mentoring Collective initiative to expand youth mentoring access across the region.
• Community Forward SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner in Mentoring Collective, working to expand mentoring services through schools and community sites.
• Pinnacle Financial PartnersmajorGTM or Marketing Partner2025 Corporate Partner recognized with Corporate Defender of Potential Award for outstanding support of BBBS mission and programs.
• The Trust Company of TennesseemajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate supporter listed among community partners providing financial and promotional support for youth mentoring programs.
• BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Community TrustmajorGTM or Marketing Partner2025 Corporate Partner supporting BBBS through community trust funding for health-related youth programming.
• EPB (Electric Power Board)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity supporter providing infrastructure and community investment for youth mentoring initiatives.
• UnummajorGTM or Marketing Partner2025 Corporate Partner supporting BBBS through employee giving and corporate philanthropy programs.
• Chick-fil-AminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity supporter providing sponsorship and promotional support for BBBS events.
• United WaycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing community partner providing funding, volunteer coordination, and collaborative programming for youth services.
• Hamilton County SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary educational partner hosting site-based mentoring programs at 27 schools throughout the district. Partnership includes Beyond School Walls workplace mentoring transportation and coordination.
• University of Tennessee at ChattanoogacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigher education partner hosting UTC Bigs student organization with 160 members. Students serve as volunteer mentors through community and site-based programs. Contact: Tina Franklin at 423-664-8642.
• YMCAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity organization partner providing activity spaces and programming support for BBBS matches.
• Tennessee AquariumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCultural partner providing discounted or free activities and field trips for BBBS matches.
• Creative Discovery MuseumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCultural partner providing educational activities and reduced admission for BBBS mentoring matches.
• Hunter MuseumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCultural partner providing access to arts programming for BBBS matches.
• Artech (Architectural Design)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerArchitectural firm overseeing design of Warner Mentoring Hub renovation and expansion project at 2015 Bailey Ave.
• New Blue ConstructionminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerConstruction firm overseeing Warner Mentoring Hub building project including remodeling current structure and 900-square-foot addition.

Scale indicators16 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of America: National federation that charters and supports the Chattanooga affiliate and 230+ other independent BBBS agencies. Operates the same one-to-one youth mentoring model, brand standards, and Platinum Award program, making it the closest structural and operational reference point.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America: National youth development federation with a comparable mission of supporting youth through mentoring, education, and character programming. Broader in scope than BBBS (club-based vs. one-to-one mentoring) but draws on the same corporate, foundation, and government funding pools.

Emerging players

• Boys Hope Girls Hope: National nonprofit providing residential and community-based mentoring and academic support to youth facing adversity. Comparable one-to-one mentoring philosophy and youth-outcomes focus, though with a residential component the Chattanooga affiliate does not operate.
• Girls Inc. of Chattanooga: Local affiliate of Girls Inc. providing mentoring, academic support, and youth development programming specifically for girls in the Chattanooga area. Comparable in mission and donor base, with narrower demographic focus but similar nonprofit operating model.

Direct peers

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City: One of the largest BBBS affiliates offering community-based, site-based, and workplace mentoring to youth in NYC. Highly comparable operating model, programming mix, and funding structure to BBBS of Greater Chattanooga, but at significantly larger urban scale.
• Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota: Statewide mentoring intermediary that supports and connects volunteer mentoring programs serving youth. Provides a useful peer benchmark on volunteer recruitment infrastructure, quality standards, and outcomes measurement that map closely to BBBS affiliate operations.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio: Mid-size BBBS affiliate delivering the same portfolio of community-based, site-based, and Beyond School Walls workplace mentoring programs. Useful peer for benchmarking match retention, fundraising, and volunteer pipeline metrics against a comparable mid-market affiliate.

Regional players

• YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga: Local chapter of the national YMCA network offering youth development, after-school programs, and mentoring-adjacent services in the Greater Chattanooga area. Overlaps on youth programming, volunteer recruitment, and corporate partner relationships in the same geography.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Chattanooga: Local youth development organization serving Chattanooga-area youth with after-school programming, mentoring, and academic support. Competes for the same corporate partner dollars, volunteer hours, and youth/family mindshare in the same six-county service area.
• TN Achieves: Tennessee statewide nonprofit providing mentoring and college access support to high school students. Operates in the same Tennessee geography with overlapping youth outcomes goals (post-secondary enrollment), making it a relevant regional peer for scholarship and Big Futures programming.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCdTDpBfFQy8N-UIizRaJOXQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/BBBSChattanooga
• Instagraminstagram.com/bbbschatt
• TikToktiktok.com/@bbbsofchatt
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bbbschatt

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 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 of Greater Chattanooga