Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

What Big Brothers Big Sisters of America does

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1904 and headquartered in Tampa, Florida. It is the largest and most experienced youth mentoring organization in the United States, operating a federated network of 240+ local agencies that deliver one-to-one mentoring relationships between adult volunteers (Bigs) and youth (Littles) ages 6-18 across all 50 states and 5,000+ communities. Core programs include Community-Based Mentoring and School-Based Mentoring, supplemented by specialized initiatives such as Big Futures (workforce readiness), Little Reporters (media storytelling), Game Changers (professional women mentors), and the Alumni Network. The organization is governed by a National Board of Directors and led by President and CEO Artis Stevens, the first Black leader in BBBSA's 120+ year history.

BBBSA's core technology stack combines an evidence-based mentoring methodology with an integrated national platform linking 240+ local agencies, augmented by a pilot AI Match Recommendation Engine developed with KPMG and Microsoft for the Puget Sound affiliate that significantly reduces matching time and is being evaluated for federation-wide rollout. The organization also maintains a first-of-its-kind 30-year longitudinal dataset linking BBBS participant records to U.S. tax data, which underpins its measurable outcomes (15% higher lifetime earnings, 20% higher college enrollment, closing two-thirds of the economic gap). It holds Top 10 Most Trusted Nonprofit status from Morning Consult (2023, 2024) and is named to Forbes' Top 100 Charities (2024).

BBBSA's revenue model is donation- and grant-driven, not transactional: programming costs approximately $2,000-$3,000 per youth per year, funded through individual donations, corporate partnerships (Macy's $16M+ over four years, Ulta Beauty ~$5M, KPMG $1.5M+, Hilton 250M Honors Points, UPS workplace mentoring, Dove/Walmart, Gillette, Amazon Prime Video, NFL Inspire Change), foundation grants (MacKenzie Scott $122.6M, Arnold Ventures $5.6M, NFL Foundation), cause-marketing campaigns, and government support. GTM is community-led volunteer recruitment and event-driven enterprise partnership development, with a federated direct-delivery model via local agencies, school-based programs, corporate workplace mentoring, and self-serve enrollment through bbbs.org.

Name

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

Legal name

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

Website

https://bbbs.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1904

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1904 that operates the largest youth mentoring organization in the US, delivering one-to-one mentoring relationships through 240+ local agencies across all 50 states.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Mentoring Services

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (62411), Child and Youth Services (624110), 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

Student Mentoring & Peer Support Programs (EDAJALAL), Peer Support, Mentoring & Student Leadership (SEL) (EDAKAMAO)

Keywords

• Youth mentoring services
• One-to-one mentoring
• Nonprofit youth development
• Community-based mentoring
• Mentorship programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Tampa

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, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Direct charitable contributions from individual donors supporting youth mentorship programs nationwide.
2. Corporate Partnerships: Multi-year strategic partnerships with corporations including financial investments, cause marketing, employee volunteering, and in-kind donations (e.g., Hilton's 250 million Hilton Honors Points, Macy's holiday campaigns).
3. Foundation Grants: Grant funding from foundations such as Arnold Ventures ($5.6 million for Maryland expansion) and MacKenzie Scott ($122.6 million, largest single donation in organization history).
4. Cause Marketing: Campaign-based donations where corporations donate per purchase (e.g., Dove's $0.05 per item at Walmart, guaranteed minimum $200,000 to maximum $250,000).

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that intentionally pair adult volunteer mentors (Bigs) with youth ages 6 through 18 (Littles). These relationships are delivered primarily through Community-Based Mentoring and School-Based Mentoring programs operated by a national network of 240+ local agencies across all 50 states, supplemented by workforce readiness, college and career, leadership, and media-literacy programming for participating youth.

Product overview

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America operates as a nonprofit youth mentoring organization offering a portfolio of programs centered on one-to-one mentoring relationships. The core offerings include Community-Based Mentoring and School-Based Mentoring programs that pair adult volunteers (Bigs) with youth (Littles) ages 6-18. The organization supplements these with specialized initiatives including the Big Futures workforce readiness program, the Little Reporters media program, Alumni Network for former participants, National Youth Council for youth leadership, and Game Changers for professional mentor engagement. Programs are delivered through a network of over 240 local agencies across all 50 states, supported by corporate partnerships and donations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Community-Based Mentoring One-to-one mentoring program in which an adult volunteer (Big) is matched with a youth (Little) ages 6-18 and meets with the youth in the community on a regular basis outside of school hours, building a long-term mentoring relationship. Intended for youth in the BBBSA program and adult volunteer mentors across the United States.
• School-Based Mentoring One-to-one mentoring program in which an adult volunteer (Big) meets with a youth (Little) ages 6-18 at the youth's school during the school day, typically once per week, providing academic and social-emotional support. Intended for students enrolled through partner schools and adult volunteers serving as mentors.
• Big Futures Initiative A college and career readiness initiative supporting BBBSA program participants (Littles and alumni) with postsecondary access, workforce exposure, and career navigation, including a college scholarship program. Intended for youth currently enrolled in BBBSA mentoring relationships and alumni pursuing higher education and career opportunities.
• Little Reporters Program A youth media and journalism program in which participating Littles investigate and report on issues affecting their peers, with coverage distributed via local television affiliates, producing a national special. Intended for BBBSA youth participants (Littles) interested in media, storytelling, and journalism.

Quantifiable outcome

• BBBS Littles earn 15% more over their lifetime
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• KPMGcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 July 2026Multi-year collaboration focused on expanding youth mentorship access through volunteer engagement, financial investment, and pro bono innovation. KPMG contributed over 3,000 professional volunteers, more than $1.5 million in combined giving, and a $450,000 grant from the KPMG U.S. Foundation since fiscal year 2020. Partnership includes AI Match Recommendation Engine collaboration with Microsoft.
• Church's Texas ChickenminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 27 June 2026Partnership in Houston to host soccer clinic for local youth and community block party. Includes Golazo Meal promotion with proceeds benefiting BBBS of Houston.
• HiltoncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 June 2026Nationwide partnership providing mentorship, career exploration in hospitality, and transformative travel experiences across six U.S. markets (Anaheim, Atlanta, Dallas, Columbus, Miami, Washington D.C.). Hilton's largest-ever charitable donation of 250 million Hilton Honors Points (3,000+ standard room nights) to fund travel experiences. Aims to create 10,000+ mentoring moments targeting youth ages 16-25 not in school or work.
• UPScoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 June 2026Expanded and extended multi-year partnership to create 25,000 mentoring moments for youth through workplace experiences and career exposure events. Builds on initial three-year engagement that connected hundreds of young people with mentors. Supports Big Futures initiative introducing youth to logistics, operations, technology, and entrepreneurship.
• PorscheminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 June 2026Toy Story 5 collaboration where Porsche revealed three one-of-one 911 models to be sold as charitable initiative benefiting BBBSA, American Red Cross, and Starlight Children's Foundation. Partnership expands access to life-changing programs for young people.
• Health NetminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 February 2026Partnership during Super Bowl week hosting 'Strong Youth, Strong Communities' event reaching over 2,000 students at River City High School in Sacramento, combined with Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinees.
• Ambetter from Superior HealthPlanminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 21 October 2025Strong Youth Strong Communities summit at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas with nearly 1,000 Dallas teens. Part of Centene Corporation nationwide campaign with Pro Football Hall of Fame athletes focusing on youth mental and emotional wellbeing.
• GillettecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025National partnership to engage more men as mentors through 10 flag football events across 10 cities (Boston, San Francisco, Kansas City, Dallas, Tampa, Cincinnati, Detroit, Seattle, New Orleans, Phoenix). Events connect prospective mentors with boys on waitlists, addressing tens of thousands of youth on BBBS waitlists.
• Amazon Prime VideocoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 September 2025Collaboration launching national PSA 'You Got It' during Thursday Night Football. Features Taylor Rooks and Andrew Whitworth alongside BBBSA mentors and youth participants. Includes job and career shadowing opportunities with NFL and NBA talent and production staff.
• HelzbergminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 27 August 2025National partnership combining financial investment, volunteer engagement, and career exploration opportunities. Launched at BBBSA's Diamond Anniversary celebration in Kansas City, expanding to associates in key markets through career day mentoring and Pack + Give Back events.
• DovecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 July 2025Back-to-school partnership where Dove donated $0.05 per Dove and Dove Men+Care item purchased at Walmart (guaranteed minimum $200,000, maximum $250,000). Includes community events at select Walmart locations featuring mentorship activities and confidence-building experiences.
• WalmartcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 July 2025Back-to-school partnership platform for Dove donation campaign. Customer round-up and online donation options at Walmart stores nationwide support BBBSA mentoring opportunities.
• Clear Channel OutdoorminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025National digital out-of-home advertising campaign during National Mentoring Month featuring women leaders from Game Changers initiative. Addresses declining confidence and mental health challenges among teenage girls.
• Macy'scoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Multi-year holiday campaign partnership (2022-present) raising more than $16 million. 2025 campaign raised more than $3.1 million through in-store round-up, online donations, and limited-edition collectible items. Includes participation in 99th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and Santa Tour experiences.
• MicrosoftcoreTechnology or IntegrationCollaboration with KPMG to develop AI Match Recommendation Engine for BBBS of Puget Sound that significantly reduced mentor-mentee matching time. Being evaluated for broader implementation across BBBSA network.
• Peach State Health PlanminorGTM or Marketing PartnerParticipated in BBBSA's 2026 National Conference in Atlanta, reinforcing commitment to community engagement through mentorship programs. Aligns with Peach State Health Plan's broader community engagement strategy focused on youth development.

Scale indicators19 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Boys & Girls Clubs of America: National youth development nonprofit with a federated club model serving millions of children and teens across the U.S. Directly comparable to BBBSA as a similarly structured, similarly scaled nonprofit delivering youth development programming through local affiliates.
• National 4-H Council: National youth development nonprofit (the private nonprofit partner of the USDA 4-H program). BBBSA's current Chief Communications Officer previously led PR at 4-H, evidencing direct organizational comparability in youth mentoring, leadership development, and national extension models.
• Girl Scouts of the USA: National youth development organization with a federated council model, similar brand longevity, and overlapping funder and corporate-partner ecosystem with BBBSA. Comparable in scale, mission-adjacency to youth empowerment, and reliance on volunteer engagement.
• Mentor: The National Mentoring Partnership: National nonprofit umbrella organization specifically focused on expanding quality youth mentoring across the U.S. The closest direct peer to BBBSA in pure mentoring category, though smaller in scale and focused more on capacity-building for mentoring programs.
• Autism Speaks: Large national nonprofit funded through corporate partnerships, individual giving, and cause-marketing campaigns. BBBSA's incoming Chief Development Officer led revenue growth at Autism Speaks, evidencing comparable fundraising infrastructure, corporate-partner intensity, and nonprofit-development operating model.
• Junior Achievement USA: National nonprofit delivering youth-focused education on work readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship through a federated local-area model. Comparable to BBBSA in workforce-readiness programming (e.g., Big Futures), corporate partnership intensity, and K-12 youth audience.
• Make-A-Wish America: National nonprofit with a federated chapter model delivering services to children, supported by corporate partnerships and individual giving. BBBSA's current CTO previously served at Make-A-Wish, evidencing comparable IT/security scale needs and federated operating model.

Broad incumbents

• YMCA of the USA: Federated, 160-year-old nonprofit delivering youth development programming (alongside broader health and wellness services) across thousands of U.S. communities. Overlaps with BBBSA in youth programming and corporate cause-marketing partnerships but serves a much wider age and service range.
• United Way Worldwide: Federated nonprofit raising and distributing funds across thousands of U.S. communities. BBBSA's Chief Impact Officer previously served at United Way of Greater Atlanta; the organizations are comparable in federated governance, individual-giving fundraising, and community-level grantmaking scale.

Emerging players

• iMentor: Nonprofit focused specifically on mentoring to drive college access and success for students from under-resourced communities. Comparable to BBBSA's college-readiness outcomes (20% higher college enrollment) but smaller in scale and more narrowly focused on the college-access use case.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/BBBSA
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/BBBSofAmerica
• Facebookfacebook.com/BigBrothersBigSisters
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bbbsa
• Instagraminstagram.com/bbbsamerica

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Big Brothers Big Sisters of America