The Best Buddies Challenge supports Best Buddies International (www.bestbuddies.org), a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies has grown from one original chapter to more than 1,500 middle school, high school, and college campuses across the country and internationally. Our programs engage participants in each of the 50 United States and on six continents, positively impacting 700,000 individuals each year.

What “Best Buddies” are

Best Buddies refers to our one-to-one friendships, the central focus of Best Buddies’ mission. People with intellectual disabilities are paired with volunteers at the middle school, high school, college, and post-college level. These “buddy pairs” offer invaluable socialization opportunities to people with intellectual disabilities, a group that throughout history has been forced to live without the love and support of friends we all take for granted. Many of our buddy pairs take part in the Best Buddies Challenge.

Where the Money Goes

Overall, contributions to Best Buddies are judiciously spent, with the majority of these funds directly applied to the enrichment of the organization’s programs.

“Best Buddies International outperforms the majority of nonprofits in America with respect to fiscal responsibility.” – Charity Navigator