Best Buddies Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fund

Best Buddies International is proud to launch the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fund in partnership with the Institute for Corporate Productivity (i4cp) to address injustices to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), which are some of the country’s most marginalized groups. The Fund will create Best Buddies mentoring friendship chapters at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and urban high schools in underserved communities across the nation.

With a goal of raising $2 million, the Fund will provide stipends and scholarships to Best Buddies volunteers from underrepresented communities to help remove financial and program barriers, while expanding access and opportunities for volunteers. It will also identify, train, and support student chapter leaders with the entrepreneurial skills needed to create and run a successful Best Buddies chapter.

Launching Chapters at HBCUs & Urban High Schools

Best Buddies will empower underserved populations by opening 15 Best Buddies chapters in HBCUs and inner-city high schools each year! The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fund will increase diverse representation in Best Buddies chapters by expanding and building relationships with inner-city school districts, HBCUs, school administrations, parents, and students. It will also ensure program participation reflects the school, community, and local area’s diverse population. Diversity, equity, and inclusion trainings will also be available for volunteers and student leaders in all existing school programs.

Creating, Cultivating & Celebrating Diversity

At Best Buddies, we are committed to increasing the representation of diverse voices across our impactful work and creating a framework that paves the way for real systemic change. We are actively working to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion across all levels of our organization, including among Best Buddies’ Leadership Team, Board of Directors, and management positions.

Help Best Buddies Amplify Diverse Stories

Donate today to support, motivate, and empower Black, Indigenous, and People of Color with IDD so they can build life-long friendships, access employment opportunities, develop their leadership skills, and live in a welcoming residential environment. Your generous gift will have a positive impact on the lives of students at HBCUs and urban high schools. Together, let’s elevate diverse voices and change the world for the better!