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Finalgrantdocument Editsincluded
Finalgrantdocument Editsincluded
Summary of request
As an international non-profit organization that strives for the inclusion and integration of people
with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) into society as a whole, Best Buddies
formally and respectfully requests the amount of $______ from (committee, corporation, etc.).
As an expanding non-profit organization that is based solely around volunteer work and
donations, Best Buddies is a thriving organization that focuses on one-to-one friendships and
relationships for people with IDD, helping to provide secure job opportunities, integrated
schooling and education, and social interactions in order to create a better quality of lifepromote
inclusion in all facets of life.
include the $350 chapter dues each year, generally the cost of a flight to our
International Leadership Conference for the chapter president to attend
(mandatory), and food/supplies for monthly activities. Our International
Leadership Conference focuses on teaching Americas future leaders how to
promote inclusion in all facets of life. On a statewide/international level, donations will
be used strictly for the expansion of the organization, allowing for Best Buddies to keep
providing services to people with IDD all over the world.
As a contributor and a supporter of Best Buddies, you will be helping to provide people with
intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to be a included in our society,
whether it be through employment, education, or socially. Opening these doors to persons with
IDD promotes the equality of all individuals in todays world. Not only will you be helping this
generation of people with IDD, your consideration may influence other employers to consider
accepting someone with these people with developmental/ disabilities into their place of work;
providing this opportunity to them along with others. Donating to Best Buddies will directly
influence these people with developmental disabilities, along with the volunteers, by paying the
thought of inclusion forward. and others affiliated with these people. As leaders in our
community, it is our responsibility to promote environments inclusive of all abilities.
Best Buddies Mission
Best Buddies is a nonprofit organization, founded by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, that strives to
establish integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities ( IDD) and create a global volunteer movement to form one-to-one
friendships. Our organization strives to provide people with IDD opportunities to secure
rewarding jobs, live independently, become inspirational leaders and make lifelong meaningful
friendships and connections. Best Buddies goal is to better integrate people with IDD into
society and have themoffer opportunities become a major part of their community, state, and
country. Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities tend to be excluded from
their communities and underestimated by others. Best Buddies seeks to change societys
perception of people with IDD by helping them establish sincere and supportive friendships,
allowing them to live life with more confidence and comfort. Theis organization also wants to get
individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities involved with leadership and expose
them to resources and teachings that will help them make positive contributions to
themselvesour community, and the workplace and other roles in the community. We believe in
the American Dream that keeps our economy flourishing and that people with disabilities
should not be oppressed of this privilege. Overall, Best Buddies wants to assist individuals with
IDD get so integrated in their communities so that eventually its services will no longer be
needed and the individual will be essentially self-sustaining. It is our primary purpose to put
Best Buddies out of business, meaning there will be no need to fight for the rights of people with
IDDs in the near future because of actions and investments made today.
In 2011, Best Buddies created the 2020 initiative, with the goal of opening offices in all 50
states, expanding into 100 countries, and impacting 3 million people with and without intellectual
and developmental disabilities by the end of 2020.These actions includes plans to teach and
train 4,000 Buddies Ambassadors, develop 1,000 jobs for people with IDD around the globe and
increase the number of school based chapters to 2,500. By investing in Best Buddies you are
becoming part of a worldwide movement affecting the lives of all nationalities.
Impact/effectiveness of project
Best Buddies is composed of eight programs (more details listed in the Program Dynamics
section) that have positively impacted nearly 900,000 individuals with and without disabilities.
The programs have changed many lives in all 50 states and in 50 countries internationally.
Individuals with IDD have had many positive results from their involvement in the program such
as gaining more independence, obtaining secure employment, forming strong connections with
other people in the society and gaining the knowledge and resources needed to become strong
successful leaders in their local communities and countries. Best Buddies helps people with IDD
achieve their dreams and fulfill their potential.
The importance of Best Buddies is expressed each day by parents, family members, friends,
volunteers, and participants. We have received a great amount of positive feedback and have
been informed about Best Buddies impact on the lives of the participants, their families and
even the volunteers. We give IDD members the support and tools necessary to
take the initiative in their lives, allowing them to begin building and
expanding their future. Many participants have earned jobs, received leadership positions,
and obtained solid significant positions in their community through the program. They are
advocates for themselves and our program.
Although Best Buddies has tremendously advanced expanded in the short amount of time since
its establishment, many areas of the country and other regions of the world still lack programs
that supports and assists people with IDD become a part of the mainstream society. With this in
mind, Best Buddies is implementing the 2020 initiative (as stated earlier) which will oversee and
track the organization's growth and impact, both domestically and overseas.
Program Dynamics
Best Buddies fosters one-on-one friendships and inclusion for people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities (IDD) through middle school programs, high school programs, college
programs, citizens programs, e-buddies platforms, job partnerships, and ambassador trainings.
Middle School: Best Buddies starts their mission for inclusion within middle
schools in order to foster an inclusive environment for those with intellectual
and developmental disabilities in education. Starting at such a young age is
crucial for building the confidence of those with and without disabilities.
These one-on-one friendships limit social isolation and help adolescents
within the program build self-esteem before they begin their next educational
chapter of high school.
High School: High school is a time of heightened social and emotional
development for many students. This program reinforces the mission of
inclusion at the pinnacle for adolescents before one is considered an adult.
High schools aim to prepare students to be successful in whatever their life
Volunteers
Best Buddies is a volunteer-based organization who relies on the support and dedication of
amazing volunteers. We currently have just under 1000 approved members in