Support BBBS-NW

Whether you give through a cash donation, a donation of stock or securities, or by simply volunteering your time, every gift to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Washington makes a BIG difference. Below are just some of the ways you can give.

Individual Support

Financial donations provide direct and immediate support. Common methods of giving are via cash, credit card, check, or electronic transfer. Make your gift online today using the “donate now!” button on the left!

Pledges

Pledges allow donors to make ongoing gifts over a period of months or years. Payment schedules are flexible. Monthly, quarterly or annual donations can be made online. Make your gift online today using the “donate now!” button on the left!

Employer Matching Gifts

Many employers match their employees’ gifts to charitable institutions. Some companies will match the gifts of employee spouses and retired employees as well. Ask the human resources or benefits office at your workplace for more information.

Workplace Giving

By making a gift through your company’s Workplace Giving Campaign this month, you can help change the lives of children waiting to be matched with caring adult mentors. To learn more about participating in your company’s workplace giving campaign, please contact your Human Resources Office today. If your company participates in a United Way workplace giving campaign, you may designate Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Washington on your pledge form.

Dollars for Volunteering

If you are a Big Brother or Big Sister who works for a company such as US Bank or Starbucks, your employer will give a cash donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters for the hours you spend volunteering. This is a tremendous opportunity for you to double your support of youth mentoring. Ask the human resources or benefits office at your workplace for more information.

Planned Gifts & Bequests

Create a legacy by including Big Brothers Big Sisters in your trust, bequest, or endowment. A planned gift to Big Brothers Big Sisters ensures the continuation of our landmark mentoring programs. For more information, please contact Bliss Goldstein, CEO at (360) 671-6400 x107.

In-Kind Donations

In lieu of a financial contribution, provide Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Washington with donated services, such as printing, video production, graphic design, etc.

For more information, please contact Bliss Goldstein, CEO at (360) 671-6400 x107.

Invest in the power of professionally-managed mentoring. Over 100 years of research, data, and experience supports the behind-the-scenes work that ensures child safety, match quality, and a life-changing experience for the child, volunteer, family, and community.

Where your money goes

While, in essence, mentoring is simple and straightforward, what makes our program a life-changing experience for at-risk youth is the behind-the-scenes professional management of our carefully-trained staff. According to national research, mentoring—not as a generic idea, but as “carried out by Big Brothers Big Sisters”–is effective because of the “effort and structure that make it work” (Walker, 2000).

Enrollment and Matching: We carefully interview, screen, conduct background checks, and evaluate potential mentors for matchability and child safety. In addition, we interview children and families, choosing appropriate mentors for them based on personality, interests, and preferences.

Match Support: We maintain regular contact with teachers, parents, children, and mentors to ensure match safety and efficacy, while providing ongoing support.

Training: We train mentors in effective mentoring practices, including a three-hour training session before the match even begins. Throughout the life of the match, we offer ongoing mentor training in specific topics, including adolescence, bullying, and college preparations.

Activities: We organize a variety of free and low-cost activities for matches including hiking, improv classes, whitewater rafting, fire station tours, boating, trips to the waterslides, and excursions to the symphony.

Outreach: We reach out to youth and families through community events, schools, and other social service organizations.

Recruitment: We recruit mentors through corporate presentations, connections, and event exposure.

Resources: We offer ongoing support to our families in the form of resources and partnerships with other social service organizations and government support entities.