ABOUT US

Changing perspectives. Changing lives.

 

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF DANE COUNTY IS A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO EMPOWERING CHILDREN TO REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL THROUGH THE CREATION OF STRONG, ENDURING ONE-ON-ONE MENTORING RELATIONSHIPS.

For over 50 years locally, and more than 100 years nationally, we have been creating life-changing mentoring relationships for young people. Using proven, research-based methods, our team connects children ages 6-18 with caring, trusted adult mentors who meet their unique needs and help them unlock their full potential.

Through our community-based youth mentoring programs, we meet kids where they are today while equipping them with the skills, confidence, and resilience to thrive tomorrow. Supported by dedicated volunteers and strong community partnerships, we proudly serve youth across Madison and Dane County.

We believe every child has the potential to succeed. By fostering consistent, long-term relationships between mentors (Bigs) and children (Littles), we fill a critical gap in youth development. Our data-driven approach shows that Littles in our program improve academically, avoid risky behaviors, and build stronger social-emotional skills - tools that create lasting impact well beyond childhood. Mentoring strengthens not only individual lives, but our entire community.

OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES

 

  • Child Safety & Youth Protection - We prioritize the physical and emotional safety of every child in our programs. From thorough volunteer screening to ongoing support and training, we ensure a secure and nurturing environment for all participants.

  • Positive Youth Outcomes - Our goal is to create measurable, life-changing results for the youth we serve. Mentoring relationships are designed to help children improve academically, build confidence, and develop skills that will serve them for life.

  • Research & Evidence-Based Practices - We rely on proven mentoring research, data from our national network, and the expertise of internal and external specialists to deliver programs that meet the highest quality standards.

  • Equity & Inclusion - We intentionally focus on reaching the youth who need us most, engaging diverse volunteers, and addressing the critical needs of the communities we serve. Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed - regardless of background, race, or circumstance.

OUR VISION

All youth achieve their full potential.

OUR PURPOSE

To clear the path to a child’s biggest possible future.

OUR MISSION

Create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

HOW TO SUPPORT US

 

WHEN CHILDREN AND TEENS HAVE THE INFLUENCE OF A CAREING ADULT, THEY ARE MORE LIKELY TO AVOID RISKY BEHAVIORS AND FOCUS ON ACADEMICS.

Today's youth face a variety of challenges, and being matched with a Big can help them navigate these challenges and reach their potential. You can help youth in the Dane County community by donating, becoming a Big, or partnering with us.

Accountability

At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County, accountability is at the heart of everything we do.

Through our youth mentoring programs in Madison, we partner with parents, guardians, caregivers, dedicated volunteers, and local community members to ensure every child in our program receives the guidance and support they need to succeed. We take responsibility for helping youth set higher aspirations, grow in confidence, build positive and lasting relationships, make healthy choices that avoid risky behaviors, and achieve educational success. Our commitment to mentorship in Madison is about more than matching Bigs and Littles - it’s about creating life-changing connections that empower the next generation.

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