We Are Best Buddies
Building a
World Where
Everyone Belongs.
Best Buddies is the largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people worldwide with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Our Programs
Creating Opportunities for People
with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities.
Friendships
Real friendships that end loneliness and open up the world for people with IDD.
Make lifelong friends >
Jobs
Helping people with IDD find good jobs and earn a paycheck in their community.
For job seekers & employers >
Leadership
Teaching self-advocacy and public speaking to grow the next wave of leaders.
Become a leader >
Living
Vibrant homes where people with and without IDD live together as roommates.
Experience Belonging >
Family Support
Helping families navigate resources, services, and connections that empower their loved ones to thrive.
You are not alone >
Get Involved
There Area So Many Ways to Help.
Latest News
Stories From Across The Movement.
Press Release
Best Buddies Expands Friendship Program to 200 New Schools
2 minute read
This fall, one-to-one friendship chapters will launch in underserved districts across 15 states, reaching thousands more students with and without IDD.
Read More
Impact Story
From Participant to Public Speaker: Marcus' Journey
2 minute read
Marcus joined Best Buddies as a shy high schooler. Today he's addressing state legislators about inclusive employment policy.
Read More
Event Recap
Best Buddies Challenge Raises Record $4.2 Million
2 minute read
Thousands of cyclists, runners, and walkers came together in Hyannis Port to shatter previous fundraising records for IDD inclusion.
Read More
Upcoming Events
Show Up & Stand Up
Spring
Friendship Walks
80+ Global Events
Join 50,000 participants across the globe to support the Best Buddies programs in schools, workplaces, and communities.
Register
Fall
Champion of the Year Galas
Major U.S. cities
Unites and recognizes the community’s most active leaders in the name of inclusion.
Register
Year-Round
Challenges & Camps
Nationwide
Join athletes of all abilities as we ride, run, or walk in support of Best Buddies.
Register
Global Presence
A Worldwide Network Of Belonging.
Best Buddies programs span nearly 50 countries and territories across six continents.
U.S.
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
Washington, D.C.
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Europe
Latin America & The Caribbean
MENA (Middle East and North Africa)
Our Impact
Real People, Real Numbers, Real Inclusion.
Building a Better World Together
Stay connected
Inclusion Starts Here
Stay connected with uplifting stories, local events, and meaningful ways to support inclusion in your community.
Donate Today
Your Gift Creates Friendships, Jobs, And Futures.
91¢ of every dollar goes directly to programs. Donations are tax-deductible. Every gift — large or small — opens a door for someone who has been left out for too long.
Four-Star Charity Navigator Rating for over 20 years
GuideStar Platinum Charity Rating for over 10 years
Mission Partners
Proudly Supported By
