Mentoring & Skills Building
Our Foundation supports programs and projects that target underserved children, youth and adults in communities where the County organization has locations. We partner with community organizations that provide services and resources related to career and workforce readiness, financial literacy, entrepreneurship and leadership development, academic help, recreation opportunities, life skills training, STEM and youth mentorship – all valuable programs that lead to self-sufficiency and independence. These resources are especially vital for at-risk youth.
Additionally, we support adaptive sports and recreational camps that offer programming for children and adults who are living with a physical, cognitive or emotional disability. We believe that empowering disadvantaged individuals and their families makes a positive and lasting difference in our local communities.
If you would like to submit a grant request on behalf of a community organization, please click below to complete our Community & Charitable Grants application.
Big Brothers
Big Sisters
(multiple chapters)



A Year of Changes and a New Mission
Big Brothers Big Sisters chapters experienced a year of changes, including a repositioned brand, new logo and a new mission: To create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Several chapters changed offices to improve working space and administrative efficiencies.
Other chapters started a Match Enrichment Fund to help encourage Bigs and Littles to explore other activities and events that may be of interest to them. Events can include visiting an art or science museum, sending their Little to a S.T.E.M. Camp, participating in health and wellness classes, or scholastic needs. With this program, BBBS offers scholarships and academic assistance to Littles that are graduating high school and attending college to help with tuition and supplies that may be needed.
All of these changes came about because of one BIG reason: Mentoring works! It’s why the organization continues to grow. Big Brothers Big Sisters is proud to report another record high of children served. Bigs and family members are seeing their Littles do better in school, be more confident, be less likely to be involved with risky behaviors and develop dreams for their futures.
BBBS chapters are also fortunate to have many great community partners that help achieve its mission, including public school districts that support school mentoring programs. Other chapters have begun collaborating with the Boys & Girls Clubs and Family Services in their regions.
*BBBS Chapters Represented:
• Central Wisconsin, Stevens Point, WI
• Central Illinois – Champaign County, Champaign, IL
• Central Indiana, Indianapolis, IN
• Dane County, Madison, WI
• Illinois Capital Region, Springfield, IL
• Johnson County, Iowa City, IA
• Mid-Illinois, Charleston, IL
• Northcentral Wisconsin, Wausau, WI
• Northeastern Wisconsin, Green Bay, WI
• Northwestern Wisconsin, Eau Claire, WI
• Richland County, Olney, IL
• Southcentral Wisconsin, Delavan, WI
• 7 Rivers Region, La Crosse, WI
Featured Stories
Fun For All!
The Shaw Family Playground - Shaw Family Playground was the first, and currently only, fully accessible ADA playground in Sheboygan County. The playground was founded by Angie and Ryan Shaw, parents of conjoined twins Mateo and McHale. The twin, who underwent a...
Creating Brighter Futures for Youth
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Outdoor Experiences that Empower
Little Lakes Memories - Little Lakes Memories seeks to provide outdoor opportunities for people with disabilities. Individuals and their families gather for a weekend-long respite at Little Lakes Lodge, where they are met with caring, experienced hosts who provide an...