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V O L . X X X I I N O. X X I I 16 G I V I N G G U I D E 2 0 2 6 – 2 0 2 7 N O N P RO F I T P RO F I L E P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F B E S T B U D D I E S M A I N E P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F B E S T B U D D I E S M A I N E 2027 GOALS Best Buddies Maine is committed to expanding opportunities for inclusion and friendship across the state. Our goals include increasing participation in our school friendship programs, grow- ing the number of schools that offer Best Buddies chapters, and expanding our Transitions program to serve more students and schools. By reaching more young people through these initiatives, we will continue to foster meaningful friendships, develop lead- ership skills, and create more inclusive communities for individ- uals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. FUNDRAISING EVENTS/OPPORTUNITIES Each year, Best Buddies Maine brings communities together through two signature events that celebrate inclusion and cre- ate lasting impact. The Best Buddies Friendship Walk is our spring annual fundraiser, uniting students, families, educa- tors, and supporters to raise funds and awareness while cel- ebrating the power of friendship and inclusion, this past year at Fitzpatrick Stadium. Our Champion of the Year Gala recog- nizes outstanding community leaders who participate in a spir- ited fundraising and awareness campaign. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES Giving to Best Buddies Maine is an investment in a more inclu- sive future. Every donation helps expand life-changing programs that create one-to-one friendships, develop leaders, and pro- vide opportunities for employment and independent living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Whether through financial contributions, sponsorships, volun- teerism, or event participation, every act of generosity helps empower people of all abilities to build meaningful connections and reach their full potential. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Volunteers are the heart of Best Buddies Maine and play a vital role in creating a more inclusive community. There are many ways to get involved, from joining our Citizens program to build meaningful one-to-one friendships with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, to volunteering at our annual Friendship Walk or supporting our Champion of the Year Gala. Whether you can give your time regularly or lend a hand at a special event, your involvement helps create opportunities for friendship, leadership, and inclusion across Maine. Best Buddies Maine AT A GLANCE Established: 2019 in Maine — Best Buddies International in 1989 Employees: 5 Annual revenue: $750,000 400 Congress St., #48 Portland, ME 04112 www.bestbuddies.org/maine bestbbuddiesmaine MISSION STATEMENT: Best Buddies is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organiza- tion dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one- to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). SERVICE LOCATIONS: State of Maine TOP FUNDING SOURCES: 59% Events 35% Grants/Foundations 6% Individual/Corporate LEADERSHIP BOARD MEMBERS Mariza Budri Tucker Conley Brigid Cooleen Olivia Fraioli Liz Mahoney Jennifer Grimshaw Weber Rachel Williams P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F B E S T B U D D I E S M A I N E