The process of being matched:

How will I be matched with a child?
How do children come into the program?
Who are the children in the program?

What it’s like to be a Big:

When can I see my Little?
How much money should I spend?
What are some good ideas for outings with my Little?
Can I bring my spouse/friend/family member on outings?
What kind of support can I expect from BBBS once I get matched?

Donating to Big Brothers Big Sisters:

How do I make a donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters?
Where does Big Brothers Big Sisters get its funding from?
How is my donation used? (Where does my money go?)
How can I get involved in helping to raise funds for the Big Brothers Big Sisters agency?
 

How will I be matched with a child?

The enrollment and interview process helps us to get to know your preferences as well as the situation best suited for you. It also helps you get to know us and the program expectations. We take into account your personality, likes, dislikes, age preferences, background, and location. But the final decision is yours.

How do children come into the program?

Children and parents may hear about Big Brothers Big Sisters from a teacher, a counselor, their church, a friend, commercials, etc. All children and their parents choose to be in our program.

Who are the children in the program?

Our Littles come from a variety of backgrounds, ethnicities and neighborhoods across the Capital Region. Their backgrounds and personalities are unique, but they all have a need for friendship with a caring adult.

When can I see my Little?

Our Bigs and Littles decide together what they want to do and they get parent approval. We recommend that you keep a consistent schedule of outings and that you see each other on a regular basis - ideally, a couple of times a month. Until your relationship is established the outings will also depend on the comfort level of your Little’s parent, your Little, and you. If your Little is younger, a shorter outing might be better.

If you choose to participate in one of our site-based mentoring programs, you will meet on-site at a school, college or business according to the schedule of the program (after-school weekdays or every other Saturday during the school year).  For a full program listing, see site based programs.

How much money should I spend?

We discourage you from spending a lot of money on your outings. The goal of the relationship is friendship. You should focus your time on getting to know each other. We encourage you to seek out free or low-cost activities, especially in the beginning.  Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region coordinates regular group activities and frequently distributes free tickets to local events.

What are some good ideas for outings with my Little?

Share an activity that gives you something in common to talk about.  Buy a comic book to read to each other, play a board game, or take a ride in the car with the radio on while you discuss music!  You want to select activities that give each of you a chance to learn more about one another.  For children, playing can be learning.  Most important: have FUN!

Can I bring my spouse/friend/family member on outings?

In the beginning it is important for you and your Little to get to know each other. This can happen best on a one-to-one basis. Over time it is also valuable for your Little to get to know the people who are important to you. Keep in mind that if you’re spending lots of time with others, your Little may begin to feel jealous or neglected. Remember that the main focus is the friendship YOU have with your Little. 

What kind of support can I expect from Big Brothers Big Sisters once I get matched?

Once you are matched with your Little, a Match Support Specialist from the agency will be in regular contact with you to provide assistance and give feedback. Anytime you are unsure about what to do or how to handle a situation, you will have a Match Support Specialist there to help. You’ll receive ideas for activities, guidance for handling possible difficult situations, and feedback on how you are making a difference, just by showing up!

How do I make a donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters?

It's easy to make a donation online! Simply click here to go to the donation form.  To donate by mail, please send check or money order to:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region, Inc.
1698 Central Avenue
Albany, NY 12205

To donate by phone, please call 1-518-862-1250.

Where does Big Brothers Big Sisters get its funding from?

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region is a non-profit organization supported by funds from individual donors and special events, foundations, corporations, and government sources.  We also receive some capacity-building funding from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America to support growth and new initiatives

Since government sources cover less than 39% of our operating expenses, community support is essential to run our programs.

How is my donation used? (Where does my money go?)

Your donation supports child enrollment, volunteer recruitment and screening, and match supervision - all conducted by well-trained, professional staff.  Your donation also supports cultural and recreational activities regularly offered to our Bigs and LIttles.  Our agency's combined annual costs for administration and fundraising is 17%.  

How can I get involved in helping to raise funds for the Big Brothers Big Sisters agency in my community?

We welcome your support!

BOWL FOR KIDS’ SAKE – Raise money for local kids and have a ball at Bowl for Kids' Sake, our largest annual fundraiser! Participate in our spring community event, or contact our office to organize a special bowling party for a group of colleagues, friends and/or family members. You don't have to be a bowler to Bowl for Kids' Sake.