Donation FAQs
Research has shown that a Little Brother or Little Sister matched for one year or more in a one-to-one friendship is more likely to graduate from high school, attend college and demonstrate more respect for themselves and adults. Littles are also more likely to avoid alcohol, drugs and violence.
How can I donate to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Lafayette?
There are a number of ways to donate, ranging from making a financial donation to our Annual Fund to the purchase of tickets and sponsorships for fundraising events. For more information about our needs and how you can donate click here.
To sponsor one of our annual events, make an in-kind donation for our annual auction or to donate tickets for Big/Little matches, please contact our development office at 765-446-2227 or email us.
Are donations tax deductible?
Yes. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Lafayette is a 501(c)(3). Donations are tax deductible to the extent that they exceed the value of goods and services that may be received in exchange
How is the money used?
Donations are used to fund ongoing operations, including the cost of a staff of professionals who recruit and screen volunteers, make the matches between individual Bigs and Littles and provide ongoing support to each match so it thrives.
Why does it cost something to support a volunteer match?
Although volunteer Bigs donated 30,712 hours of one-to-one time with their Littles in 2009, each of those hours requires support by paid professional staff who take great care in screening and selecting the adults who become our Bigs. The intake evaluation includes an extensive application review and interview and extensive background checks; Big’s and Little’s interests are thoroughly analyzed to ensure the best fit for a long-lasting match; and matches are periodically monitored throughout the year to be certain the needs of the child and adult are met.
Where Your Investment Dollars Go?
82 percent of your financial contribution is used for program expenses. Your dollars directly influence the number and scope of services we can provide to the youth in Greater Lafayette. Every contribution, large or small, will help us achieve our goal of matching every child in Tippecanoe County who needs and wants a mentor with a caring adult. Our matches are effective due to our outreach, screening and support services all of which require funding. Here is how your generous donation is used:
What other types of donations do you accept?
Monetary donations are accepted on an ongoing basis. We are also very grateful for in-kind donations of goods and services from our many community partners, either as items for fundraising auctions or to support our ongoing office needs and match activities. In addition, donations of tickets to local events and free or discounted admissions to venues give our Littles the opportunity to experience things that may otherwise be out of reach. For our Agency Wish List click here.
Don’t you receive financial assistance from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America?
Contrary to popular belief, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Lafayette is solely responsible for raising funds to support its own operations, as is each Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate across the country. In fact, each affiliate pays an annual fee to belong to the national organization.
To see charts with revenue and expenses, click here.
There are a number of ways to donate, ranging from making a financial donation to our Annual Fund to the purchase of tickets and sponsorships for fundraising events. For more information about our needs and how you can donate click here.
To sponsor one of our annual events, make an in-kind donation for our annual auction or to donate tickets for Big/Little matches, please contact our development office at 765-446-2227 or email us.
Are donations tax deductible?
Yes. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Lafayette is a 501(c)(3). Donations are tax deductible to the extent that they exceed the value of goods and services that may be received in exchange
How is the money used?
Donations are used to fund ongoing operations, including the cost of a staff of professionals who recruit and screen volunteers, make the matches between individual Bigs and Littles and provide ongoing support to each match so it thrives.
Why does it cost something to support a volunteer match?
Although volunteer Bigs donated 30,712 hours of one-to-one time with their Littles in 2009, each of those hours requires support by paid professional staff who take great care in screening and selecting the adults who become our Bigs. The intake evaluation includes an extensive application review and interview and extensive background checks; Big’s and Little’s interests are thoroughly analyzed to ensure the best fit for a long-lasting match; and matches are periodically monitored throughout the year to be certain the needs of the child and adult are met.
Where Your Investment Dollars Go?
82 percent of your financial contribution is used for program expenses. Your dollars directly influence the number and scope of services we can provide to the youth in Greater Lafayette. Every contribution, large or small, will help us achieve our goal of matching every child in Tippecanoe County who needs and wants a mentor with a caring adult. Our matches are effective due to our outreach, screening and support services all of which require funding. Here is how your generous donation is used:
- Making the Match—Each volunteer candidate is interviewed by a professional staff member for suitability. Their individual interests, background and personality are all carefully considered to ensure that they are matched with the right child. Staff also meet with and prepare each child's family to be certain they are ready to welcome the new Big into their lives.
- Professional Match Supervision—Our dedicated and thoroughly trained staff supervise every match, communicating frequently with "Bigs," "Littles" and families, providing expert advice and suggesting activities to ensure that the relationships are safe, fun and rewarding for all involved.
- Services for the Entire Family—Staff members help the child's entire family by connecting them with a host of other support services. These include counseling, support groups for parents and access to a multitude of social services.
- Group Activities and Educational Services—Matches can participate in a number of agency-sponsored group activities, such as educational trips to museums or hitting a golf ball at Putt Putt.
What other types of donations do you accept?
Monetary donations are accepted on an ongoing basis. We are also very grateful for in-kind donations of goods and services from our many community partners, either as items for fundraising auctions or to support our ongoing office needs and match activities. In addition, donations of tickets to local events and free or discounted admissions to venues give our Littles the opportunity to experience things that may otherwise be out of reach. For our Agency Wish List click here.
Don’t you receive financial assistance from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America?
Contrary to popular belief, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Lafayette is solely responsible for raising funds to support its own operations, as is each Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate across the country. In fact, each affiliate pays an annual fee to belong to the national organization.
To see charts with revenue and expenses, click here.
