Best Buddies Spring 2026

Best Buddies is a nonprofit organization that works to create opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to form meaningful friendships with others. Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies is has expanded to multiple countries. The program aims to foster inclusion and break social barriers through peer friendship, leadership development, and employment opportunities.

Within the organization, there are several programs.

1. One-to-One Friendship Program: This program matches individuals with IDDs with a “peer buddy” without disabilities. This encourages social interactions and lasting friendships.
2. Leadership Development: Best buddies also encourage college students to become leaders within the organization. College students can take on leadership roles, organize events, and advocate for inclusion on their campus. This helps both the students and the individuals with IDD to develop leadership skills and grow personally.
3. Inclusion and Advocacy: Students in Best Buddies work to promote the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in campus life. This can include advocating for better accessibility, hosting social events, and raising awareness about the challenges faced by people with IDD.

A donation to Best Buddies can help cover a variety of essential programs and services that support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), as well as the college students and the communities involved. Here are some examples of what a donation might cover:

Friendship Programs: 

• Matching Buddies: donations can help fund the pairing of individuals with IDD and college students in the one-to-one friendship programs, covering the cost of matching, training, and ongoing support.
• Social Events: donations may help fund social events, such as group outings, campus meetups, and other activities designed to promote inclusion and friendship between peers.

Leadership Development:

• Training Materials: donations can cover the costs of leadership training programs for college students, equipping them with skills in advocacy, communication, and community building.
• Conferences and Retreats: Financial support can help send college students to leadership development retreats or conferences, where they can receive specialized training and learn how to lead Best Buddies chapters effectively.

Chapter Support:

• Operational Costs: Donations can help with the costs of running the Duquesne Best Buddies chapter, including materials for events, outreach programs, and activities that help foster an inclusive environment on college campus.
• Travel and Transportation: Some funds might go toward transportation for participants to attend local, regional, or national events, ensuring that everyone can get involved regardless of their geographic location.

A donation to Best Buddies directly impacts the lives of both people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and college students, helping foster inclusion, friendship, leadership, and employment opportunities.

Best Buddies gives students and buddies at Duquesne the opportunity to gain valuable life skills and create new friendships. Through participation in Best Buddies, Duquesne students learn about empathy, inclusion, and the importance of diversity. The experience helps develop personal qualities like compassion, patience, and leadership. It also gives students the chance to be a part of something meaningful, enriching their college experience and building lasting memories.

 The Duquesne Chapter of Best Buddies participates in an annual event called the Best Buddies Friendship Walk. Across the world, over 50,000 participants walk to support the Best Buddies program, making it the leading walk in the country supporting people with IDDs. At the friendship walk everybody connects over friendship and a good cause. Together we are breaking barriers and allowing everyone to thrive and be themselves.

Stay Connected!

Donate Now: A donation of any amount will be greatly appreciated by our students and buddies in the club. Please select the “Give now” button to donate to our club, as any donation makes a difference and is appreciated.

Spread the Word: Attend our annual Spread the Word fundraiser held on 4/16/26 from 6pm-8pm in the Powers Center ballroom. We will be raising money for our club with many different activities such as raffle baskets, entertainment, refreshments, and much more. Please also tell your family and friends about this event and encourage them to attend!!

Get Connected: Follow us on our social media @bestbuddies_duq on Instagram and Duquesne Best Buddies on Facebook! Also, reach out to us by email at bestbuddies@duq.edu if you have any questions or concerns!