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Nonprofit · EIN 52-1614576

BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL INC

Tax-exempt · MIAMI, FL 33131

Financials

$40.8M$39.7M2023$48.3M$46.1M2024
Revenue Expenses · by fiscal year end
Financials of BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL INC by year, from its e-filed returns
Year endedFormRevenueExpensesNet incomeTotal assetsLiabilitiesNet assets
December 31, 2024990 (amended)$48,307,781$46,130,097$2,177,684$45,701,688$6,267,521$39,434,167
December 31, 2023990$40,819,891$39,724,227$1,095,664$40,663,748$5,058,917$35,604,831
Financial details: 990 for the year ended December 31, 2024

Revenue

Contributions, gifts and grants
$47,184,725
of which government grants
$14,961,059
Program service revenue
$1,270,187
Investment income
$843,810
Net gain from sales of assets
$347,116
Net income from fundraising events
-$1,242,562
Net income from sales of inventory
$231,541
Other revenue
-$990,941

Expenses

Grants and similar amounts paid
$292,730
Compensation of officers, directors and key employees
$837,680
Other salaries and wages
$24,882,914
Salaries, compensation and benefits (total)
$30,146,357
Professional fundraising fees
$0
Accounting fees
$93,756
Occupancy
$2,546,088
Travel
$1,562,510
Depreciation
$11,005
Program services (functional)
$37,342,561
Management and general (functional)
$2,253,541
Fundraising (functional)
$6,533,995

Balance sheet and other

Total assets, start of year
$40,663,748
Total assets, end of year
$45,701,688
Total liabilities, end of year
$6,267,521
Net assets, end of year
$39,434,167
Land, buildings and equipment
$1,181,987
Publicly traded securities
$28,354,229
Net assets without donor restrictions
$33,488,980
Net assets with donor restrictions
$5,945,187
Gross receipts
$65,190,414
Employees
539
Volunteers
137,346
Year formed
1989
State of legal domicile
DC

From the e-filed returns the IRS publishes as XML (latest three processing years; amended returns replace the original). PDF copies at the IRS.

Officers, directors and key employees

As listed on the 990 for the year ended December 31, 2024, highest compensation first.

NameTitleHours / weekCompensationOther / benefits
Anthony K ShriverChairman
Trustee or director, Officer
40$618,000$45,522
David QuilleonSenior VP - Global Mission
Highest-paid employee
40$180,053$22,959
Mark LewisSenior VP Dev., Mark., & I
Highest-paid employee
40$180,776$5,815
Michael CollinsVP Operations
Highest-paid employee
40$170,000$5,469
Lori PenalozaSenior VP - Finance & Oper
Highest-paid employee
40$168,472$5,686
Julie TorresVP HR & Operations
Highest-paid employee
40$151,618$17,714
Alexander Hernandez-DessauerDirector
Trustee or director
40$0$15,254
Gerard A Klingman CFPTreasurer
Trustee or director, Officer
3$0$0
Robert FriedmanSecretary
Trustee or director, Officer
7$0$0
Jack R EichelDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Bernie YumanDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Brad BlankDirector
Trustee or director
3$0$0
Carl LewisDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Chris LindstromDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Eunice K Shriver IIDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
14 more people on this return
NameTitleHours / weekCompensation
Roman JosiDirector
Trustee or director
1$0
James W LintottDirector
Trustee or director
3$0
Jamie HintlianDirector
Trustee or director
1$0
Mark DeVincentisDirector
Trustee or director
1$0
Michelle KligmanDirector
Trustee or director
2$0
Olivia CulpoDirector
Trustee or director
1$0
Matthew MckinneyDirector
Trustee or director
1$0
Ralph WinterDirector
Trustee or director
1$0
Steve HearstDirector
Trustee or director
2$0
Thomas QuickDirector
Trustee or director
1$0
Tom SullivanDirector
Trustee or director
1$0
James P ShayDirector
Trustee or director
1$0
Fran SheinbergDirector
Trustee or director
1$0
William V PowersDirector
Trustee or director
1$0
990 for the year ended December 31, 2023: 31 people
NameTitleHours / weekCompensationOther / benefits
Anthony K ShriverChairman
Trustee or director, Officer
40$600,000$64,403
David QuilleonSenior VP - Global Mission
Highest-paid employee
40$174,807$33,619
Mark LewisSenior VP Dev., Mark., & I
Highest-paid employee
40$175,828$13,234
Lori PenalozaSenior VP - Finance & Oper
Key employee
40$159,679$12,018
Michael CollinsVP Operations
Highest-paid employee
40$154,798$11,651
Julie TorresVP HR & Operations
Highest-paid employee
40$127,672$23,023
Lisa DerxVP Government Operations
Highest-paid employee
40$128,970$17,703
Alexander Hernandez-DessauerDirector
Trustee or director
40$6,690$0
Gerard A Klingman CFPTreasurer
Trustee or director, Officer
3$0$0
Robert FriedmanSecretary
Trustee or director, Officer
7$0$0
Aaron GershenbergDirector
Trustee or director
3$0$0
Bernie YumanDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Brad BlankDirector
Trustee or director
3$0$0
Carl LewisDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Chris LindstromDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Eunice K Shriver IIDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Evan HaineyDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
James W LintottDirector
Trustee or director
3$0$0
Jamie HintlianDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Mark DeVincentisDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Michelle KligmanDirector
Trustee or director
2$0$0
Olivia CulpoDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Todd GlaserDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Ralph WinterDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Steve HearstDirector
Trustee or director
2$0$0
Thomas QuickDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Tom SullivanDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Tamsen FadalDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Joshua FelderDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
William V PowersDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0
Garett TomasekDirector
Trustee or director
1$0$0

Address and contacts

Address (IRS master file)
100 SE 2ND ST STE 2200, MIAMI, FL 33131-2151
Mailing address (990-N for 2025)
100 SE 2ND ST STE 2200, MIAMI FL 331312151
Principal officer (990 for 2024)
Anthony Shriver, 100 SE 2nd St Ste 2200, Miami, FL 33131
Principal officer (990-N for 2025)
Jackson Sherman, 248 Langdon Street, Madison WI 53703
Signed the 990
Robert Vargas, Sr. Vice President
Phone
(305) 374-2233
Return prepared by
Abdo LLP

Mission

Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

990 for the year ended December 31, 2024

Program accomplishments

  • The Best Buddies International Friendship Programs build one-to-one friendships between people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through six unique programs: Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, and e-Buddies. Best Buddies has grown from a single college program, started at Georgetown University in 1989, and has grown to 3,738 global chapters and is active in 46 countries.Best Buddies School Programs: Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, High Schools, and Colleges Through our school-based programs, Best Buddies creates an inclusive community for students with IDD, helping them become socially integrated with their peers at every age. Through their participation, people with IDD form meaningful connections with their peers, gain self-confidence and self-esteem, and share interests, experiences, and activities that enhance their educational experience. Elementary Schools: Launched in 2022, Best Buddies Elementary Schools builds connections and community between young students with and without IDD through inclusive activities and social-emotional learning tolls that promote one-to-one friendship, acceptance, and interaction at an early age. Students participate in both one-on-one activities in their buddy pairs and in group events to allow for optimal engagement and interaction for all members. Elementary school program growth has accelerated throughout 2024, with 585 chapters worldwide with 16,129 members. This is the fastest growing friendship program in the history of Best Buddies!Middle Schools: The Middle School program continues to thrive with 685 schools participating in Best Buddies with 13,619 members engaged worldwide. The Best Buddies Middle School program has maintained growth throughout the year and has positively benefitted from expansion efforts at the elementary school level which increase the pipeline of volunteers moving into middle school. Supported by chapter advisors, every school club is led by two students one with a disability and one without a disability and all members participate in events and group activities throughout the year, offering friendship pairs onsite support and the opportunity to socialize with other program participants. High Schools: Fostering one-to-one friendships between students with and without IDD during a critical period of social and emotional development, the High School program helps break down social barriers at a pivotal stage in a young person's life. As the largest school-based initiative, Best Buddies High Schools currently includes 1,946 chapters and 72,684 members worldwide. In this program, student officers take on a greater leadership role, actively planning events, managing members, and promoting inclusion with guidance from faculty advisors. Through this experience, student leaders build essential collaboration and leadership skills while encouraging school-wide involvement in mission-driven activities.Colleges: In 2024, the Best Buddies College program connected 522 colleges and universities across the globe, engaging 21,755 active members. The program is built on strong partnerships with campus and community organizations that serve individuals with IDD, offering valuable support and expertise to help chapters include members with IDD in all aspects of their operations and activities. As more higher education institutions expand inclusive programs and continuing education opportunities for individuals with disabilities, collaboration with Best Buddies chapters becomes a natural and meaningful way to foster campus connections and enhance the college experience for all students.Best Buddies Citizens:The Citizens program fosters one-to-one friendships between adults with and without IDD within corporate and civic communities, promoting inclusion and helping individuals with IDD become active participants in society. In 2024, the program supported 12,081 members globally and hosted 336 community events throughout the year. Virtual events also provided an accessible option for members with limited transportation, expanding opportunities for connection and engagement. By partnering with businesses and organizations, Citizens strengthens community bonds and offers employees meaningful opportunities to build friendships with peers with IDD.e-Buddies:The e-Buddies program offers a space for individuals with and without IDD to build meaningful one-to-one friendships virtually, connect through the e-Buddies social platform, and participate in online events. Members play a key role in shaping the community by leading virtual activities, creating engaging discussion posts, and facilitating peer groups. Their leadership and involvement help foster a dynamic, inclusive environment where participants feel connected, empowered, and excited about the opportunities e-Buddies provides.e-Buddies by the numbers: Over 2,250 members involved on our community platform Nearly 1,959 e-Buddies matches Over 6,444 members involved in e-Buddies worldwideThrough their involvement in e-Buddies, members build digital literacy and gain confidence in online communication. These skills help participants navigate an increasingly digital world, preparing them for future opportunities in both social and professional settings.
    Expenses $27,308,301 · grants $292,730 · revenue $508,972
  • Best Buddies LivingThe Best Buddies Living program fosters an integrated experience for people with and without IDD to become active, contributing citizens who live independently in a dynamic environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive. Best Buddies is currently operating Living residences in the following markets: Washington, D.C. (2); Miami, Florida; Los Angeles, California; and Atlanta, Georgia; Gainesville, Florida; State College, Pennsylvania; and New Brunswick, New Jersey; Nasheville, Tennessee; Boca Raton, Florida; and Clemson, South Carolina.Residents grow and change immensely as part of their connection to the mission of Best Buddies. Living and learning with their peers is a major component of this growth. By creating a mutually enriching housing model, we have made this journey even more meaningful by creating a truly one-of-a-kind inclusive residential experience for our Best Buddies participants.
    Expenses $1,683,770 · revenue $744,542
  • Best Buddies JobsBest Buddies Jobs matches skilled, qualified individuals with IDD with businesses seeking enthusiastic and dedicated employees. Through the Jobs program, Best Buddies develops partnerships with employers, assists with the hiring process and provides ongoing support to the employee and the employer.
    Expenses $8,060,253 · revenue $11,264
  • Best Buddies Family Support offers families the support and resources needed to navigate the journey of raising a child with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Eunie's BuddiesEunie's Buddies serves as the pioneering program within the Family Support initiative. Eunie's Buddies pairs experienced parents of a child with an IDD with new parents who are expecting, have just welcomed a baby, or are raising a child up to the age of eight years old who has been recently diagnosed with an IDD. This pairing creates a mentormentee connection and friendship. Eunie's Buddies provides a framework offering parents and caregivers encouragement, emotional support, and valuable resources. Participation in Eunie's Buddies helps families pave the way for a child with IDD to have an education, gainful employment, and a fulfilled life.
    Expenses $290,237 · revenue $5,409

What it must file and when

IRS records say it files Form 990-N (e-Postcard). Gross receipts normally $50,000 or less. Its accounting year ends in December, so each return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after that.

Tax yearYear endedDueIRS public records
2025December 31, 2025May 15, 2026990-N on file
2024December 31, 2024May 15, 2025990-N on file
2023December 31, 2023May 15, 2024990 on file

IRS record

EIN
52-1614576
Tax-exempt status
501(c)(3): Charitable, religious, educational or scientific organization
Foundation status
Publicly supported organization (509(a)(2))
Donations deductible (Pub 78)
Public charity, 50% deduction limit
Exempt since
1989
Accounting year ends
December
Files
Form 990-N (e-Postcard)

Filing history

FormYear endedRevenueExpensesAssetsReturn
990-N for 2025
Officer: Jackson Sherman
December 31, 2025≤ $50,000 receipts––e-Postcard
990-N for 2024
Officer: Jackson Sherman
December 31, 2024≤ $50,000 receipts––e-Postcard
990December 2024$48,307,781$46,130,097$45,701,688XML
990December 2023$40,819,891$39,724,227$40,663,748XML
990December 2022$33,814,848$32,108,839$37,490,914IRS
990December 2021–––IRS
990-TDecember 2021–––IRS
990December 2020–––IRS
990-TDecember 2020–––IRS
990December 2018–––IRS

990-N: the IRS bulk file holds only the latest e-Postcard per organization; earlier years come from archived copies of that file since 2020 and can have gaps (the IRS e-Postcard search lists every one). 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T: every e-filed return in the IRS e-file index since 2019; XML for the latest three processing years, amounts from the IRS Statistics of Income extracts before that. PDF copies and determination letters at the IRS (search EIN 52-1614576).

Questions about BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL INC

What is the EIN of BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL INC?
The employer identification number (EIN) of BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL INC is 52-1614576.
Is BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL INC tax-exempt?
Yes. The IRS lists it as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since 1989.
Are donations to BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL INC tax-deductible?
Yes. It is listed in IRS Publication 78 (Public charity, 50% deduction limit).
Which annual return does BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL INC file?
Form 990-N (e-Postcard). Gross receipts normally $50,000 or less.
When is the next return of BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL INC due?
The return for tax year 2026 (the year ending December 31, 2026) is due May 17, 2027. Form 8868 extends it by six months; the 990-N cannot be extended.
When did BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL INC last file with the IRS?
The latest return in the IRS public files is the 990-N for 2025 for the year ended December 31, 2025.
Who is the principal officer of BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL INC?
The 990 for the year ended December 31, 2024 names Anthony Shriver.
Who are the officers and directors of BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL INC?
The 990 for the year ended December 31, 2024 lists 29 people; 6 received compensation from the organization, the highest $618,000 (Anthony K Shriver, Chairman).
How much revenue does BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL INC have?
On its 990 for the year ended December 31, 2024 it reported revenue of $48,307,781, expenses of $46,130,097 and total assets of $45,701,688 at year end.

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