This spring, we have dedicated ourselves to hitting our fundraising goals so that we can grow our programs. If you’ve recently been inspired by the Best Buddies mission and are looking to get more involved, see ways you can do that below! For general program questions, email newhampshire@bestbuddies.org.

Visit https://www.bestbuddies.org/newhampshire/friendship to learn more and scroll to the bottom for our current list of program chapters.

Schools

Our school friendship program is our biggest pillar. We currently have chapters in 52 schools throughout New Hampshire from elementary school through college. In school chapters, staff advisors and student leaders facilitate activities that help form one-to-one friendships between students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. Schools also promote inclusion throughout their campus, volunteer at state office events, and participate in leadership opportunities.

For more information on current school programs or opening a new chapter, email MackenzieWhittet@bestbuddies.org.

Leadership

School chapters offer leadership opportunities for current students, and our state office also provides opportunities for leadership development, for both school-age individuals and adults. For student leaders, we offer one training session per semester, and attend the Best Buddies International Leadership Conference each summer.

For adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities, we offer various speech writing, public speaking, and leadership trainings to educate and empower participants. Our goal is to create advocates for a more inclusive world.

Our newest leadership program is our Ambassador Academy. This is a 9-month leadership development program for anyone ages 14, designed to equip participants to become confident self-advocates and skilled public speakers who represent Best Buddies as official “ambassadors” in the media and in their communities. Our first academy of 32 graduates completed their courses in May 2026.

For more information on leadership opportunities or if you are interested in hosting a training, email SaraAnselmo@bestbuddies.org.

Adult Friendships

While it is challenging for students with IDD to make friends at school, the experience is equally or even more challenging into adulthood. That is where the Best Buddies Citizens Adult Friendship Program comes in. Through Citizens, we match individuals in one-to-one friendships with a “best buddy” based on age, interests, and location. The buddy pair then spends time together in-person once a month, and communicates once a week. Our office offers group events throughout the community at least every other month.

Best Buddies is most in-need of adults without disabilities who are interested in being matched in a friendship. We are constantly onboarding new members.

For more information and to apply to Citizens, visit https://forms.bestbuddies.org/4903686?tfa_2=New%20Hampshire&tfa_3=Citizens (chapter is based in Manchester).

Committees

Do you love planning events and getting involved in the community? Consider joining one of our event committees! Each spring we host 3 Friendship Walks, and each fall we host our Champion of the Year Gala. For about 4 months leading up to each event, our committees meet regularly to help recruit sponsors, book vendors, brainstorm ideas, and spread the word to ensure these fundraising events will be successful.

We’re always looking for people to bring new perspectives, experience, and connections to our Walk and Gala committees.

If you are interested in joining a committee, email SarraDennehy@bestbuddies.org.

Nominate a Champion

Do you know someone (or maybe even yourself) who goes above and beyond for the community? Or someone who is so competitive that they will do whatever it takes to win? Nominate them to be a Champion! Champions are individuals throughout New Hampshire who participate in a fundraising campaign for 10 weeks. It is a blind fundraising competition, so no one knows what the other champions have raised – until the night of the Gala, when we crown the Champion of the Year!

This campaign and the night of the Gala are full of exciting mission moments, and we’re always looking for new community members who are ready to take on the challenge. We’re looking for 12 Champions to be part of our campaign this year.

Know someone who’d make a great Champion? Email SarraDennehy@bestbuddies.org.

Questions?

For any questions or other inquiries, please email newhampshire@bestbuddies.org.