Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sioux Empire matches adult volunteers one-to-one with children in the Sioux Falls metro, and asks mentors for a commitment of at least a year. This page covers how the program works locally, what it takes to become a Big, and how to support the chapter with a donation if mentoring isn't realistic for you right now.
The chapter recruits, screens, and matches adults (Bigs) with kids (Littles) who can use a steady adult presence. Matches spend time together doing ordinary things: shooting hoops, working through homework, grabbing lunch. Consistency is the point, which is why the chapter asks for a minimum commitment of about a year. Sioux Falls helps on the supply side — the city's growing corporate base and strong volunteer culture give the program a reliable pipeline of mentors and workplace partners.
The need behind the program is concrete. Around 40,000 children in South Dakota are food insecure, and hunger compounds the challenges those kids already face at school. Child poverty and food insecurity run especially high in the state's reservation communities. A mentor can't fix any of that alone, but a dependable adult outside the home is one of the few things a single volunteer can actually provide.
Start with the volunteer application at bbbsse.org/volunteer. Like every Big Brothers Big Sisters chapter, this one runs prospective mentors through an interview and a background check before any match is made. Staff pair Bigs and Littles based on interests, location, and family preferences rather than first-come order, so expect some time between applying and meeting your Little.
Plan on the one-year minimum and regular time together, typically a few outings a month. Chapter staff check in with the mentor, the child, and the family throughout the match, so you're never left to figure things out alone. If you live outside the metro, note that separate BBBS chapters based in Rapid City and Yankton cover other parts of South Dakota.
Not everyone can commit a year. Donations pay for the parts of the program donors rarely see: background checks, professional match-support staff, and mentor recruiting. Giving through the chapter's official site keeps your gift with the local program that serves Sioux Falls families.
Employers can help too. The chapter draws on the local corporate community for volunteer recruiting, so asking your HR team about a workplace partnership or an employee volunteer drive is a practical way to send more mentors its way. The chapter's site lists current options for businesses and groups.
Confirm the chapter's 501(c)(3) status with the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search and look the organization up on Charity Navigator. Keep a written acknowledgment for any donation of $250 or more; you'll need it if you itemize.
Sources: Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sioux Empire official site (bbbsse.org); our South Dakota charity guide research. Retrieved July 2026. We are not affiliated with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sioux Empire and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]
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