Nonprofit Leadership Podcast: Building Trust Over Time with Anthony Kennedy Shriver

Introduction

In the April 21, 2025 episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Dr. Rob Harder engages in a profound conversation with Anthony Kennedy Shriver, the founder, chairman, and CEO of Best Buddies International. This episode delves into the intricacies of building trust within a nonprofit organization, leveraging corporate partnerships, and expanding the organization's global footprint. Through Anthony's extensive experience and passionate insights, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of effective nonprofit leadership and sustainable growth strategies.

Background and Mission of Best Buddies

Anthony Kennedy Shriver begins by sharing the heartfelt origins of Best Buddies, rooted in his personal experiences and family legacy. Inspired by his aunt, Rosemary Kennedy, who had profound intellectual and developmental disabilities, Anthony emphasizes the importance of one-to-one friendships in enriching lives.

"The early days of Best Buddies when I was a student in college, the concept was really, you know, how powerful the spirit of friendship is, how important it is that human beings make one-to-one connections."
— Anthony Kennedy Shriver [04:26]

Best Buddies was established with the mission to create opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to form meaningful, lasting friendships with their peers. Starting with a small group of 52 pairs from Georgetown University and the Lieutenant Joseph B. Kennedy Institute, the organization has since expanded globally, impacting tens of millions.

Creating Employment Opportunities

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Best Buddies' innovative approach to employment for individuals with IDD. Anthony outlines the organization's strategy to position these individuals as valuable employees rather than viewing their employment as a charitable act.

"We've always been really focused on positioning people with special abilities with talent and showcasing their talent and not, you know, creating a jobs program that is presented as some charitable activity."
— Anthony Kennedy Shriver [09:03]

Key milestones include partnerships with high-profile corporations such as Coca-Cola, Jersey Mike's, and TJ Maxx, which have committed thousands of jobs to the program. These collaborations are characterized by long-term commitments, often spanning seven to ten years, ensuring sustainable employment and significant economic impact.

"The retention rates are enormously high in the high 80%, low 90 percentiles. They bring enormous joy, enormous enthusiasm, positive energy to the workplace."
— Anthony Kennedy Shriver [09:10]

Economic Impact

Anthony provides a compelling analysis of Best Buddies' economic contributions. By facilitating employment for individuals with IDD, the organization not only reduces dependence on federal and state support systems like SSI and Medicaid but also generates substantial tax revenue.

"If we're able to take them off of Medicaid and off of SSI, this is a huge savings for the federal and the state governments."
— Anthony Kennedy Shriver [18:39]

Furthermore, many participants earn competitive salaries, some reaching up to $77,000 annually, contributing to their financial independence and long-term economic stability. The creation of millionaires within the program highlights the transformative financial potential of inclusive employment.

Ambassadors and Brand Partnerships

Best Buddies' strategy of engaging high-profile ambassadors, such as Tom Brady and Drake May, plays a pivotal role in elevating the organization's visibility and mission. Anthony discusses the careful balance of leveraging celebrity influence while ensuring meaningful engagement with the program's beneficiaries.

"Having the celebrities really well connected to the mission and having them be exposed to the mission is key because that builds continuity and it builds connection to why they are there."
— Anthony Kennedy Shriver [23:32]

Events like touch football games and cycling events featuring celebrities not only raise funds but also foster deep, personal connections between ambassadors and individuals with IDD, ensuring sustained support and advocacy.

Global Expansion and Future Goals

Looking ahead, Anthony outlines Best Buddies' ambitious five-year plan aimed at expanding the organization's reach to 100 countries by 2030. This expansion involves a franchise-like model where international programs operate independently, ensuring localized leadership and sustainable growth.

"Our goal by 2030 is to be in 100 countries. So we're trying to grow our international presence."
— Anthony Kennedy Shriver [14:54]

Additionally, new initiatives like Uni's Buddies and Bumble Buddies demonstrate Best Buddies' commitment to supporting not only individuals with IDD but also their families and personal relationships. The introduction of these programs aims to provide comprehensive support from early childhood through adulthood, addressing a wide spectrum of needs.

Sustainability and Financial Strategy

To ensure long-term sustainability, Best Buddies has diversified its revenue streams through for-profit ventures such as co-branded businesses with partners like Jersey Mike's. These ventures generate positive cash flow, reducing reliance on traditional fundraising and providing a financial safety net against economic fluctuations.

"We have a division that's a for-profit division where we partner with for-profit companies and create what we call Best Buddies Ventures."
— Anthony Kennedy Shriver [26:07]

Conclusion

Anthony Kennedy Shriver's leadership exemplifies a blend of personal passion, strategic partnerships, and innovative thinking. Through Best Buddies International, he has created a model of inclusive employment, meaningful friendships, and sustainable growth that serves as an inspiration for nonprofit leaders everywhere. This episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast offers invaluable insights into building trust, fostering community connections, and driving impactful change over time.

For more information about Best Buddies and to get involved, visit bestbuddies.org.