GREEN BAY (WLUK) — A local nonprofit is getting a big boost in funding from the green and gold.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Wisconsin was awarded a $250,000 social justice impact grant from Green Bay Packers Give Back, officials announced Wednesday. The program creates and supports one-on-one mentoring relationships between children, known as Littles, and volunteer mentors, known as Bigs.

The grant money from Packers Give Back will go toward ongoing projects geared at creating a safe, engaging space for Bigs and Littles to meet consistently, as well as provide programming opportunities for Littles who are waiting to be matched with a Big. Most kids sit on the waiting list for at least six months because of a shortage of Bigs, the nonprofit says.

“The Green Bay Packers organization has been incredibly special to Big Brothers Big Sisters for years, not just through financial support, but through the staff members who step up as Bigs and form life-changing relationships with kids in our community,” said Monica McClure, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Wisconsin, in a news release.

As we look ahead, we’re not just asking how we deliver mentoring. We’re asking how we can deliver it better, sooner and to every child who’s waiting for a mentor. With support from the Green Bay Packers, we can expand opportunities for matches and reach the youth on our waitlist, ensuring more children get the guidance and support they need to thrive.

The social justice impact grant, combined with other Packers charitable endeavors, contributed to a comprehensive impact of more than $13 million in the past year.

The national Big Brothers Big Sisters organization has also been recognized by the NFL as part of the league’s Inspire Change social justice initiative.