Make-A-Wish Foundation

Make-A-Wish Foundation. It is a non-profit organization founded in the United States that grants the wishes of children diagnosed with critical illnesses. The organization's mission is to create life-changing wishes for children, aiming to provide hope, strength, and joy. With a network of chapters across North America and numerous international affiliates, it has become one of the world's most recognized children's charities.

History

The inspiration for the organization originated in 1980 with the wish of a seven-year-old Phoenix, Arizona boy named Christopher James Greicius, who was battling leukemia and wished to be a police officer. Arizona Department of Public Safety officer Frank Shankwitz and several others, including Tom Austin, helped organize a custom motorcycle uniform, a helicopter ride, and even a sworn-in ceremony making Chris an honorary state trooper. Following his passing, Shankwitz, along with friends and family including Linda Pauling and Scott Stahl, founded the organization, officially incorporating it in 1980. The first official wish was granted later that year for a child named Frank "Bopsy" Salazar, who wished to be a firefighter and rode with the Phoenix Fire Department. The model proved successful, leading to the establishment of the first chapter outside Arizona in Sacramento, California in 1983 and rapid expansion throughout the United States and internationally.

Mission and operations

The core mission is to grant the wishes of children with critical illnesses to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. Operations are decentralized, managed through 58 independent chapters across the United States and its territories, which handle local fundraising, volunteer coordination, and wish fulfillment. The national office, headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, provides strategic support, brand management, and oversees international affiliates through Make-A-Wish International. Wishes are highly personalized, often involving travel to destinations like Walt Disney World Resort, meetings with celebrities such as Taylor Swift or John Cena, or receiving specialized gifts. The organization relies heavily on a network of over 27,000 volunteers, including wish granters, translators, and medical professionals.

Eligibility and wish granting

A child is eligible for a wish if they are between the ages of 2½ and 18 at the time of referral and have been diagnosed with a critical illness. A referring party, often a parent, guardian, or medical professional like a doctor or child life specialist, must initiate the process. The child's treating physician must verify that the child meets the medical criteria and that the wish would not be contraindicated. The wish-granting process is child-focused, with volunteers working closely with the child and family to determine the most heartfelt wish. The organization works to fulfill wishes regardless of complexity, coordinating with partners like American Airlines, various National Hockey League teams, and the Walt Disney Company.

Impact and recognition

Since its founding, the organization has granted more than 550,000 wishes worldwide. Research, including studies published in *Quality of Life Research*, suggests that a wish experience can be a positive turning point in a child's medical journey, contributing to improved emotional and physical health. It has received widespread recognition, including high ratings from charity evaluators like Charity Navigator and BBB Wise Giving Alliance. The organization's work has been highlighted through high-profile partnerships, such as the annual NBA Cares initiative and collaborations with the U.S. Marine Corps' Toys for Tots program. Its public awareness campaigns often feature wish ambassadors and celebrity supporters like Shaquille O'Neal and Carrie Underwood.

Financial information

The organization is funded primarily through private donations, including contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Major fundraising events include the nationwide Walk For Wishes and various galas hosted by local chapters. According to its audited financial statements, for the fiscal year ending August 2022, total revenue was approximately $415 million, with over 65% spent directly on wish granting and related program services. It maintains a commitment to transparency, publishing detailed Form 990 documents and annual reports. Corporate partners such as Macy's, Subway, and MGM Resorts International provide significant support through cause-related marketing campaigns and direct grants.

Category:Non-profit organizations based in Arizona Category:Children's charities Category:Organizations established in 1980