Make-A-Wish Featured Global Charity
-
50%
of wishes qualified were for a child with a cancer diagnosis -
1
wish granted helps a child feel better + more able to fight illness -
89%
of doctors believe wish granting positively strengthens health -
75%
wishes involve travel -
2.5B
air miles needed per year -
$9,425
is the average cost of a wish
Wishes are more than just a nice thing
The Make-A-Wish Foundation’s MISSION is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy.
Why is it important?
A wish experience can be a game-changer for a child with a life-threatening medical condition. When it comes to increasing a child’s happiness, 99 percent of parents witness an increase after the wish has been granted and 96 percent of families feel strengthened after the experience. With an enhanced state of mind after this experience, 89 percent of doctors and medical professionals see an increase in children’s physical health after their wish has been granted.
How do they do it?
Make-A-Wish is a foundation that relies on the generous contribution of individuals, corporations, and volunteers to make wishes come true. With 41 percent of donations coming from individual contributions, and the help of more than 27,000 volunteers, a child’s wish is granted every 37 minutes. Each wish is tailored to the child’s personality, interests and a spark of creativity to go above and beyond their expectations.
Progress so far?
Since Make-A-Wish’s inception, more than 254,000 wishes have been granted to children across the U.S. In 2014 alone, more than 14,200 wishes were granted, with 2015 being the year celebrity supporter, John Cena, granted his 500th wish.
Supporters you may know:
Among the 140 celebrity supporters are John Cena, Kenneth Cole, Madonna, Warren Buffett, Adam Sandler, Lupe Fiasco, Linkin Park, Jon Stewart, Michael Jordan, Nicky Hilton, Jude Law, Sophia Bush, and Taylor Schilling.
Partners:
Some partners include The Walt Disney Company, Mattel, American Airlines, and Macy's.
Kids For Wish Kids®
Ongoing | Current Project
Wishmakers At Work®
Ongoing | Current Project
Walk For Wishes®
Ongoing | Current Project
Active Operating Locations
- Phoenix, AZ (HQ)
- United States
- Guam
- Puerto Rico
-
96%
of wishes strengthen families -
99%
of recipients experience increased feelings of happiness -
1 wish
granted every 37 minutes -
27,000+
active volunteers in the U.S. -
254,000
wishes granted in the U.S. since 1980 -
14,200
wishes granted in the U.S. in 2014 -
95%
of volunteers reported an increased sense of compassion -
84%
of volunteers felt an increased faith in humanity
