What Make-a-Wish Foundation does

Make-A-Wish Foundation of America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, founded in 1980 after the wish of 7-year-old leukemia patient Chris Greicius to become a police officer was granted. The organization's core mission is to create life-changing wishes for children ages 2.5 to 18 who have been diagnosed with progressive, degenerative, or malignant critical illnesses. Since founding, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 615,000 wishes globally — over 400,000 in the U.S. alone — operating through a network of 57 local U.S. chapters and international affiliates serving children in nearly 50 countries and territories on six continents. The organization reports granting approximately one wish every 33 minutes (15,700 wishes last year), with travel wishes comprising 77% of activity and Disney involved in roughly half of all wishes. 99% of doctors report that wishes help relieve family trauma and 87% of wish alumni describe their wish as a treatment turning point.

The underlying technology stack is centered on a Salesforce-based online wish referral system (make-a-wish.my.salesforce-sites.com) used by medical professionals, families, and the children themselves to submit and track referrals. Donor engagement is supported by a Blackbaud-powered online donation platform (secure2.wish.org), the Make-A-Wish Fundraising Mobile App on iOS and Android (which integrates Apple Health, Android Health Connect, Garmin, Strava, and Fitbit for activity-based fundraising), and the Wish Your Way peer-to-peer fundraising platform. Google Analytics and Google Advertising power web analytics and retargeting. The organization holds an extensive registered trademark portfolio and operates audited financials under CLA since FY2014.

Make-A-Wish's revenue model is diversified across seven streams: individual contributions (one-time and monthly recurring), corporate donations and cause marketing, foundation grants, planned gifts and bequests, chapter fees and assessments, a vehicle donation program, and in-kind contributions from airlines, hotels, and vendors (frequent flyer miles, hotel loyalty points, services). Donations are tax-deductible under 501(c)(3) status. Distribution is hybrid: chapter-based direct operations in the U.S., global affiliates via Make-A-Wish International, and a self-serve online donation portal serving individual consumers, complemented by corporate partner promotions (Chase, Fanatics, Topgolf, Royal Caribbean, Jack in the Box, and dozens of others). Major flagship partners include Disney, Chase, and Fanatics, with mid-tier partners spanning airlines, hospitality, retail, and consumer products.

Name

Make-a-Wish Foundation

Legal name

Make-A-Wish Foundation of America

Website

https://wish.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1980

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Make-A-Wish Foundation of America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1980 that grants life-changing wishes to children ages 2.5-18 with critical illnesses, operating through 57 U.S. chapters and international affiliates in nearly 50 countries, funded by individual donations, corporate partnerships, and foundation grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Children's Wish-Granting Charity Services

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (624110), Voluntary Health Organizations (813212), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Rare Disease & Special Needs Support Organizations (BPAGACAM)

akta.pro secondary industry

Maternal, Child & Family Health Organizations (BPAGACAF)

Keywords

• Children's wish granting
• Nonprofit charitable services
• Critical illness support
• Peer-to-peer fundraising
• Corporate cause marketing

Headquarters

HQ city

Phoenix

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Contributions: Direct donations from individuals via online, mail, phone, and monthly recurring gift options.
2. Corporate Donations and Cause Marketing: Corporate partners donate funds or run promotions (e.g., Chase $1.5M points + $500K, Fanatics $10M over 3 years, Topgolf minimum $250K/year).
3. Foundation Grants: Grants from private foundations supporting wish-granting programs.
4. Planned Gifts and Bequests: Legacy gifts, estate planning donations, charitable gift annuities, and donor-advised fund recommendations.
5. Chapter Fees and Assessments: Local chapters contribute fees to the national organization from special events and in-kind donations.
6. Vehicle Donation Program: Partnership with ARS Car Donation Services, Wheels For Wishes, and Charitable Auto Resources for vehicle donations benefiting local chapters.
7. In-Kind Contributions: Hotels, airlines, and vendors donate frequent flyer miles, hotel loyalty points, and services to fulfill wishes.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Make-A-Wish Foundation grants life-changing wishes at no cost to children ages 2.5 to 18 diagnosed with critical illnesses, including travel wishes, meeting celebrities, becoming a professional for a day, receiving pets, or building structures. Wishes are referred by medical professionals and families through an online Salesforce-based system, then fulfilled by a network of 57 U.S. chapters and international affiliates supported by nearly 20,000 volunteers.

Product overview

Make-A-Wish Foundation operates a unified wish-granting program as its core offering, supported by a suite of fundraising and donor engagement products. The primary products include the Wish Granting Program for children with critical illnesses, the Make-A-Wish Fundraising Mobile App for activity-based fundraising, and the Wish Your Way peer-to-peer fundraising platform. Additional offerings include youth programs (Kids For Wish Kids, Wishmakers on Campus), workplace giving (Wishmakers at Work), charity streaming (Stream For The Wishes), and signature events (Walk for Wishes). The organization also provides Planned Giving options and a monthly giving society. The network comprises 57 U.S. chapters and international affiliates serving children globally.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Wishmakers at Work: Workplace giving program that enables employees to plan and coordinate fundraising programs to help grant wishes.
• Wishmakers on Campus
• Kids for Wish Kids
• Walk for Wishes
• Starblazer Awards
• Wish Your Way

Products and services

• Wish Granting Program Core program granting life-changing wishes to children ages 2.5 to 18 diagnosed with critical illnesses. Wishes include travel (77% of wishes), meeting celebrities, becoming a professional for a day, receiving special items (e.g., pets, laptops), or building structures. All wish expenses are fully covered regardless of family income.
• Make-A-Wish Fundraising Mobile App Mobile application available on iOS and Android that enables users to track fundraising progress, share fundraisers, and sync fitness activity data from Apple Health, Android Health Connect, Garmin, Strava, and Fitbit to earn activity rewards for nonprofit campaigns.
• Wish Your Way DIY peer-to-peer fundraising platform allowing individuals to create custom fundraisers for birthdays, challenges, school events, and other occasions to support wish granting.
• Kids For Wish Kids Student and youth organization fundraising program managed by kids, engaging peers in hands-on fundraising and service activities to support wish granting for children with critical illnesses.
• Wishmakers on Campus College-age student fundraising program enabling campus organizations to plan and coordinate fundraising campaigns for local wish children.
• Wishmakers at Work Workplace giving program enabling employees to plan and coordinate fundraising programs to help grant wishes for children with critical illnesses.
• Stream For The Wishes Charity streaming program enabling gamers to fundraise for wishes through live streaming activities, with a dedicated toolkit available on wish.org.
• Local Chapter Network Network of 57 U.S. chapters plus international affiliates serving children with critical illnesses in nearly 50 countries and territories on six continents through local wish-granting operations and volunteer coordination.
• Online Donation Platform Online donation platform supporting one-time and monthly gifts, honor and memorial gifts, e-cards, and chapter designation, processed through Blackbaud Merchant Services with encrypted transactions.
• Wishmaker Society (Monthly Giving) Recurring monthly giving program allowing donors to make sustained contributions to support ongoing wish granting with associated donor benefits.
• Planned Giving Program Estate planning and legacy gift program offering bequests, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, donor-advised funds, life insurance, and IRA qualified charitable distributions.
• Walk for Wishes Annual community walk event fundraising program bringing local communities together to raise funds for wish granting.

Quantifiable outcome

• 99% of doctors say wishes help relieve a family from traumatic stress
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• ChaseflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerNational Corporate Partner providing $1.5 million worth of Ultimate Rewards points and $500,000 cash donation to fuel travel-related wishes. Chase cardmembers can donate points through Pay Yourself Back program.
• FanaticsflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial Sports Partner donating $10 million over three years to support sports-related wishes. Customers can support through shopping on Fanatics.com.
• Jack in the BoxcoreGTM or Marketing Partner13-year partnership with annual Wish Star fundraising campaign in March. Guests purchase $1 Wish Stars to raise funds for children with critical illnesses.
• TopgolfcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerDonates $1 from each Topgolf Donut Hole-In-Ones dessert item with minimum guarantee of $250,000 per year.
• Royal Caribbean InternationalcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerWishes at Sea program offering free cruises to wish kids globally and fundraising opportunities across all ships.
• Southwest AirlinescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPoints for a Purpose program allows Rapid Rewards members to donate points to Make-A-Wish for Life-Changing Transportation.
• United AirlinescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMileagePlus members can donate unused airline miles to help wishes take flight.
• Allegiant AirminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDonates $1 from every Wingz Kid Snack Pack sold inflight to support wish granting.
• AvisminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSave up to 30% off base rates when booking at avis.com/wish and 5% of rental donated to Make-A-Wish.
• IT'SUGARminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSells Wish themed products (Wish Pop lollipop, Wish Gummy Bears, Make-A-Wish Chocolate Bar, Seasonal Chocolate Covered Oreos) with 20% of each sale donated.
• Maggiano's Little ItalyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerYear-round option to donate to Make-A-Wish when placing online orders at any location.
• RailbookersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCollects customer donations at booking time and matches each donation dollar-for-dollar.
• Shoe CarnivalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRound up purchases at registers in all Shoe Carnival, Rogan's Shoes and Shoe Station stores (January 1 - February 28 annually).
• SugarwishminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGift recipients can elect to donate to Make-A-Wish. Make-A-Wish receives 10% of value loaded into all new corporate accounts.
• BuzzRxminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDonates $1 when you save using their free Make-A-Wish branded Prescription Discount Card.
• Breyer HorsesminorGTM or Marketing Partner2024 Hope Horse models 'Love & Hope' collection benefits Make-A-Wish.
• Dave & Buster'sminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDonates $1 from every Strawberry Shortcake purchase, 100% of arcade cash donations from 'throwback arcade,' and hosts Charity Benefits silent auctions.
• Blackhawk Network / Giving Good CardminorGTM or Marketing Partner3% of load net value on each Make-A-Wish branded Giving Good Card donated.
• AutoNationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerDRV PNK initiative has raised more than $50 million for cancer-related causes. Donated $10,000 to Make-A-Wish Arizona for pediatric cancer patient's wish.
• Just PlaycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGlobal toy company committed corporate contributions, in-kind toy donations, and company-wide initiatives to help grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
• BIGHORN Charities / BIGHORN Golf ClubcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerRaised over $1 million for cancer care for fourth consecutive year, including $102,000 to Make-A-Wish Foundation. Since 2007, BAM has raised more than $15 million for cancer-related causes.
• Kerry & Melinda Kirby FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnered with Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana to illuminate Louisiana bridges (Crescent City Connection, Bakowski Bridge of Lights) for World Wish Day.
• Alfred Music and Brian BalmagesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerReleased special musical composition 'The Gift of Giving' with all proceeds funding wishes for children with critical illnesses.
• Tysons Corner Center / MacerichminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHoliday season partnership hosting Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic community events.
• DisneyflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerDisney involved in approximately half of all wishes Make-A-Wish grants. Week of Wishes honoring Bob Iger during World Wish Month.
• Milwaukee BuckscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerHeld practice and signed four children to 1-day contracts, offering meet-and-greets with players as part of Make-A-Wish event.
• Milwaukee Brewers / Bob UeckercoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBob Uecker's long legacy of helping Make-A-Wish wish children at Brewers games, including meeting wish kids and singing national anthem.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Children's Miracle Network Hospitals: Raises funds for 170+ children's hospitals across North America. Directly comparable as a pediatric-health focused nonprofit with extensive corporate partner network and cause-marketing programs at retail POS.
• Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA): Funds research and care for children with neuromuscular diseases. Comparable as a children's-special-needs-focused nonprofit with corporate partnerships, individual giving programs, and clinical research advocacy.
• National Pediatric Cancer Foundation: Funds pediatric cancer research and family support. Comparable as a children's-cancer-focused nonprofit with corporate partner programs and donor-driven funding model.
• Sunshine Foundation: Grants wishes to children with chronic or life-threatening conditions. Comparable as a smaller-scale wish-granting nonprofit with similar child-illness focus and individual donor funding model.
• Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation: Focused on childhood cancer through research funding and family support. Comparable as a children's critical-illness nonprofit with peer-to-peer fundraising (lemonade stands) and individual donor base.
• Ronald McDonald House Charities: Supports families of seriously ill children by providing housing near hospitals and pediatric-family services. Comparable in mission focus on critically ill children, large chapter/affiliate network, and corporate-sponsor-dependent revenue model.
• Starlight Children's Foundation: National nonprofit delivering programs (entertainment, gaming, hospital wear) to seriously ill children and their families. Directly comparable mission to Make-A-Wish with similar referral-via-hospital channel and corporate-sponsor funding model.
• Children's Wish Foundation International: International wish-granting organization for children with life-threatening illnesses. Most directly comparable peer in the same wish-granting category with similar referral-via-medical-professional channel and corporate sponsor support.

Broad incumbents

• St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: Larger and more established pediatric healthcare institution focused on childhood cancer research and treatment. Overlaps in serving children with critical illnesses and relies on individual donations and corporate sponsors, but is also a treatment provider rather than purely a wish-granting organization.

Emerging players

• Special Olympics: Serves children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through sports programming. Comparable in mission focus on serving individuals with special needs, large volunteer network, and corporate partnership ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/MakeAWishFoundation
• Facebookfacebook.com/MakeAWishInternational
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/make-a-wish-international
• Instagraminstagram.com/makeawishamerica
• Xx.com/MakeAWishIntl

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds4 records

Investors4 records

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Make-a-Wish Foundation