What Make-A-Wish Portugal does

Make-A-Wish Portugal (legal entity: Fundação Realizar um Desejo – MAKE-A-WISH Portugal, NIF 509 196 853) is a Portuguese charitable foundation registered as an IPSS (Instituição Particular de Solidariedade Social) since 2009 and operationally active since around 2014. It is the Portuguese chapter of Make-A-Wish International, the global wish-granting foundation present in 50 countries that has cumulatively fulfilled more than 585,000 wishes since 1980. The foundation's core service is the Wish Fulfillment Program, which grants transformative experiences to children and young people aged 3–18 with serious, degenerative, or malignant illnesses, following a structured five-stage Wish Journey (Capture, Design, Anticipation, Realization, Effect). All wish-related costs are covered by the foundation at no charge to families.

The foundation operates from its registered headquarters in Lisbon (Avenida José Malhoa, nº27) and runs several supporting programs: the Montra Solidária e-commerce marketplace for charitable merchandise, the Make-A-Wish Vai À Escola school engagement program with a dedicated website, the Make-A-Story storytelling initiative, and seasonal campaigns such as Natal Solidário and Kit Move for Wish Kids. Technology infrastructure is light — a WordPress-based website, the Montra Solidária storefront, payment processing via Easypay (Multibanco, MB Way, Google Pay, Apple Pay, direct debit), email automation via E-goi, and reCAPTCHA protection — with no proprietary AI/ML or advanced data systems. Digital agency Audosys led a 2024 platform redesign covering the institutional site, the marketplace, and the school program site.

Revenue is generated entirely from donations and related activities across five streams: individual one-time and recurring donations (Amigo Make-A-Wish subscriptions, monthly minimum €5); the Portuguese IRS consignation mechanism (0.5%–1% of taxpayer income tax, with a 2026 campaign active); corporate partnerships and sponsorships (Galp, Fidelidade, Eurest, Auchan, Worten, Teleperformance, Disney Portugal, Chicco, Continente and others, with several exceeding 10 years of tenure); the TAP Miles&Go air-miles donation program; and Montra Solidária merchandise sales. The foundation does not charge families for any wish-related services, all donations are VAT-exempt under Article 9 of CIVA, and donor gifts qualify for tax benefits under Articles 62-A and 63 of the Portuguese Tax Benefits Statute. Beneficiary acquisition runs through hospital referrals and family applications; donor acquisition runs through digital marketing, IRS campaigns, sporting events (Play For Wishes, Cycle-A-Wish, Golf For Wishes), school networks, and corporate partner channels. Cumulative wishes fulfilled in Portugal reached 2,424, against an eligible population of approximately 1,170 children with around 200 currently on the waitlist.

Name

Make-A-Wish Portugal

Legal name

Fundação Realizar um Desejo – MAKE-A-WISH Portugal

Website

https://makeawish.pt

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Make-A-Wish Portugal (Fundação Realizar um Desejo) is a Lisbon-based charitable foundation (IPSS) that grants wishes to children aged 3–18 with serious illnesses across Portugal, funded by individual donations, IRS tax consignation, and corporate partnerships including Galp, Fidelidade, Eurest, Auchan, and Disney Portugal.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Charitable Wish-Granting Services

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (62411), Other Individual and Family Services (624190)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Maternal, Child & Family Health Organizations (BPAGACAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Maternal, Newborn, Child & Adolescent Health (MNCAH) NGOs (HLAJAKAG)

Keywords

• Wish fulfillment charity
• Children's foundation services
• Nonprofit donation programs
• Solidarity merchandise marketplace
• Corporate charity partnerships

Headquarters

HQ city

Lisbon

HQ country

Portugal

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations (One-time and Recurring): One-time and recurring donations from individuals, via the website (MBWay, Multibanco, credit card, direct debit). The 'Amigo Make-A-Wish' program offers monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual donation options.
2. IRS Tax Contribution (Consignação do IRS): Portuguese taxpayers can designate 0.5% or 1% of their IRS (income tax) to Make-A-Wish Portugal at no cost. Campaign for 2026 tax year referenced on site.
3. Montra Solidária (Charitable Marketplace): Online platform selling charitable articles (solidarity items, merchandise, seasonal products) in exchange for donations. Articles are shipped via MRW courier. Payment via Multibanco, MBWay, Google Pay, Apple Pay, processed through Easypay.
4. Corporate Partnerships and Sponsorships: Corporate partners fund or co-sponsor specific wishes, events, campaigns, and programs (e.g., Play For Wishes tournaments, Christmas campaigns, school programs). Partners include Galp, Fidelidade, Eurest, Auchan, Chicco, Teleperformance, Worten, and many others.
5. TAP Miles&Go Donation Program: TAP Miles&Go program members can donate their air miles to Make-A-Wish to help fund wish travel experiences.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Make-A-Wish Portugal grants life-changing wishes to children and young people aged 3-17 (per the website eligibility rules, with families referenced) who have serious, degenerative, or malignant illnesses, following a structured five-stage Wish Journey methodology (Capture, Design, Anticipation, Realization, Effect) at zero cost to the family. The core mission is delivered through hospital and family referrals, volunteer support, and corporate partnerships, with all wish-related expenses covered by the foundation. Supporting the mission are the Montra Solidária online marketplace for solidarity merchandise, the Amigo Make-A-Wish recurring donor program, the Make-A-Wish Vai À Escola school engagement program, and seasonal solidarity campaigns.

Product overview

Make-A-Wish Portugal operates as a charitable foundation (IPSS - Instituição Particular de Solidariedade Social) that realizes wishes for children aged 3-17 with serious illnesses. The core offering is the Wish Fulfillment Program, which follows a five-stage Wish Journey methodology. Supporting this mission are the Montra Solidária online marketplace for charitable merchandise, the Make-A-Wish Vai À Escola school engagement program, and seasonal campaigns including Natal Solidário and Move for Wish Kids kits. All operations are funded through donations, partnerships, and merchandise sales, with no cost to the families served.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Wish Fulfillment Program The core service granting life-changing wishes to children and young people aged 3-17 (eligibility rules on the website) with serious, degenerative, or malignant illnesses. The program follows a five-stage Wish Journey methodology (Capture, Design, Anticipation, Realization, Effect) and covers all wish-related expenses at no cost to families. Children are referred by hospitals, treating physicians, or their own families.
• Montra Solidária Online marketplace selling charitable merchandise — solidarity articles, seasonal items, gift kits, and commemorative products — with all proceeds supporting wish fulfillment. Supports MBWay, Multibanco, Google Pay, and Apple Pay via Easypay, with shipping via MRW courier within 2 business days.
• Make-A-Wish Vai À Escola School engagement program that involves public and private schools across Portugal in the foundation's mission to reach all eligible children, training school communities to identify and refer potential wish candidates. Operates with Teleperformance partnership for nationwide outreach and a dedicated web portal.
• Kit Move for Wish Kids Physical activity and wellness solidarity kit available in two formats: Individual Pack at €8.00 and Family Pack at €30.00, promoting sport and solidarity while supporting wish fulfillment.
• Natal Solidário (Christmas Solidarity 2025) Seasonal collection of Christmas solidarity cards, gift kits, and festive merchandise, with all proceeds funding the fulfillment of children's wishes during the holiday season.
• Contos Solidários Disney (Disney Solidarity Books) Disney-branded solidarity books sold exclusively at Continente, Continente Modelo, Continente Bom Dia, and Note stores at €3.49 each, with €0.50 per book reverting to Make-A-Wish Portugal. By end of 2025 the program had raised over €6,000, funding 2 wishes.

Quantifiable outcome

• 99% of families consider the wish essential for children with serious illnesses
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Partnerships

31 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Missão Continente (Continente)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 October 2025Missao Continente's 4th edition of Disney Solidarity Books (October 2025–September 2027) sells books at €3.49 in Continente stores, with €0.50 reverting to Make-A-Wish. Raised over €6,000 by end of 2025, funding 2 wishes. Pingo Doce also partners for wish fulfillment.
• ChiccocoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Chicco's solidarity campaign runs from May 2025 to June 2026, offering a 'Buy 3, Pay 2' promotion on selected toys and baby care items, with proceeds supporting wish fulfillment. Includes dedicated donation landing page (makeawish-chicco.pt), solidary piggy banks, and bracelets. Two wishes fulfilled through this partnership.
• Play For Wishes — Multiple Corporate TeamscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 October 2024Annual solidary football and padel tournament mobilising 109+ players from companies including Galp (football champion), Deloitte (football runner-up), ABANCA (padel winner), Noesis, Teleperformance, and others. Organized with Masterfoot providing venue and refereeing. Raises funds for wish fulfillment.
• Teleperformance PortugalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Teleperformance partnered with Make-A-Wish to reach more schools nationwide for the Make-A-Wish Vai À Escola program. Also participates in Play For Wishes tournament and funded a wish for a child to receive a smartphone. Represents a multi-faceted partnership involving outreach, fundraising, and wish sponsorship.
• AudosyscoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2024Audosys developed the new institutional website (makeawish.pt), Montra Solidária e-commerce platform, and the Make-A-Wish Vai À Escola school program website. Described as a transformative partnership for the organization's digital infrastructure.
• Auchan PortugalcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Auchan's Christmas Jogo & Calendário de Natal campaign sold solidarity calendars for €5 in Auchan stores, with proceeds funding wishes. The 2023 edition funded 27 wishes. The 2024 edition follows the same 'Um Sonho de Natal' theme with daily challenges and a card game.
• Festival do RockminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024The Festival do Rock XI edition selected Make-A-Wish Portugal as its designated charity, with fundraising activities during the music festival.
• GalpcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGalp is a long-standing corporate partner of Make-A-Wish Portugal. Through the partnership, Galp has funded the fulfillment of multiple wishes including visits to LEGOLAND, Paralympic Games, European Championship matches, Benfica derbies, and technology gifts (tablets, gaming setups, PS4). The partnership includes employee engagement and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
• FidelidadecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFidelidade, one of Portugal's largest insurance companies, has sponsored the fulfillment of numerous wishes including gaming setups, smartphones, Harry Potter tours, Disneyland Paris visits, Now United concerts, FC Porto Champions League matches, and technology items. Partnered in Christmas campaigns and corporate giving programs.
• EurestcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerEurest has partnered with Make-A-Wish for more than a decade. Key initiatives include: Christmas Star campaign (placing Make-A-Wish stars in Eurest establishments nationwide), catering support for the National Volunteer Meeting, and team member engagement. Over 50 wishes have been fulfilled through this partnership.
• Grupo Brisa: Estações ColibricoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGrupo Brisa's Colibri Service Stations have sponsored numerous wishes including Disneyland Paris visits, gaming setups (PlayStation, gaming laptops), Nintendo Switch, MacBook, and experiences meeting celebrities like Minnie, Pope Francis, and footballer Ederson Moraes. Partnership leverages motorway station network for visibility.
• WortencoreGTM or Marketing PartnerWorten, a major electronics retailer in Portugal, has fulfilled wishes including Disneyland Paris trips, airplane experiences, laptops, tablets, and superhero experiences. The partnership leverages Worten's product range and retail presence to fulfill technology and experience wishes.
• Disney PortugalcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerDisney Portugal collaborates with Make-A-Wish during the Christmas season, providing magical experiences at Disneyland Paris for wish children. Multiple wishes involve visits to Disneyland Paris with Disney Portugal support.
• MasterfootcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMasterfoot has been a key partner in organizing solidary tournaments (Play For Wishes / Football Por Uma Causa) for more than 10 years. Provides the AirFut venue, logistical support, and refereeing for the annual football and padel tournaments.
• Wide Travel & EventsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWide Travel & Events facilitated wishes involving travel, such as a wish to visit London. Provides travel and event logistics support for wish fulfillment.
• Companhia Nacional de Bailado (CNB)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCompanhia Nacional de Bailado hosted a Solidary General Rehearsal (Ensaio Geral Solidário) on July 3 to support Make-A-Wish Portugal, combining arts and charity.
• Exploratório — Ciência Viva (Coimbra)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerExploratório-Ciência Viva de Coimbra hosted a wish fulfillment experience for a child receiving a PlayStation 5, incorporating interactive science exhibits into the wish day.
• Futebol Clube do PortominorGTM or Marketing PartnerFC Porto has facilitated multiple wishes including stadium visits, meeting players (Diogo Branquinho), and match attendance for wish children who are fans of the club. Porto stadium (Estádio do Dragão) is a recurring wish venue.
• Holmes Place PortugalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHolmes Place Palacio SottoMayor provided a swimming lesson experience for a wish child who wanted to be a mermaid, including a colorful mermaid tail as a gift.
• Teatro PoliteamaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTeatro Politeama offered tickets to a Little Mermaid show for a wish child and her family, with the actress meeting the child after the performance.
• Hotel 3K EuropaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHotel 3K Europa provided accommodation support for a wish involving meeting footballer Ederson Moraes, in collaboration with Manchester City.
• Hotel Pestana – A Brasileira (Porto)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerHotel Pestana – A Brasileira hosted a wish child and family for a weekend in Porto that included an airplane experience,cruise on the Douro river, and train journey.
• Lift ConsultingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLift Consulting is listed as a communication/marketing partner supporting Make-A-Wish Portugal's outreach and campaigns.
• Palex PortugalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPalex Portugal's 'Further We Go' initiative transformed kilometers walked by 48+ employees into wishes fulfilled for Make-A-Wish.
• Details / Golf For Wishes — Monte ReiminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDetails Golf For Wishes and Monte Rei Golf & Country Club host an annual Golf For Wishes tournament to raise funds for wish fulfillment.
• Nertoori / PRIO Softboard HeroesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPRIO Softboard Heroes supports Make-A-Wish at beach events, combining sports (softboard) with charity fundraising.
• NorautominorGTM or Marketing PartnerNorauto, a vehicle service center chain, is listed as a partner supporting Make-A-Wish's mission.
• Cão VadiominorGTM or Marketing PartnerCão Vadio, a creative/branding agency, is listed as a partner providing creative services for Make-A-Wish campaigns.
• H3 and TomatinominorGTM or Marketing PartnerH3 and children's entertainer Tomatino ran a Christmas solidarity campaign to grant wishes for Make-A-Wish, announced June 2026.
• Manchester City Football ClubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerManchester City facilitated a wish for a young fan to meet goalkeeper Ederson Moraes, with special acknowledgments in wish story materials.
• PSP (Polícia de Segurança Pública)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPSP partnered with Make-A-Wish Portugal for a special action commemorating 46 years of wishes (World Wish Day 2026), combining law enforcement community engagement with the charity mission.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Make-A-Wish International: The global coordinating body for the Make-A-Wish network and parent affiliate of Make-A-Wish Portugal. Operates the same brand, methodology, and wish-granting mission across 50+ countries.
• Make-A-Wish Foundation (United States): The original and largest Make-A-Wish chapter, founded in 1980. Operates the same wish-granting model, brand, and Wish Journey methodology, making it the most directly comparable organization to Make-A-Wish Portugal.
• Children's Wish Foundation International: Wish-granting charity for children with life-threatening illnesses operating in multiple countries. Directly comparable mission, beneficiary profile, and funding model (individual + corporate donations).
• Starlight Children's Foundation: Global nonprofit focused on delivering joy to seriously ill children through wish-like programs (e.g., gaming stations, hospital wear, virtual reality). Closest mission-aligned peer outside the Make-A-Wish network.
• Dreams Come True: UK-based charity granting wishes to children with serious or terminal conditions. Comparable beneficiary profile and mission, though smaller in scale.
• Make-A-Wish Foundation UK: UK chapter of Make-A-Wish operating under the same global brand and Wish Journey methodology. Comparable in mission, beneficiary definition, and reliance on corporate partnerships and individual giving.
• Make-A-Wish España: Sibling Make-A-Wish chapter in neighboring Spain, operating the same brand, mission, and wish-granting model. Highly comparable in terms of regulatory environment (Iberian market), beneficiary definition, and partnership ecosystem.
• Make-A-Wish Foundation of Canada: National Make-A-Wish chapter serving Canada with the same brand, Wish Journey methodology, and funding model. Useful comparable for chapter-level operating metrics and partnership structures.

Broad incumbents

• Ronald McDonald House Charities: Global nonprofit supporting families of seriously ill children through accommodation, family rooms, and hospital programs. Broader pediatric-health nonprofit operating at much larger scale and serving a related but distinct mission.

Regional players

• Acreditar: Portuguese IPSS association supporting children and adolescents with cancer and their families. Direct domestic peer in pediatric serious-illness support, operating in Portugal with overlapping hospital referral networks.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/makeawishportugal
• Instagraminstagram.com/makeawishportugal
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/make-a-wish-portugal

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Make-A-Wish Portugal