Skip to main content

What is Make-A-Wish?

Make-A-Wish is the world’s leading wish-granting organization, creating life-changing wish experiences for children around the world who are living with critical illnesses . A wish can help children build the resilience they need to face critical illness. The experience can be a game-changer that brings joy and a sense of normalcy back into a family’s life. A wish can create an immediate turning point in a child’s treatment and recovery. Our belief in the power and impact of a wish is what guides us and inspires us to grant the wish of every eligible child.

About Us

History
Five men pose outside on grass; three are in police uniforms (one is a boy in a child-sized uniform and hat), while two wear casual or business attire. A house, trees, and sunlight are visible in the background.

History

Our history
Managing our Funds
A young child in a toy rapid response car is surrounded by four firefighters in uniform and protective gear, all smiling and posing for a photo indoors; two give thumbs up.

Managing our Funds

How we manage our funds
Sustainability
Grid of icons and titles representing the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including no poverty, zero hunger, good health, quality education, clean water, climate action, and others.

Sustainability

Our sustainability commitments

Our Mission, Vision and Values

  • Our Mission

    Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

  • Our Vision

    To grant the wish of every eligible child.

  • Our Values

    Our values serve as the map to attain our vision of granting the wish of every eligible child.

    They are a clear guide to our priorities, and lead the way in everything we do.

     

    Child Focus:
    We always put wish children first.

    Integrity:
    We are honest, transparent and respectful.

    Impact:
    We deliver life-changing work.

    Innovation:
    We are bold, imaginative and creative.

    Community:
    We are a diverse group of people working together towards a common goal.

Impact in Numbers

Our global impact is significant, but even more meaningful is the impact each wish has on a child.

A teal outline of a globe showing Africa, Europe, and part of Asia, surrounded by a circular orbit, on a white background.

615,000

More than 615,000 wishes granted worldwide since 1980.

Red outline illustration of two raised hands, one larger and one smaller, with sparkles around them, on a white circular background.

25

A child is diagnosed with a critical illness and becomes eligible for a wish every 25 seconds.

Orange outline icon of three people sitting behind a table with three stars on the front, representing a judging panel or group evaluation, on a white circular background.

50

Make-A-Wish grants wishes for children with critical illnesses in nearly 50 countries.

How we help children with critical illnesses

At Make-A-Wish International, we believe in the transformative Power of a Wish.

We grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, helping restore childhood and improving their physical, emotional and psychological well-being.

Enabled by the generosity of our donors and supported by volunteers and medical partners around the world, we have helped grant more than 615,000 wishes in nearly 50 countries, bringing hope, strength and joy to children when they need it most.

About the Foundation and Contact Information

  • Head Operations Office

    Address:

    Frits Spitsstraat 1
    Hilversum, the Netherlands
    1217 WC

    Phone: +1 602 834 3135

  • US Office

    Address:

    1702 E. Highland Avenue
    Suite 305
    Phoenix, Arizona
    United States of America
    85016

    Phone: +1 602 834 3135