By Sixtine Tabard - Reading time 3 minsSustainable Development Goal 17 (SDG 17) highlights a powerful truth: meaningful change happens when we work together. For global nonprofits like Make-A-Wish, partnering with the private sector is very important. We believe in the power of corporate partnerships in supporting children with critical illnesses. They have the ability to unite purpose with resources, and that makes a big difference for young people.
How Make-A-Wish builds impactful corporate collaborations
Make-A-Wish creates enduring partnerships by focusing on shared values and measurable outcomes. Each partnership begins with a shared purpose. A company’s social vision is aligned with the mission of Make-A-Wish to create life-changing wishes for children. Global alignment ensures that partnerships are scalable and resonate across diverse cultures and markets.
Make-A-Wish uses data-driven reports to demonstrate the value of a partner’s contribution. These include statistics such as the number of wishes supported and the reach of awareness campaigns. Regular updates and storytelling strengthen engagement. Flexible collaboration models allow partners to contribute meaningfully, locally, regionally and globally.
Examples of successful partnerships and their impact
The power of corporate partnerships is clearly visible in several long-standing alliances that Make-A-Wish has built over the years. One of the most iconic examples is Disney. For 45 years, Disney and Make-A-Wish have worked together to grant wishes for more than 165,000 children with critical illnesses worldwide. In fact, Disney is proud to be the world’s largest wish granter for Make-A-Wish, granting a wish every hour of every day.
Retail partners also play a vital role through point-of-sale donation campaigns, co-branded merchandise, and awareness drives. These efforts not only support fundraising goals, but also invite communities and consumers to become part of the mission.
Airline partners contribute in-kind flight donations, which makes it possible for children to travel and fulfill their wishes. This is something they otherwise might never experience.
Beyond the tangible support, these partnerships create deep emotional value and shared impact. They bring hope, visibility, and life-changing experiences to children and families around the world.
Aligning corporate values with child-centered missions
Make-A-Wish carefully evaluates each potential partner for alignment with its mission and core values. Child dignity, inclusiveness, and responsible stewardship are central parts of the process. Partners must demonstrate a commitment to ethical practices and support environments where children feel safe, respected, and empowered.
Innovative ways partners contribute beyond funding
Corporate support for Make-A-Wish goes far beyond financial contributions. Many companies engage in diverse and creative ways that add real value to the mission. In-kind donations, such as hotel stays, electronics, or transportation, help bring wishes to life in practical and meaningful ways.
Employees often volunteer their time by helping at fundraising events, supporting logistics, or sharing stories that inspire others. Some partners lead awareness campaigns, using their platforms to educate wider audiences about the power of a wish and its impact on children’s lives.
Some partners team up with Make-A-Wish on co-branded initiatives. Think about purpose-driven marketing campaigns for example. This invites customers to support the cause in a tangible way. These collaborations create rich and multidimensional partnerships with a lot of impact. At the same time, it deepens a company’s social commitment.
The future of partnerships: expanding global reach and equity
Make-A-Wish is committed to expanding its global reach and ensuring more equitable access to wish experiences, with the ultimate aim of granting the wish of every eligible child.
By engaging new sectors, such as technology, sustainability, and health innovation, the organization can better respond to emerging global challenges while remaining firmly rooted in its mission to serve children. The power of corporate partnerships in supporting children with critical illnesses is central to this vision.
When built on trust and shared purpose, partnerships can truly make a meaningful impact. Make-A-Wish shows that collaboration between public and private sectors can bring hope, joy, and life-changing experiences for every eligible child on this planet.
Join us in creating a more inclusive future. Get involved with Make-A-Wish and help bring life-changing wishes to children who need them most.