FAQ

Feel free to review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) a topic below for answers to some of the most commonly asked questions. If your area of interest is not addressed, we look forward to hearing from you.

Who can receive a wish?
Children who are at least 3 years of age, but have not yet reached their 18th birthday, may be referred to Make-A-Wish International. A child’s treating physician will determine if the child is medically eligible for a wish, based on the medical criteria established by Make-A-Wish.
Do you grant wishes to adults?
No, Make-A-Wish International only grants wishes to children who are at least 3 years of age, but have not yet reached their 18th birthday at the time of referral.
Does a child's illness have to be terminal in order to qualify for a wish?
No, a child does not have to be terminally ill. In fact, many of our wish children grow into adulthood and lead healthy, happy lives.
Can a child receive more than one wish?
No, Make-A-Wish International grants one wish to each eligible child.
Are there any restrictions to a wish?
Each Make-A-Wish affiliate follows specific policies and guidelines for granting a child’s wish. Some wishes have restrictions based on various factors, including the child’s medical condition in relation to the wish request. Make-A-Wish takes into consideration all factors as they relate to the wish and the wish child, and then plans the wish accordingly.
Does the family have to pay for the wish?
No, all wish expenses are fully covered by Make-A-Wish. Wishes are arranged and paid for by Make-A-Wish with no out-of-pocket expenses for the wish family.
Does the family have to meet financial criteria in order to be eligible for their child to receive a wish?
No, Make-A-Wish grants wishes to children who qualify for our services without regard to race, creed, religion, sex, or economic status.
Is there a waiting list to receive a wish?
No, however, in some situations a wish child may have to wait for their wish due to external circumstances such as the child’s treatment schedule or the availability of a popular celebrity. If the fulfillment of a wish must be delayed for any reason, the wish child and family are fully informed, and the wish child is given the option to either make another wish request or wait.
How long does it take to grant a wish from referral to fulfillment?
In most cases wishes are fulfilled within a few months. However, it is not easy to specify how long it takes from wish referral to wish fulfillment as it often depends upon the wish requested.
How much does a wish cost to grant?
Wish costs vary greatly depending on the wish requested. Some wishes are very simple, and the wish goods or services may be donated, costing Make-A-Wish nothing. Other wishes can be very elaborate and cost thousands of dollars. Whenever possible, Make-A-Wish seeks in-kind donations to help defer wish expenses.
What are the most requested wishes?

Typically, wishes fall into one of five general categories.

I wish to go …
Some Make-A-Wish kids want to travel to their favorite theme park, while others want to visit an exotic beach, go on a cruise, or attend a major sporting event or concert.

I wish to be …
Children search the depths of their imagination when they wish to be someone for a day – a fireman, a police officer, a doctor, a princess, a pirate, a model or a superhero.

I wish to meet …
Many wish kids choose to meet their favorite athlete, recording artist, television personality, movie star, politician or other public figure.

I wish to have …
Children sometimes wish for a special gift, such as a computer, a tree house, cooking lessons at a renowned cooking institution or a shopping spree.

I wish to experience …
Many wish kids want to have an experience, such as feeling the sand in their feet, seeing snow for the first time.

What are your sources of funding?
Make-A-Wish International and its affiliates receive financial support from a number of sources. Contributions come from individuals, corporations, and private and foundation grants. Make-A-Wish also relies on in-kind contributions as well which help to lessen the cost of goods and services.
How much of my donation funds wishes?

Make-A-Wish International is proud of the manner in which it manages the generous donations of its supporters. In 2022, more than 80% of the funds raised by Make-A-Wish are used to fulfill our mission. Visit our Financial Information section to see more of our exceptional donor stewardship.

Is there an affiliate near me?

To find the affiliate closest to you, visit the Around the World page.

What if there is not an affiliate in my country? Can my child still request a wish?

We regret that it is not possible to grant wishes to children who reside in countries where Make-A-Wish does not yet have an affiliate; however, if your child is receiving medical treatment for an extended length of time in a country where there is a Make-A-Wish office, it may be possible to grant your child’s wish. To refer a child for a wish, please visit the Around the World page in the navigation or submit an inquiry via our Contact Form.

How do you decide which children receive wishes?

Make-A-Wish does not decide which children receive wishes. Every child referred to Make-A-Wish who is deemed eligible for a wish receives their wish.

Do you participate in chain letter or other direct solicitation wishes?
No. Each day, Make-A-Wish and its affiliates receive hundreds of inquiries about chain letters claiming to be associated with the Foundation and featuring sick children. However, we do not participate in these kinds of wishes. Some names associated with these wishes are: Amy Bruce, Jeff DeLeon, Rhyan Desquetado, LaNisha Jackson, Nikisha Johnson, Jessie Anderson, Kayla Wightman, Craig Shergold, Craig Sheldon, Craig Sheppard, Craig Shelton, Craig Shelford, Anthony Hebrank, Chad Briody and Bryan Warner.
Are you part of wish.com and can I contact you if I have a question or complaint about my order?
We are not affiliated in any way with the company wish.com. Please direct any questions or complaints directly to this company.