About Us

To grant the wish of every eligible child.

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

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.

Together, we are committed to building an inclusive and diverse culture that celebrates and values all the voices and cultures of our children and our communities worldwide. We know that our wish children and the wishes we grant are unique, and we promote our colleagues, volunteers, and communities to embrace their own uniqueness so they can be their authentic self, empowering them to grant the wishes of every eligible child.

Around the world

Make-A-Wish International has 40 Affiliates that grant wishes in nearly 50 countries across 6 continents.

    Timeline

    1980

    Chris Greicius wish to be a police officer is granted. His wish inspires the creation of Make-A-Wish

    1983

    Make-A-Wish Foundation of America is incorporated. President Ronald Reagan grants the first presidential wish to Amy

    1985

    The "Stephanie in the Snow" video inspires the establishment of more chapters

    1988

    Reader's Digest article, "They Bring Joy to Sick Kids," generates international awareness of Make-A-Wish

    1990

    Make-A-Wish celebrates its 10th birthday and 10,000 wishes granted. Make-A-Wish receives the Citation for Volunteer Action Award from President George H.W. Bush

    1993

    Make-A-Wish International is formed to serve countries outside of the U.S.
    1996: The Make-A-Wish website, wish.org, goes live

    2000

    Make-A-Wish now serves every community in the U.S. Wishbone logo is replaced with a swirl and star logo. Over 75,000 wishes granted

    2004

    Make-A-Wish selected as one of "America's Greatest Brands"

    2010

    First World Wish Day is celebrated around the world. Over 198,000 wishes granted

    2018

    Make-A-Wish unveils brand refresh and establishes a permanent headquarters

    2020

    Make-A-Wish has granted more than 500,000 wishes, with the support of more than 43,000 volunteers globally

    2022

    Make a Wish establishes a new branch in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.