Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for a wish?

Any child who is at least 2 1/2 years old and under the age of 18 (at the time of referral) who has been determined by a physician to have a life-threatening medical condition and has not been granted a previous wish is eligible. Make-A-Wish^®chapters grant wishes to all eligible children regardless of race, religion, or socioeconomic status. For further information regarding the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® and criteria for qualifying children, please contact the Make-A-Wish^® Foundation of Georgia and Alabama at 888.517.9474.

Who can make a wish request?

Requests for a wish can be made by a parent, legal guardian, the wish child or a medical professional. If the initial call comes from someone other than the people listed above, we ask that the family be notified to call directly on their own behalf.

How are wishes granted?

Volunteers form wish teams which coordinate the wish. During the initial telephone contact with a family, a chapter representative explains the purpose of the organization and medical eligibility requirements. After a child's medical eligibility is determined by his or her attending physician, a volunteer wish team is assigned to the child. The team visits with the child and family to determine the child's wish. The wish team presents the request to the chapter board of directors for approval. When the request receives approval, the wish team goes to work creating the Make-A-Wish magic!

Are there any restrictions on a wish?

The Make-A-Wish Foundation^® follows policies and guidelines in granting a wish. We also work with the child's physician to determine if the wish can be fulfilled.

Does the family have to pay for the wish?

No! All wish expenses are fully covered, including travel and spending money. Our objective is to provide the child and family with memories of joy that are not clouded with the worries of wish expenses.

How much does granting a wish cost?

In Georgia and Alabama, the average cost of granting a wish is approximately $5,000. Wish costs vary and may be more or less expensive than the average.

What is the most requested wish?

The majority of wish requests fall into four major categories: "I wish to go..." "I wish to be..." "I wish to meet..." or "I wish to have..." Trips to Disney Parks remain among the most requested wish.

How many wishes have been granted?

Through the combined efforts of the national and international chapters, more than 144,000 wishes have been granted to children since 1980. We have been granting wishes since 1985 and granted wish number 3000 in 2005!! With the commitment and dedication of our community and the work of board members, trained volunteers, and our administrative team throughout Georgia and Alabama we expect to grant 415 in 2006.

Do you need help?

Yes! Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization-- they grant wishes, help with events and administrative needs and tell their communities about us. For more information about volunteer opportunities, click here.

What are your sources of funding?

The Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Georgia and Alabama finances its work through individual contributions, corporate donations, foundation grants, planned gifts, and chapter fees and assessments. We rely on in-kind gifts and services, financial contributions from individual friends and corporations, and special events. Our chapter is young and growing. We look forward to community support through special projects, service clubs, fund raisers and private contributions. Support for our chapter is always greatly appreciated.

Is my contribution tax deductible?

Yes! The Make-A-Wish Foundation^® is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. As such, all contributions are deductible for income tax purposes. Our financial statements are audited annually by Grant Thornton and are available upon request.