Make-A-Wish Foundation is a nonprofit organization that grants the wishes of children with critical illnesses. This foundation funds medical research and grants the wishes of children aged two and a half to eighteen years. The children who receive these grants typically have a life-threatening medical condition. Through the foundation, these children can experience a magical experience, including a special trip or a visit to Disney World. The Make-A-Wish Foundation is 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and works to grant the childhood dreams of these children.
The Dream Factory is a wish-granting organization based in Seattle, Washington that specializes in granting wishes to chronically ill children. As of March 2014, the organization has granted over 25,000 wishes. To qualify for a wish, a child must have no previous wishes granted by any other organization. It has 35 chapters in 19 states. The Dream Factory does not operate in every state, and children must live in an area near a local chapter to be eligible.
Tender Wishes is a wish-granting organization that organizes special days for children with life-threatening illnesses. The foundation works with other wish foundations and has served children from all 50 states. The Cleaning for a Reason Foundation provides free housecleaning services to cancer patients, but it is not a wish-granting organization. The organization was founded by mito mom J.K., who was diagnosed with cancer as a child.
While the ASF is the largest wish-granting organization in the U.S., it does not operate in all states. Some chapters may not be as big as the national headquarters. The broader scope of their operations allows them to grant a wish to more families. And a child can receive a grant in any state, regardless of where they live. If their wish involves a trip to Disney World, a family or friend can refer a child for a wish from any source.
The Children’s Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children in Canada and 28 other countries. They are a non-profit organization that is based in Oxford, UK. The website is also available in French and is bilingual. The United Special Sportsmen Alliance sends disabled youth and critically ill children on an outdoor adventure. Although the Children’s Wish Foundation is the largest wish-granting organization in the U.S., the Canadian chapter is the largest, with over 38 years of service.
Several wish-granting organizations are dedicated to fulfilling the wishes of children with life-threatening conditions. The Sunshine Foundation is the most diverse and well-known of all. Founded by an outdoorswoman in Mississippi, it grants the wishes of children with a life-threatening illness. In addition to granting children with a single wish, the Sunshine Foundation also grants children with a severe physical disability. The only requirement is that the child’s parents or guardians must not earn more than $75,000 a year.
