Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility and Referrals:

Wishes:

Funding:

ELIGIBILITY AND REFERRALS

Who is eligible for a wish?
Any child who is at least 2½ 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.

Does “life-threatening” mean terminal?
No. A life-threatening illness is not necessarily a terminal illness. Many of our wish children go on to lead healthy lives, remembering fondly the wish that in many cases was an integral part of their healing process.

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.

Any child who is at least 2½ 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.No. A life-threatening illness is not necessarily a terminal illness. Many of our wish children go on to lead healthy lives, remembering fondly the wish that in many cases was an integral part of their healing process.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.

Does the family have to know I am referring a child?
Yes, the family must be aware that the referral is being made.

If our family can afford to pay for our child’s wish, will accepting a wish be unfair to less fortunate families?
No, the economic background of the child and their family has no bearing on whether or not a wish is granted. Even if a family can afford to fund the wish themselves, we work hard to create a unique experience for each child. The only qualifying factors are age and medical condition.

WISHES

How many wishes have been granted?
Through the combined efforts of the national chapters and international affiliates, more than 208,000 wishes have been granted to children since 1980. Our chapter has been granting wishes since 1995 and has currently exceeded more than 5,000 wishes! With the commitment and dedication of our community and the work of board members, trained volunteers and our administrative team throughout Georgia, we expect to grant more than 400 wishes in FY ‘12 (September 1, 2012- August 31, 2013). To read a few recent wish stories, click here.

How are wishes granted?
Volunteers form wish teams which coordinate the wish. During an initial telephone conversation with a family, a chapter representative explains the purpose of the organization and medical requirements. After a child’s medical eligibility is determined by his or her attending physician, a volunteer wish team is assigned to the child. This dedicated team visits with the child and family and asks the magical question, “If you could have anything, go anywhere, meet anyone, or be anyone, what would you wish for? The wish team then presents the request to the chapter’s board of directors for approval. Upon approval, the wish team begins creating a magical experience ensuring hope, strength and joy for the child.

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.

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 wishes.

Are all wishes publicized?
No, families may choose whether they will allow publicity of the wish. We always respect their needs for privacy.

Is the family included in the wish?
Yes, the wish experience extends to the entire, immediate family living in the home. We understand that parents and siblings want to share in the magic, too. All other participant requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

FUNDING

Does the family have to pay for the wish?
No! All wish expenses are fully covered per participant, 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 are wish costs covered?
Funds for wish experiences stem from a variety of sources including: in-kind gifts and services, private and corporate donations, planned gifts, foundation grants,chapter fundraisers and fundraisers hosted by local community and corporate groups. Our chapter is still growing. We are always appreciative of community support through special projects, service clubs, fundraisers and private contributions.

How much does granting a wish cost?
In Georgia, the average cost of granting a wish is approximately $8,000. Wish costs vary and may be more or less expensive than the average.

What percentage of my donation goes directly to wish granting?
Approximately 83% of each dollar you contribute to the Make-A-Wish® Georgia is used directly to help grant wishes. This percentage far exceeds the standard upheld by organizations monitoring the work of charities.

Can I donate my airline mileage?
Yes. Your donation of airline mileage can help us grant thousands of travel wishes. To donate your miles, please visit http://georgia.wish.org/ways-to-help/wishes-in-flightsm/

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 and are available upon request. For more information regarding our funding allocation, click here.

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

If you have any additional questions not addressed here, please do not hesitate to contact us at (770) 916-9474.

Chi Omega chapters have volunteered more than 400,000 hours. To date, Chi Omega has raised more than $6.5 million for the Make-A-Wish Foundation®.

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