Make-A-Wish® Foundation of Greater Pennsylvania and Southern West Virginia

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you pay for the wishes?
We rely entirely on private donations from individuals, companies, foundations, schools and corporations. We receive no government funds or grants.

How much of my donation actually goes towards the cost of wishes?
100% if you so designate. Our Wishmaker program makes it possible for you to direct your entire contribution to the cost of wishes.

How much of Make-A-Wish's funds are spent on wishes?
More than 84% of all funds spent go towards fulfilling wishes.

How are the rest of Make-A-Wish's funds spent?
11% is used on fund raising, 5% is used on administration and as stated above, more than 84% are used to make wishes come true.

Does the Make-A-Wish Foundation conduct telemarketing campaigns?
No, the Foundation has a policy against telemarketing because it is considered intrusive and not cost-effective. However, be careful of sound-alike organizations that conduct aggressive telemarketing campaigns. Many donors are confused and think they are donating to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. They are not.

Will my donation help local children or will it be sent to your national organization?
Donations raised in our chapter territory stay local to help fund wish granting of children in Greater Pennsylvania and Southern West Virginia. Donors can request that their donation be restricted to a specific geographic area, if desired.

How much do wishes cost?
The average cost of a wish is $3,400, which is based on our most popular wish, a trip to Disney World. Any one single donor who gives $3,400 or more is considered a Wishmaker®.

Do you receive funding from the United Way?
While the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Pennsylvania and Southern West Virginia is not a United Way agency, we do participate in its Contributors' Choice program in many of the counties it serves. For the United Way of Allegheny County, the Foundation's Contributor's Choice code is #913. For more information on contributing through United Way in your county, please call the Foundation at 1-800-676-WISH.