Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What can a child wish for?
A. Wishes are as unique as the children themselves. We make every effort to grant the child’s “heartfelt” wish. Most wish requests fall into four major categories:
“I wish to go…”
Some wish children want to travel to their favorite theme park, an exotic beach, go on a cruise, or attend a major sporting event or concert.
“I wish to be…”
Children search the depths of their imagination when they wish to be someone for a day, such as a fireman, police officer or published author.
“I wish to meet…”
Many want to meet their favorite athlete, recording artist, television personality, movie star, politician, or public figure.
“I wish to have…”
Children often wish for a special gift, such as a computer, a play set, a shopping spree, or a new puppy.
Q. How old does a child have to be to have a wish granted?
A. Children who are referred after the age of 2 1/2 and before their 18th birthday are potentially eligible for a wish.
Q. What are the medical criteria for having a wish granted?
A. Children who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition that places his/her life in jeopardy are eligible to receive a wish. Medical eligibility is determined by the child’s physician based on medical criteria established by the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America.
Q. Does “life-threatening” mean “terminal?”
A. No. We never use the word ”terminal.” In fact, most 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.
Q. Can the child’s family participate in the wish?
A. Immediate family members who live full time with the wish child (parents/guardians and siblings under the age of 18) are usually included in the wish.
Q. What if a child has special medical needs during a wish?
A. If a child has special medical needs during a wish, they are discussed with the physician and family beforehand and provided for by the Foundation as needed.
Q. How much does a wish cost?
A. The cost of wish varies widely, depending on what the wish is.
Q. How much does it cost a family to have a wish granted?
A. Nothing. There is no cost to the family. We take care of everything.
Q. Does the family’s financial status matter?
A. No, the economic background of the child and the family has no bearing on whether or not a wish is granted. The only qualifying factors are age and medical condition.
Q. How is the Foundation funded?
A. Our organization receives its financial support from generous individuals, corporations and special fundraising events. We do not receive government funding of any kind.
Q. Is my financial contribution tax deductible?
A. Yes. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northeast New York is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. As such, financial contributions may be deductible for federal income tax purposes. Please consult with your financial advisor to determine the extent of tax deductibility.
Q. Can my organization or group hold a fundraiser?
A. Yes, some examples of events that have benefited our chapter include golf tournaments, dress down days, softball marathons and karaoke contests. Please contact the chapter at 782-4673 or email neny@neny.wish.org for more information.
Q. What percentage of my donation goes directly to granting wishes?
A. Approximately 80% of every dollar you contribute to the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Northeast New York is used directly to help grant wishes. This percentage exceeds the 65% standard set by the Wish Giving Alliance of the Better Business Bureau.
Q. Are all wishes publicized?
A. No, families can choose whether they will allow publicity of the wish. We always respect their need for privacy.
Q. How do I refer a child?
A. Call us at (518) 782-4673.
Q. Does the family have to know I am referring their child?
A. Yes, the family must be aware that the referral is being made.
Q. Can a child qualify for a wish if they have received one from another wish-granting organization?
A. No, a child that has received a wish from another wish granting organization is not eligible for a wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Q. Can I donate my airline mileage to the Make-A-Wish Foundation?
A. Yes. Your donation of airline mileage can help us grant thousands of travel wishes. To donate your miles, please click this link - Donate_airline_miles. Please note: you will be connected to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America web site where your gift will be designated for the Northeast New York chapter, based on your zip code.
Q. How do I become a volunteer?
A. We currently have more than 250 volunteers who help grant the wishes of children in the 518 area code. For information on becoming a volunteer please click here - Become a Volunteer or contact Cindy Conley at cconley@neny.wish.org.
If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (518) 782-4673.
