Frequently Asked Giving Questions

• How does the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® spend the money donated to the foundation?
• What are your sources of funding?
• What is your annual budget?
• Have you ever denied a wish due to lack of funding?
• Can we pay for a particular wish?
• How much does an average wish cost?
• How can we help raise money?
• Is there a minimum donation?
• What kinds of donations do you accept?
• Is my donation tax deductible?

How does the Make-A-Wish Foundation spend the money donated to the foundation?
For full details on how our funds are distributed, see our online annual report and audit.
-Eighty-five percent of the funds received are spent directly on the wishes granted by the Foundation.
-A small percentage of the funds are spent on fund raising and administrative costs.

What are your sources of funding?
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Utah finances its work through individual contributions, corporate donations, foundation grants, planned gifts, internal events (special events we plan) and external events held on our behalf by community businesses, associations, clubs, and schools. The Foundation also relies on in-kind contributions (goods and services) to help defer the cost of wishes. The Foundation does not do telephone or door-to-door solicitation. We are not a United Way agency, but individuals can designate all or part of their own United Way or Combined Federal Campaign payroll deductions for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. For complete details regarding our funding sources, please see our annual report.

What is your annual budget?
See our online annual report.

Have you ever denied a wish due to lack of funding?
No. Because of the generosity of community members, businesses, and charitable foundations, we have been able so far to grant the wishes of all eligible Utah children that are referred to us.

Can we pay for a particular wish?
Yes, through our Adopt-A-Wish^® program.

How much does an average wish cost?
A wish can be as simple as a tricycle and as elaborate as a trip to Rome to meet the Pope. The average cost of a wish is $4,500 cash plus an additional $2,700 of in-kind goods and services.

How can we help raise money?
There are many ways to help, from school and community programs, to individual and corporate gifts, to sponsoring special events. See Ways to Help for more information or contact the development department at info@utah.wish.org.

Is there a minimum donation?
No. A gift of any size will help touch the lives of our courageous wish children and their families creating precious memories.

What kinds of donations do you accept?
We accept gifts of cash, stock, bonds, mutual funds, annuities, real property (wish some provisos), in-kind donations (goods and services), and frequent flier miles.

Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Utah is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization. All contributions are deductible for income tax purposes to the extent permitted by the law.