FAQ’s: Find the Answers

 

Are Kids Wish Network’s financials audited?

Yes. In an effort to provide our donors with timely and accurate information, Kids Wish Network voluntarily undergoes an annual audit of our financial records by an independent accounting firm. Additionally, to ensure the accuracy of expenses for each wish we fulfill, auditors perform the same rigorous auditing standards. Upon request, Kids Wish Network will gladly provide private citizens and organizations the same information reported to the charity regulating agencies.

Does Kids Wish Network use professional fundraising companies?

Kids Wish Network operates nationally from one location. Having one office assures consistency and quality of services provided to thousands of deserving kids and pediatric facilities nationwide. 

There is an ongoing and escalating demand for our pediatric programs, requiring our staff to remain focused on helping our kids in need. To ensure the continuance of our much-needed services and programs, we’ve enlisted several professional fundraising organizations’ assistance. These professionals are selected based on stringent criteria to uphold quality and compliance with laws in all states. Most importantly, we require fundraisers to ask each potential donor if they know of a sick child in their area who would benefit from our services. We use our fundraisers as a resource for informing the general public about Kids Wish Network programs.

Please download our 2021 Organizational Goals for more information.

Are my monthly donations tax-deductible?

Yes! Your contribution to Kids Wish Network is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. 

In January, upon your request, Kids Wish Network will send you written confirmation of your contribution during the previous calendar year. Please consult your tax advisor or attorney for information about specific situations.

Is Kids Wish Network governed by an oversight reporting agency?

As a 501(c) (3) charitable organization, the Internal Revenue Service requires Kids Wish Network to file an annual 990 informational return, which is open for public inspection and can be viewed at www.guidestar.org. Also, Kids Wish Network is registered with and complies with the laws governing charitable organizations in all 50 states. Each state has individual requirements and oversight agencies. Our non-profit foundation was organized in the State of Florida, and the agency responsible for oversight of our charitable solicitation and registration is Florida’s Division of Consumer Services. They can be reached toll-free at 1-800-435-7352.

What is the cost of a wish?

The cost of a wish varies dramatically from kid to kid, depending on the type of wish they choose. If you were to take the direct costs spent on wishes and divide it by the number of wishes an organization performs, you could calculate an average of the direct costs per wish. However, this figure does not include the time any paid staff members devoted to the wish or the overhead necessary to conduct support operations. Kids Wish Network is unique because all wish files are audited and reviewed independently; therefore, you can rely on the accuracy in the number of wishes granted and the cost of those wishes.

We can keep our wish costs substantially low by actively requesting the business community’s participation, not only through cash donations but also by donating goods and services to help fulfill individual wishes whenever possible. We believe seeking their active involvement is worth the extra time and effort, both from a community spirit standpoint and managing funds better to help more kids when it becomes necessary to buy directly to fulfill a kid’s wish.

How can I sponsor a child?

Kids Wish Network is honored to work with businesses and organizations across the country to help achieve our mission to infuse hope, create happy memories, and improve the quality of life for children experiencing life-altering situations. We have been fortunate to have the support of leading corporations nationwide.

Start the process by contacting our Development Department.

What programs do you offer?

All of our programs infuse hope, create happy memories, and improve the quality of life for children experiencing life-altering situations.

Visit Our Programs page to learn more.

How can my child receive a wish?

Whether you’re a family member, friend, nurse, doctor, or social worker—thank you for your interest in nominating a deserving child for a wish. Kids Wish Network is committed to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children experiencing life-altering situations. 

Visit the Nominate page to view the list of qualifications.

Will Kids Wish Network sell my name to companies or other nonprofits?

No. Kids Wish Network will not sell your information to any other organization.

How do I know I am donating directly to Kids Wish Network?

Have you received a call about getting involved with Kids Wish Network? 

Kids Wish Network does work with professional fundraising companies that call on our behalf.  If you ever feel unsure that your donation will find its way to us, feel free to call us at 888-918-9004 or contact our Development Department with any questions or concerns.

Gifts given online through our website go directly to Kids Wish Network, and you should receive an email confirmation of your donation.

Where Does Donated Money Go?

Kids Wish Network has been bringing happiness and hope to sick children since 1997. Over the years, we’ve created additional programs to help even more children in need. We’re a nationally recognized 501 (c)(3) charitable organization, enabling donations to the foundation to be deducted from federal taxes to the fullest extent of the law.

Our mission to infuse hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children with life-threatening conditions and struggling with life-altering situations is made possible through the generosity of individuals, corporations, and foundations across the United States. Donors can rest assured that their donation serves to ensure the fulfillment of our mission.

100% of donations sent directly to Kids Wish Network, via mail or online, support our services and programs. We are the only wish-granting organization that offers the ability to direct every penny of your contribution to services and programs that benefit the families we serve. All contributions received through our website are directed to the services and programs where they are needed most.

Unlike other national organizations, Kids Wish Network works through one central office. Technology has enabled us to eliminate the need for expensive chapters and duplication of overhead. However, like all non-profit organizations, we have operating expenses to maintain our office and pay bills. To help meet these costs and fulfill our programs, we also utilize professional fundraisers to conduct telephone and direct mail campaigns. We only utilize reputable, bonded, and licensed firms. Contracts with those fundraising agencies vary. While some people feel the cost of fundraising companies are too high, these third-party sources have been necessary for Kids Wish Network to ensure that our national organization reaches the individuals who need our services and programs most. Kids Wish Network makes every effort to stretch each dollar.

Download our 2021 Organizational Goals to learn more.

Have more questions?

Feel free to contact us directly at 888-918-9004 or by filling out the Contact Us form.



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