Kids Wish Network Frequently Asked Questions
Our most common questions come from wish families or relatives who want to know if we can help their child. The following FAQ section covers our most common inquiries. If you do not see your question here, please Contact Us at 888-918-9004 [toll-free].
We will be happy to respond to any questions you may have.
Financial FAQ's
Wish FAQ's
What is Kids Wish Network's criteria for granting a wish?
Does a child have to be able to speak to communicate their wish?
What are your most common wishes?
Are there any children's wishes you are not able to fulfill?
Is there any charge to the family of a wish child?
Where do wish child referrals come from?
What can a wish child expect from Kids Wish Network?
Is financial need part of the decision making process in granting a wish?
Why should I request a wish if I can afford to take my child on a trip?
Can foster children qualify for a trip?
Can we sponsor a child's wish in our area?
Can I make a donation to Kids Wish Network on behalf of someone else?
How can my business help Kids Wish Network?
How can my school participate?
Can I donate to Kids Wish Network through the United Way?
What is Kids Wish Network's criteria for granting a wish?
We accept wish kids between the ages of 3 and 18 who reside in the United States, have a life-threatening illness, and who have not had a previous wish with another organization. A certified medical doctor must sign a form signifying that his or her patient's condition is life-threatening - no other medical prognosis is required. To ensure the safety of each wish child, the physician also must make us aware of any health requirements that would have a direct bearing on the child's wish. For instance, some children require a nurse with them during their wish or are not medically permitted to travel by plane. We always endeavor to find an appropriate, safe, way to fulfill a child's wish.
I have heard wish organizations automatically deny certain diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, as non-life-threatening. Are there any medical conditions Kids Wish Network will not consider?
We have never set any specific policy regarding the nature of a child's illness or their prognosis beyond the requirement that the child's physician consider the condition to be "life-threatening".
Does a child have to be able to speak to communicate their wish?
While it is a requirement that the child be able to communicate their wish, we have methods available to determine a child's wish if they are non-verbal or have difficulty being understood. For more details please contact our Wish Department at 888-918-9004.
What are your most common wishes?
Computers, theme park visits, shopping sprees, meeting celebrities and traveling are all popular choices. We have also fulfilled many requests for special commodity wishes such as playground sets.
Are there any wishes you are not able to fulfill?
Wishes for pets, travel outside the United States, hunting trips, motorized vehicles, hospital equipment, financial gifts, land/housing or medical treatments cannot be accommodated.
Is there any charge to the family of a wish child?
Absolutely not. All wishes are funded completely and independently through our foundation.
Where do wish child referrals come from?
There are many referral sources for wish kids, including social service agencies, hospitals, professional fundraisers, medical organizations and physical therapists. The next biggest source is parents, relatives and friends who are aware of a child who may be eligible for a wish. They hear about us from press releases, public service announcements, volunteers, our website, fundraisers and numerous other venues.
What can a child expect from Kids Wish Network?
Thanks to the donations of special goods from corporate sponsors, our wish value is always much higher than our cost of fulfilling the wish and provides truly innovative surprises for wish kids. In addition, each child's Wish Coordinator provides personal attention and maintains contact throughout the wish and beyond to ensure the wish experience is cherished and remembered for years to come.
Is financial need part of the decision making process in granting a wish?
We do not ask for or require any financial information from a wish family to consider a child for a wish, nor do we expect the family to share in any expenses of fulfilling the wish. All wish expenses are covered by the foundation.
Why should I request a wish if I can afford to take my child on a trip?
As a non-profit foundation Kids Wish Network can offer many "perks" not available to the public. For instance, we have access to celebrities, special passes, and facilities to enhance your trip.
Can foster children qualify for a trip?
Kids Wish Network welcomes foster children, provided proof of legal guardianship is available for the application process.
Can we sponsor a child's wish in our area?
Simply go to the "Meet our Wish Kids" section of the website and click on a child in your area. If you do not see a child listed in your area, e-mail or call the Wish Department toll free at 888-918-9004 for additional information on children in need of your help. We do not list all of our wish kids on our website for privacy reasons and the status of current wishes can change daily.
Can I make a donation to Kids Wish Network on behalf of someone else?
There are many thoughtful ways to give a gift that keeps on giving. Soon this will be available online. In the meantime, contact us to donate on someone's behalf. A donation receipt will be forwarded to you and an email postcard notification will be sent to the recipient of the gift with your personal note. For more information, please see "Ways of Giving".
How can my business help Kids Wish Network?
At Kids Wish Network we recognize that businesses want to contribute to their communities on all levels. While some have set up foundations and handle their contributions by providing specific grants, we strive to make business participation a win-win by providing every business with the opportunity to contribute to Kids Wish Network's mission and at the same time receive valuable tax benefits and publicity. For information on strategic and cause-related marketing campaigns, service and in-kind donations or how your company can help sponsor a wish or run a local campaign to benefit a specific child or area contact us.
How can my school participate?
Our experience has been that kids helping other kids less fortunate than themselves is a powerful experience for everyone involved. Our Kids Helping Kids program assists children and their teachers (or civic group), who wish to help sponsor a wish on their own or get their classroom or entire school involved. Choosing to make a difference in another kid's life is the first step - no idea is too big or too small and we are here to help!
Can I donate to Kids Wish Network through the United Way?
United Way fundraising is more beneficial for organizations that support numerous local chapters with individual corporate registrations. As a national foundation with a centralized operating structure, we would have to restrict our activities nationwide in order to benefit from a United Way campaign in one local area given their current rules and regulations. As such we are unable to participate in specific United Way campaigns, but we do run many campaigns every year to benefit all kids nationally and encourage local organizations to assist kids in their community either by sponsoring a local child or targeting funds for a specific area.
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