Our Chapter

Access news releases, background information and recent news about Make-A-Wish and connect with our Communications team. 

Since being founded locally in 1985, Make-A-Wish Illinois has granted more than 17,000 wishes and continues its mission to share the power of a wish^® with children in all 102 counties across the state. 

Life-changing wish journeys are made possible by dedicated staff and more than 1,000 caring volunteers who help each child discover, create, fulfill, and experience the lasting impact of their most heartfelt wish. 

Support for Make-A-Wish comes from generous individual, corporate and foundation donors.

At Make-A-Wish^® Illinois, our vision is to grant the wish of every eligible child. It is our mission to create life-changing wishes for every child with a critical illness, and create an impactful wish journey for them. 

Make-A-Wish Illinois finances endeavors through corporate sponsorships, special events, foundation grants and individual contributions. However, we do not solicit funds by telephone and receive no federal or state funding. As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, all contributions are deductible to the extent permitted by law. Our financial statements are audited locally by CliftonLarsonAllen LLP.   

At Make-A-Wish, we take our responsibility for the monies donated to our cause very seriously and are pleased to confirm that according to the fiscal year 2023 (September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023) audit results, the Make-A-Wish Illinois program service expense ratio was 75 percent. 

We are proud to be a BBB Illinois Accredited Charity Seal Holder, having met all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability. 

For full financial details please review the following: 

Current Financial Statements

Fiscal Year 2023 Make-A-Wish Illinois Annual Report (PDF)

Fiscal Year 2023 Make-A-Wish Illinois Audited Financial Report (PDF)

At Make-A-Wish, we are more than a great place to work — our work is life-changing. We are an inclusive and diverse group of people who, through a mosaic of backgrounds, thought and experiences, are united in purposeful work. We are fueled and guided by our values — values that are represented in the inspired people we work with and the life-changing work we do, every day. 

We are always on the lookout for great talent who share in our passion. If you are interested in a career or internship with Make-A-Wish, check out our current open positions. 

Staff Positions

Corporate Giving Director

Responsible for the oversight and direction of the Corporate Giving program (including local corporate gifts, sponsorships, and national partnerships with Make-A-Wish America) to reach an overall goal of $3-$4 million. Develops programmatic solutions to support the Fund Development Strategy. Manages a team of gift officers in pursuit of increasing revenue in an efficient and sustainable manner. Independently develops and manages a portfolio of high-impact corporate relationships. 

Individual Giving Director

Responsible for the oversight and direction of the Individual Giving program (including major gifts, annual fund, community-based fundraising, and planned giving). Develops programmatic solutions to support the Fund Development Strategy. Manages a team of gift officers in pursuit of increasing revenue in an efficient and sustainable manner. Independently develops and manages a portfolio of potential high-impact donors. 

Internships

Check back in March 2024 for Summer Session postings. Internships are unpaid but may be used for credit as allowed by a student's academic program.

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