Make- A- Wish Foundation of America

Analysis

Make- A- Wish Foundation of America is a registered charity in United States, based in Phoenix, AZ. It received its IRS tax-exemption ruling in June 1986, 40 years ago. The IRS classifies it as a publicly supported organisation (donations from the general public) under section 501(c)(3), and contributions to it are listed as tax-deductible.

In the financial year ending August 2023, Make- A- Wish Foundation of America reported income of $135.3m and spending of $124.5m, spending 92% of its income. Across the 5 years on record, from August 2019 to August 2023, income grew from $104.7m to $135.3m (+29%), an average of +6.6% a year. Over the whole period it spent 95% of the income it received.

Among 72,936 United States charities whose main cause is other charitable purposes and that reported income, Make- A- Wish Foundation of America sits at the 100th percentile: it is one of the largest 1% in its cause. Against every charity in United States with reported income it ranks in the 99th percentile, and in the 99th percentile within AZ. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include St Paul Place Specialists Inc ($133.7m), Volunteers of America Inc ($136.0m) and Moravian University ($132.1m).

On its Form 990 for the period ending August 2023, revenue came from contributions and grants 79% and program service revenue 18% of the total. Compensation of current officers, directors and key employees was $4.6m (3.7% of expenses). Other salaries and wages came to $20.8m. It paid $6.8m in professional fundraising fees. At year end it held assets of $107.2m against liabilities of $36.3m, net assets of $71.0m. It reported 285 employees.