Volunteer FAQs
By volunteering with Make-A-Wish, you’ll help transform lives for Arizona wish kids who are facing critical illnesses. A wish can mark a turning point in a child's treatment and, as a volunteer, you can provide that source of hope and joy for a kid and their family. There are many ways to get involved – whether it's promoting Make-A-Wish in your local community, helping a child discover their wish, or sending them off at the airport. Volunteers are an invaluable part of the Make-A-Wish community, and we always aim to give you the best experience possible when you volunteer with us.
The minimum age for volunteering in most of our roles is 18. To be a wish granter, you must be 21 years old. If you are interested in youth volunteering opportunities, please click here for more information about our Kids For Wish Kids program and Youth Leadership Council.
What is required to become a volunteer?
Due to the nature of our work, select volunteer positions require the successful completion of a criminal background check every three years and a yearly conflict of interest and confidentiality agreement. Make-A-Wish Arizona does not employ or utilize as a volunteer any individual who has been convicted of a crime that (a) victimizes children, (b) is sexual in nature, or (c) involves violence, fraud, or significant theft.
Please contact us at [email protected] with any questions related to past convictions and/or our background screening process.
How do I apply or get started?
STEP 1: Create an account in our online volunteer portal. The Wish & Volunteer Center is our exclusive online hub for volunteers. Create your account to begin your onboarding process.
STEP 2: Log in and register for a 1-hour volunteer orientation. Choose the orientation training that best fits your schedule.
STEP 3: Complete a volunteer interview. After completing the orientation, a member of our Community Engagement team will schedule a 30-minute virtual volunteer interview to get to know you better.
STEP 4: Complete a volunteer profile. Once your volunteer role has been established, you will receive access to your volunteer account to complete your volunteer profile.
STEP 5: Complete a volunteer background check. Many of our volunteer roles require successful completion of a criminal background check and a yearly conflict of interest and confidentiality agreement. Click here to learn more about our volunteer types and current opportunities.
STEP 6: Attend a role-specific training. Dates and times will be shared after the interview is completed.
Are there virtual and in-person opportunities?
We work with kids and families across the state of Arizona but volunteers have the opportunity to meet with families virtually or in-person.
What is the time commitment required?
The level of commitment depends on the type of volunteer role and how much time you would like to dedicate. Click here to learn more about our volunteer types and current opportunities.
Do you offer group volunteer opportunities for companies/employees?
Yes! If you are interested in getting involved with your organization or company, please email Demi Simotas at [email protected].
How many wishes does Make-A-Wish Arizona grant each year?
Last fiscal year, we granted a record-breaking 420 wishes for Arizona children with critical illnesses. This year, our goal is to grant 450 wishes.
How many wish kids are currently waiting?
Right now, more than 600 children in Arizona are waiting for their wish.
Are there bilingual/multilingual volunteer opportunities?
Yes! Please be sure to specify any additional language(s) during your onboarding process.
Are there high-need areas of the state for volunteers?
Yes! Make-A-Wish Arizona grants wishes statewide. We have a high concentration of need for volunteers in Southern and Northern Arizona.
Helpful Resources
