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Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic grants wishes to children battling critical illnesses in Maryland, D.C. and northern Virginia. Established in 1983, the Mid-Atlantic chapter has fulfilled over 11,600 wishes across the region since its founding. Regardless of the child's gender, race, religion or socioeconomic status, we ensure their wish comes true.
Make-A-Wish America traces its inspiration back to 7-year-old Chris Greicius, a child with leukemia who wished to be a police officer. In 1980, a group of caring individuals came together and made his wish come true. The impact of Chris’ wish was felt throughout his community and was the inspiration for what is now Make-A-Wish. Little did he know that his wish would create a movement that would transform millions of lives.
As the largest wish-granting organization in the country, Make-A-Wish has granted hundreds of thousands of wishes to children battling critical illnesses. Wishes replace a child’s fear with confidence and sadness with joy. Wishes give children renewed energy, bring families closer together and unite communities.
The Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic Affinity Funds provide a mechanism for corporate sponsors to focus their philanthropic efforts on segments of our community that resonate with their values and vision. To get involved, please contact Melissa Prather.
Operation Dream Maker
- Gives hope and joy to the children of our nation's heroes. This special fund provides wishes to kids with critical illnesses whose parents and guardians serve, or have served, in the military.
Equity Fund
- Centering diversity, equity, and inclusion at every step of the wish journey. The Equity Fund ensures an impactful and equitable wish journey for every child by providing support beyond the scope of a wish to families when needed.
Baltimore Wish Fund
- The Baltimore Wish Fund supports wish kids living in Baltimore City and the Baltimore metro area, encompassing Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, and Howard counties.
Rush Wish Fund
- Rush wishes create a meaningful wish experience in a short amount of time, providing precious memories for families. Rush wishes are often granted within days, and funds are immediately required.
Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic 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 seriously. According to audited financial statements, Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic spends an average of 70.6% of every dollar on wish granting and program expenses during a 3-year period. You can learn more about the wishes we granted last year by visiting our FY24 Annual Report.
We are proud to be a BBB Mid-Atlantic Accredited Charity Seal Holder, having met all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.
Board Chair
Secretary
Treasurer
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.
Make-A-Wish® Mid-Atlantic, Inc.
Suite 280
Bethesda, MD 20817