Our Chapter

Our Mission

Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

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Our People

Many different leaders make our work possible. Learn more about the people who make wishes possible!

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Council

At Make–A–Wish Minnesota, we champion diversity through intentional inclusion. We believe that people of any race, color, ethnicity, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, faith, religion, age, physical and mental ability, neurodiversity, socioeconomic status, nationality, cultural background, military status, or any other aspect which makes them unique are welcome and important. It is only through our mosaic of backgrounds, thoughts, and experiences that we can grant life-changing wishes to every eligible child. We will reflect the diversity of our community in our organizational governance, volunteer structure, staffing, funding decisions, and policies. Through this mindfulness we foster an organization that is not only accessible but welcoming. 

Learn more about our council and commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging.

Managing Our Funds

Since 1982, Make-A-Wish Minnesota has granted more than 6,300 wishes to create hope, strength and joy for wish kids, their families and entire communities. While Make-A-Wish is a national organization, our Minnesota chapter is one of the top Minnesota children's charities, and is “small but mighty” with a staff of 20 and a core of 460 dedicated volunteers. We take our responsibility for financial donations made very seriously and rely solely on charitable giving to grant wishes for Minnesota children with critical illnesses statewide. Contributions come from individuals, corporations, special events and foundation grants. Make-A-Wish also relies on in-kind contributions and volunteers to lessen costs. We do not solicit funds by telephone and receive no federal or state funding.

Research shows that wishes can give kids the strength to fight against, and even overcome, a critical illness. Our detailed eligibility criteria specify that a child must be diagnosed with a life–threatening medical condition, not necessarily a terminal condition. These conditions might include transplants, cystic fibrosis, genetic conditions, lung disease, cancer, sickle cell disease and many other medically complex illnesses that often do not qualify children for support from other pediatric charities. Wishes are granted to every child referred to us who is deemed medically eligible. While prioritizing safety during COVID-19, some travel wishes are on hold and we are delivering more creative local wishes.

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. We are proud to be a Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accredited Charity Seal Holder, meet all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability and the Charities Review Council Accountability Standards. For more financial information please review our financial documents and impact reports below.

How to Find Us

Make-A-Wish^® Minnesota
1919 University Ave. W., Suite 415
St. Paul, MN 55104
Telephone: 612.767.9474 (WISH)
Fax: 612.767.0242
E-mail: [email protected]

FROM THE NORTH:

Take I-35W South and exit toward US-10/Minneapolis/St. Paul. Continue to follow I-35W South, exit onto MN-280 then exit onto Territorial Road/University Ave. Merge onto North Eustis St. and turn left onto University Ave. W. Make a U-turn at Fairview Ave. N. Your destination will be on the right. Turn into the parking lot on the immediate west side of the building and enter through the double doors. The elevators are through another set of double doors to the right. Proceed up to the 4th floor and turn left off the elevator toward Suite #415.

FROM THE SOUTH:

Take I-35E North toward St. Paul and exit on Aye Mill Road. Turn left onto Ashland Ave., right onto Hamline Ave. N., left onto Marshall Ave. and right onto Fairview Ave. N. Take a final left turn onto University Ave. W. Your destination will be on the right. Turn into the parking lot on the immediate west side of the building and enter through the double doors. The elevators are through another set of double doors to the right. Proceed up to the 4th floor and turn left off the elevator toward Suite #415.

FROM DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS:

Take I-94 East toward St. Paul and exit on MN-51/Snelling Ave. Use the left lane to merge onto Concordia Ave. Turn left onto Snelling Ave. then turn left again onto University Ave. W. Your destination will be on the right. Turn into the parking lot on the immediate west side of the building and enter through the double doors. The elevators are through another set of double doors to the right. Proceed up to the 4th floor and turn left off the elevator toward Suite #415.

FROM DOWNTOWN ST. PAUL:

Take I-94 W toward Minneapolis and exit on MN-51/Snelling Ave. Use the right lane to merge onto St. Anthony Ave. then turn right onto Snelling Ave. Turn left onto University Ave. W. and the destination will be on your right. Turn into the parking lot on the immediate west side of the building and enter through the double doors. The elevators are through another set of double doors to the right. Proceed up to the 4th floor and turn left off the elevator toward Suite #415. 

FROM MSP INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT:

Take MN-5 East toward St. Paul and exit on Edgcumbe Road. Continue onto Fairview Ave. S. then turn left onto University Ave. W. The destination will be on the right. Turn into the parking lot on the immediate west side of the building and enter through the double doors. The elevators are through another set of double doors to the right. Proceed up to the 4th floor and turn left off the elevator toward Suite #415. 

BY LIGHT RAIL: 

Take the Metro Transit Green Line to Fairview Avenue station and walk 0.1 miles N.W. Enter through the double doors of 1919 University Centre on University Avenue. The elevators are up the stairs to the left. Proceed up to the 4th floor and turn left off the elevator toward Suite #415. 

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News & Media Center

In the News

View the latest news and inspiring stories about Make-A-Wish Minnesota from across the state, including our newsletters and recent wish kids videos.

Media Requests

If you have a story idea about wishes happening in your area or a question about Make-A-Wish Minnesota, we would love to partner with you!

Please contact Director of Marketing & Communications, Tori Schrantz, at 612.767.2759 with questions or fill out this short form and our Communications Team will respond as soon as possible.

Careers

Make-A-Wish Minnesota is 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 our passion.

Currently Open Full-Time Positions

There are no current job openings at this time.

Internships Available

Make-A-Wish Minnesota offers various internship opportunities throughout our departments. These positions offer hands on experience and learning opportunities.

View full position details, requirements and how to apply in the descriptions below.

Prospect Research & Fundraising Intern

Wish Intern

Make-A-Wish Minnesota provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We are committed to a diverse workforce. We value all employees’ talents and support an environment that is inclusive and respectful.