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

Discover the incredible stories of the WishMakers who fuel the Make-A-Wish mission. Tune in every month as we delve into the power of a wish, the unwavering dedication of volunteers, and the transformative experiences that shape lives forever. Beyond the Wish is available on our YouTube channel or wherever you subscribe to podcasts.

Since being founded locally in 1985, Make-A-Wish Illinois has granted more than 18,000 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 2024 (September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2024) audit results, the Make-A-Wish Illinois program service expense ratio was 73 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 2024 Make-A-Wish Illinois Annual Report (PDF)

Fiscal Year 2024 Make-A-Wish Illinois Audited Financial Report (PDF)

2024 Make-A-Wish Ilinois Federal Form 990 (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

• Development Services Manager (Full Time - Hybrid - Chicago):  This role manages the development support areas for efficient and effective operation. Development support areas include research, prospect management, gift processing, stewardship, reporting, and maintaining or developing operational practices and procedures for use by development team. Additionally, this role manages revenue tracking, budgeting, and forecasting for the development department. Apply online.

Internships

• Accounting Intern (Part Time - Hybrid - Chicago): This role will gain first-hand experience with day-to-day accounting operations at one of the top U.S. charities. Apply online.
• Community Engagement Intern (Bilingual Spanish/English) (Part Time - Hybrid - Chicago): This role will support the team in increasing brand awareness on Chicago’s South Side. Responsibilities include drafting press releases, creating marketing materials, and assisting at events to boost volunteer recruitment and connect with potential referral sources. Apply online.
• Corporate Partnership Intern (Part Time - Hybrid - Chicago) This role will assist in our launch, execution and support of corporate partnership campaigns. Responsibilities include creating marketing and stewardship collateral for corporate partners, coordinating volunteers, and assisting with wish family outreach. Apply online.
• Digital Marketing Intern (Part Time - Hybrid - Chicago): This role will gain hands-on experience in social media marketing and help grow our online presence. Ideal candidates are passionate about social media, stay updated on trends, and have strong communication and organizational skills. Apply online.
• Donor Relations and Data Entry Intern (Part Time - Hybrid - Chicago): This role will assist the Development Services team in engaging donors and supporting the Make-A-Wish® mission. Apply online.
• Marketing and Communications Intern (Part Time - Hybrid - Chicago): This role will gain hands-on experience creating content for various channels. Responsibilities include conducting interviews, writing stories, and supporting the production of social and digital media. Apply online.
• Mission Services Intern (Part Time - Hybrid - Chicago): This role will assist the team in working with volunteers and medical partners to create meaningful wish experiences. They will gain insight into the wish journey and help connect volunteers with wish opportunities. Apply online.
• Signature Events Intern (Part Time - Hybrid - Chicago): This role will assist with internal events throughout the internship cycle and will provide candidates with first-hand experience at planning and executing Make-A-Wish Illinois Signature Events. Apply online.
• Wish Coordinating Intern (Part Time - Hybrid - Chicago): This role will gain the opportunity to experience the magic of Make-A-Wish firsthand by directly contributing to the wish planning process. Interns will work directly with our Wish Coordinators on the planning and execution of wishes. Apply online.