Kids For Wish Kids^® is a unique program managed by kids, for kids. 

Inspiring kids, just like you, can have an impact in right in our community. The Kids For Wish Kids program engages students, schools and youth organizations in philanthropy and service activities in partnership with Make-A-Wish. The program encourages community service, leadership, volunteerism and teamwork. It builds team spirit and gives students hands-on experience fundraising to help create life-changing wishes for kids fighting critical illnesses. 

Kids For Wish Kids puts kids in charge. They take the lead to brainstorm fundraising ideas, create action plans and manage everything from start to finish. Students can even combine their efforts for existing school events, such as spirit week or field day. These kids help grant wishes by creating their own projects and fundraisers, which not only benefit wish children, but also: 

• Teach kids to work together to develop a project from start to finish. 
• Build self esteem and school spirit. 
• Teach the value of community service - a perfect service learning opportunity. 
• Develop creativity and idea-making skills. 
• Allow kids the chance to experience the joy of helping another child. 
• Lets kids have fun. 
   

Wish Week 
Wish Week is just one of the many ways that you can fund raise for Make-A-Wish. Wish Week is part of the Kids For Wish Kids® program, which enables kids K-12 to help grant the wishes of kids with life-threatening medical conditions. Kids are responsible for the program; from brainstorming fundraising ideas, to developing a plan of action and then seeing their ideas come to life. Teachers and parents often serve as advisors, but ownership of the project belongs solely to the kids involved. 
 

Youth Leadership Council
We’re thrilled to launch our second year of the Youth Leadership Council for the 2026-2027 school year, open to students all across Wisconsin!

Last year, our participants took part in engaging workshops, including sessions on budgeting and a college admissions seminar, while building leadership skills and connecting with peers around Wisconsin.

The council’s mission is to support and enhance our Kids for Wish Kids fundraising program while promoting values like humility and philanthropy. Students will meet virtually throughout the term, learn more about Make-A-Wish, and gain valuable real-world skills through interactive workshops. This is also a great resume-building opportunity, where students can earn service hours and have the chance to receive a letter of recommendation from a Make-A-Wish staff member.

Applications are now open for students in grades 9-12, with the term running from September 2026 through May 2027. If you know someone who would be a great fit, please encourage them to apply at: wish.org/wisconsin/ylc

We can’t wait to see how this opportunity continues to inspire the next generation of passionate, mission-driven leaders! Please reach out with any questions to Jordyn at jdutkiewicz@wisconsin.wish.org or Lexi at lgruber@wisconsin.wish.org

Click here to view the 2026 Youth Leadership Council flyer.
 

Who can participate in Kids For Wish Kids? 
School groups, scout groups, church groups, sororities, fraternities and more! If you’ve got a group of kids, teens or young adults who want to help other kids, you can participate.  
 

Contact us
Connect with Make-A-Wish today to get started. 
jdutkiewicz@wisconsin.wish.org 
262.781.4445