Michael Jordan Make-A-Wish Foundation Overview and Mission
The Michael Jordan Make-A-Wish Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that grants life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses. It operates as a major chapter within the global Make-A-Wish network, which has fulfilled over 500,000 wishes worldwide since 1980. The foundation focuses on granting wishes in the United States, primarily for children diagnosed with critical illnesses, and relies on donations from individuals, corporations, and events. For a detailed history of the global organization, see the Make-A-Wish International overview at worldwish.org.
Financially, the foundation files annual Form 990s with the IRS, which are publicly accessible through platforms like ProPublica's Nonprofit Explorer. These filings detail revenue, expenses, compensation, and grant distributions. The foundation's primary revenue sources include individual contributions, corporate sponsorships, and proceeds from special events such as charity golf tournaments and galas. In recent filings, the organization has reported total revenue in the tens of millions of dollars, with a significant portion directed directly to wish-granting programs.
Financial Structure, Revenue, and Grant Distribution
The foundation's financial efficiency is measured by the percentage of total expenses spent on program services versus administrative and fundraising costs. According to its latest public IRS filings, the foundation consistently allocates the majority of its expenses to granting wishes, with program spending typically exceeding 70% of total expenses. Administrative and fundraising costs are kept below standard nonprofit benchmarks, though exact figures vary annually based on donor activity and special event costs.
Major corporate partners and private donors contribute to the foundation's endowment and annual giving campaigns. Notable fundraising events include the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational and partnerships with luxury brands and sports franchises. The foundation also receives support through tribute gifts, memorial donations, and planned giving arrangements. For broader context on nonprofit financial reporting standards, refer to the IRS guidance on Form 990 at irs.gov/charities-non-profits.
Recent Wish Grants, Community Impact, and Donor Transparency
The foundation reports granting hundreds of wishes annually, with each wish tailored to a child's specific wish, ranging from travel and meet-and-greets with athletes to home experiences and technology gifts. Wish families are selected through a referral process involving hospitals, parents, and guardians, with eligibility determined by medical criteria set by the Make-A-Wish America medical advisory team. The foundation publishes annual reports and impact summaries that highlight the number of wishes granted, volunteer hours, and community partnerships.
Donor transparency is maintained through public disclosure of Form 990 data, annual reports, and financial statements. The foundation's board of directors and executive leadership are listed in these filings, along with compensation details for key officers. For independent analysis of the foundation's financial health and accountability ratings, consult Charity Navigator's profile at charitynavigator.org.