FAQs

What is the application process?
You are asked to attend a one-hour orientation. Once you have completed orientation, you may submit your application along with a $25 application processing fee. References are contacted and a background check is completed for all volunteers over the age of 18. Once the application process is completed you will receive a letter welcoming you to the Make-A-Wish family.

Can anyone be a volunteer?
Volunteers must be positive, outgoing, and passionate about children as well as our mission to grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. It is important that Make-A-Wish volunteers like people and work well with others. All volunteers must pass a background check due to volunteer interaction with wish children and the occasional handling of money.

Does volunteering require additional training?
Wish Granters and Wish Ambassadors require training beyond the initial volunteer orientation. Wish granting trainings are held every other month on a Saturday for 4 hours. Wish Ambassadors also require additional training determined on a case-by-case basis.

Do you have volunteer positions that are not emotionally demanding?
Although most volunteers eventually come into contact with a wish family, office volunteers, Wish Ambassadors and event volunteers do not work with them directly, but contribute to the granting of their wish and the overall success of the wish.

What kind of time commitment does volunteering involve?
Volunteering is a time commitment, but possible for anyone. There are many different opportunities and each is flexible in its own way. Since it takes about six months (on average) to grant a wish, Wish Granters commit to a longer period of time and are asked to grant four wishes a year. Event volunteers are asked to work 12 events a year at their convenience. Office volunteers are needed during office hours only and as often as possible.