CWFI FAQs
Find out how Children's Wish Foundation International was started, where our funding comes from, how you can refer a child, and much more!
Our History
In 1978, Linda Dozoretz lost her eldest daughter to bone cancer. After spending two and a half years fighting to keep, Susan alive, she died. Linda knew she must do something to battle this disease, and so she volunteered with a local organization to raise money for a cancer cure. For her efforts, she was awarded a trip to Disneyland. Linda chose to give that trip to “a little girl who would never grow up,” thus fulfilling the first of thousands of wishes to date. Since that time, she has continued to fulfill wishes for children and in 1985 formed Children’s Wish Foundation International Inc. Linda now serves as Children’s Wish Foundation International’s Executive Director and Fairy Godmother, overseeing all wishes.
Yes, Children’s Wish Foundation is registered as a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that meticulously maintains current registration in each state that requires it. Children’s Wish Foundation follows general accounting procedures set by the Association of Independent Certified Public Accountants (GAAP). To keep our records accurate and current, an annual audit is conducted by an independent accounting firm that is one of the most highly respected firms in the field of nonprofit work.
Children’s Wish Foundation International’s is head quartered in Atlanta, Georgia. An international Foundation, CWFI fulfills wishes for children around the world, yet keeps costs to a minimum by maintaining one office and a small staff. To ensure that our families can reach us at any time, CWFI has an answering service with availability 24 hours a day, every day.
About your donations
Children’s Wish Foundation is able to fulfill wishes through the loving support and generosity of individuals and corporations who care about the happiness of seriously ill children. Corporations often include contributions to us in their annual budget, or may choose to give through a special fundraising event or promotion with their product. All contributions are tax-deductible
Individuals may give annually, or may choose to donate in lieu of a gift honoring a birthday, wedding, holiday or in memory of a loved one who has passed away.
Children’s Wish Foundation International doesn’t claim to be the biggest wish fulfilling organization, just the best. The services and personal attention we provide our families are unsurpassed. Wish Families praise us for our professionalism, attention to each detail, and the extra mile that is given to personalize each wish. However, we know that all of these efforts would be impossible without the support of individuals and corporations that choose to contribute to CWFI. We make it easy for our donors to give in many ways, and can even restrict a contribution to be used in a particular city or state, or for an individual child the donor chooses from the current Wish List.
Yes! Children’s Wish Foundation International is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization and contributions of gifts or gifts in kind are fully tax deductible as allowed by law. We provide tax receipts for all donations made to Children’s Wish Foundation International. If you have questions or live outside of the United States, please contact your tax advisor.
Checks/money orders should be mailed to: Children’s Wish Foundation International P.O. Box 28785, Atlanta GA 30358
If you know of a child who may be eligible for a wish, please contact Children’s Wish Foundation International right away!
P.O. Box 28785, Atlanta, GA 30358
Phone: 800-323-WISH (9474)
Fax: 770-393-0683
Many businesses offer matching gift programs to encourage employees to contribute to charitable organizations like CWFI. Most of these programs match contributions dollar for dollar, and some will even double or triple the amount of your gift! You can still process your independent contribution on line on our secure web portal at any time.
Yes, regardless of where you live. Simply click on our donate button. We will send you a confirmation notice after your transaction is processed.
Contributions received by mail are acknowledged in writing. Contributions made on-line are acknowledged via email. If you do not receive your acknowledgment information, you can contact us at 1-800-323-9474 and we can verify that your donation has been received.
Yes, all legacies are gratefully appreciated. Please contact your legal council for guidance.
Yes, you can donate new children’s toys or other items like iPads and electronics. For more information, please call our office or mail [email protected]
Yes, automobiles, boats and other vehicles can be donated through our Vehicle Donation Program.
A contribution of stock is a great way to help Children Wish Foundation raise much-needed Wish dollars. To inquire about how to donate your stock, please contact the office or your tax advisor for more information.
Other Important Questions
There are many ways you can volunteer with us. You can help organize a fundraiser and raise awareness. Take the first step and complete and submit our on-line volunteer form.
Yes, please feel free to link to us. The more links we have the easier it is for wish families and wish kids to find us when performing a web search.
Yes, you can. If you receive an email from us, please click the “Unsubscribe” link or send us an email and we will honor your request.
