Frequently Asked Questions
What are you looking for in a volunteer?
While we are always accepting new volunteers to fufill our mission, we have a special need for people who meet any of the following criteria:
- Have daytime availability to volunteer in one of the four offices (Chicago, Peoria, Springfield, Collinsville).
- Bi-lingual (Spanish-English) throughout the state
- Residents of South Cook, Kane, Kankakee, Vermillion, Madison, St. Clair and Rock Island Counties (and those residing in surrounding counties).
What kind of schedule must I have to be able to volunteer?
It is unlikely that you will have a regular volunteer time (i.e. every Tuesday at a certain time). The positions at Make-A-Wish tend to be very project-oriented and it is necessary that you have a flexible enough schedule to accommodate this commitment.
What is the Volunteer Orientation Program?
The program is designed to give new volunteers an opportunity to better understand the Foundation in combination with volunteering for events and information sessions. To sign up for any volunteer specialized trainings (Wish Granter or Speaker's Bureau) you must complete the orientation program.
- Step ONE: Submit Your Application and $15 fee
- Step TWO: Take the online quiz
- Step THREE: Sign up for an event or information session on WISHNET
- Step FOUR: Sign up for a specialized training on WISHNET or remain a general volunteer and sign up for an event/office volunteer opportunities on WISHNET
How do I find out about volunteer opportunities and trainings?
Our robust volunteer extranet WISHNET provides volunteers with all trainings and opportunities.
How often and where do you hold Wish Granter Trainings?
Wish Granter trainings are held on an as needed basis as determined by the need in each community and area. Usually there are a series of trainings in the Fall and Spring. Please check WISHNET for upcoming trainings or contact the Volunteer Manager.
What is the difference between a Volunteer Information Session and Wish Granter Training?
Volunteer Information Sessions are held on an as needed basis to help orient prospective or new volunteers with the Foundation's mission, history, initiatives and ways to help. This is a general volunteer opportunity.
Wish Granter Trainings are specialized all day trainings that consist of an overview of the Foundation, the Wish Granting Process, meeting with the families and planning a wish. This is a specialized volunteer opportunity.
Why don't you hold Wish Granter Trainings in the summer months?
The Foundation grants over 300 wishes between May and August! Staff that work with volunteers to grant the wishes also double as trainers for these sessions.
I forgot my WISHNET username/password, how do I obtain it?
Your username and password is provided in your initial welcome email and mailed letter. If you misplace it, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator to obtain your username and/or password.
There are not any scheduled Make-A-Wish events in my area, how can I still help?
Great question! All of our upcoming events and volunteer needs are listed on WishNet. Please contact the Development Department to inquire about starting a community event to benefit Make-A-Wish in your community. We have a great Community Events kit to help you plan a golf outing, a walk-a-thon or other event!
Do I have to live in Chicago?
No. Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois serves the entire state of Illinois. It is not necessary to live in the Chicago area, as we grant wishes in every county throughout the state!
What is a Wish Granter?
Wish Granters, working in teams of two, attend to the details of granting a wish. They work directly with children to ascertain and plan wishes, and work creatively to seek in-kind goods and services to implement the wish. The nature of each child's wish determines the level of the Wish Granter's involvement. Wish Granters are asked to take at least 3 wishes per year, drive up to 2 hours for the wish and attend a mandatory all day training.
Do Wish Granters travel with the family/child?
No, there are 67 other Make-A-Wish chapters around the country and over 28 international affiliates. When we send a wish family to another state or country, that chapter will help facilitate the wish.
Why do you need to know my background?
Because we work closely with children, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois does a thorough reference check on all volunteer applicants. We also perform a criminal background check through both the Illinois State Police and the Department of Child and Family Services. All information received from these reports will remain confidential and be used only for screening and placement purposes.
If you have additional questions about the application process please feel free to contact the Volunteer Coordinator.
More than 60% of wishes granted are travel related. Frequent Flier Miles are always needed to help grant these wishes.
