Kids Wish Network facts for kids

Kids Wish Network is a group that helps make wishes come true for kids who are very sick. They are a non-profit organization, which means they don't try to make money for themselves. Their goal is to grant wishes to children aged 3 to 18 who have faced tough health challenges.

However, this group has faced some problems. People have criticized them for how they raised money. They were also criticized for how much of that money actually went to helping kids. In 2013, a report called them "the worst charity in the nation." This was because of how much money they spent on fundraising instead of on wishes. For example, in 2012, they raised $18.6 million. But only $240,000 of that money was used to grant wishes.

How Kids Wish Network Started

Kids Wish Network began in 1997. It was first called "Fulfill a Wish Foundation." Mark Breiner, his wife Shelley Breiner, and Shelley's mother Barbara Askin started it. They wanted to honor Shelley's father, who passed away in 1993.

In 1998, the group changed its name. This happened after the Make-A-Wish Foundation sued them. Make-A-Wish said the names were too similar and confusing. So, "Fulfill a Wish Foundation" became "Kids Wish Network."

The organization helps children who have gone through difficult times. These kids often deal with a lot of pain and suffering. In 2004, they granted 143 wishes. By 2013, they granted 800 wishes. Some parents, though, have said the group used their children's stories to raise money without truly helping the child.

Many famous people have helped grant wishes. These include musician Brad Paisley and wrestler John Cena. R&B artist Keyshia Cole and NFL coach Jon Gruden also helped. Country singer Taylor Swift and the Green Bay Packers have also been involved.

Money and Fundraising Concerns

Some charity watchdogs have raised concerns about Kids Wish Network's spending. In 2008, Charity Navigator gave them a very low rating. This rating looked at how much money was spent on fundraising compared to helping kids. The American Institute of Philanthropy also gave them a failing grade.

Kids Wish Network said they needed to spend a lot on fundraising. They explained that new non-profits need to build a base of donors. However, a spokesperson for Charity Navigator said Kids Wish Network might be using special rules for non-profits. They said the group was counting some fundraising as charity work. This made it seem like more money went to good causes.

Kids Wish Network had the highest percentage of funds spent on fundraising. This was compared to 24 other wish-granting charities. The charity's representatives said it was unfair to compare them. They stated that they also provide other services, like funeral support. Still, Kids Wish Network did get higher marks in other areas. For example, they received four stars for their organizational strength in an earlier year.

Reports on Charity Spending

In 2012, a big investigation looked into "America's Worst Charities." The Tampa Bay Times, CNN, and the Center for Investigative Reporting worked together. Kids Wish Network was at the top of their list. This was based on how much money they paid to companies that helped them raise funds.

From 2003 to 2013, Kids Wish Network spent a lot on these fundraising companies. In 2012, they raised $18.6 million. But only about one percent of that money, $240,000, went to granting wishes. The report said that over ten years, the organization spent $110 million on fundraising. This made them number one on the list. The report claimed that only three cents of every dollar raised actually went to wishes.

The report also mentioned that the organization paid millions of dollars to companies run by Mark Breiner. He was the Executive Director until 2010. After he retired, Kids Wish Network paid his companies $3.3 million. The charity later reported these payments in 2012. This happened after an employee told the charity's board about concerns regarding these payments.

Kids Wish Network said the delay in reporting these payments was a mistake by their accountants. Breiner stated that the IRS had reviewed his contracts with the organization. He said the IRS found no problems. In 2011, the charity had 51 employees. A spokesperson for Kids Wish Network said they hire outside companies for fundraising. This allows their staff to focus on "working with children."

In 2020, Charity Navigator looked at Kids Wish Network's financial reports. They found that for every dollar raised, it cost the organization $0.78 to raise it. This left only $0.22 for charitable giving. In 2022, Kids Wish Network was again named one of the worst charities to donate to by smartasset.

Wrestler John Cena during a wish granted in 2009