Make-A-Wish Foundation UK
Also known as: Make-a-Wish, Make-a-Wish Foundation
Make-A-Wish grants magical wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening illnesses. Our wishes are truly magical. Whether a wish is to be a princess for the day, own the latest computer equipment, meet a favourite celebrity, or enjoy some special time away from home with their family, a wish come true brings so much to a child's life and provides memories that last a lifetime.
Activities & Mission
Make-A-Wish grants magical wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening illnesses. Our wishes are truly magical. Whether a wish is to be a princess for the day, own the latest computer equipment, meet a favourite celebrity, or enjoy some special time away from home with their family, a wish come true brings so much to a child's life and provides memories that last a lifetime.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Country
Region
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 8% of UK Beneficiary group charities with income over £10M (sample: 685). How is this calculated?
Higher than 4% of UK Beneficiary group charities with income over £10M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 2% of UK Beneficiary group charities with income over £10M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2024.
One or more years show a significant change in income (over ±100%) compared with the prior year. This usually reflects a merger, transfer of activities, restated accounts, or a one-off legacy — not necessarily a real change in operating scale. See the methodology for context.
The Commission record shows these related events on the register:
- Asset transfer in in 2025 — Ocean Edge Charity Group (organisation 5081496)
- Asset transfer in in 2024 — Joni's Army (organisation 5068782)
- Asset transfer in in 2018 — Friends of St Andrew (organisation 5061019)
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | £12,156,946 | £12,411,219 | £6,323,971 | £4,808,431 | £4,528,475 | 87 / 633 |
| 2023 | £11,414,830 | £12,237,390 | £7,374,681 | £4,805,465 | £4,476,800 | 79 / 315 |
| 2022 | £10,671,907 | £11,164,117 | £6,363,384 | £5,573,805 | £5,245,107 | 61 / 464 |
| 2021 | £5,077,437 | £5,221,962 | £2,836,296 | £6,233,833 | £6,688,744 | 50 / 591 |
| 2020 | £8,411,745 | £8,416,379 | £5,053,058 | £5,716,428 | £5,140,092 | 73 / 985 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about Make-A-Wish Foundation UK
What does Make-A-Wish Foundation UK do?
Make-A-Wish grants magical wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening illnesses. Our wishes are truly magical. Whether a wish is to be a princess for the day, own the latest computer equipment, meet a favourite celebrity, or enjoy some special time away from home with their family, a wish come true brings so much to a child's life and provides memories that last a lifetime.
How much income did Make-A-Wish Foundation UK report in 2024?
Make-A-Wish Foundation UK reported total income of £12.16m and reported expenditure of £12.41m for the financial year ending 2024, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is Make-A-Wish Foundation UK?
Make-A-Wish Foundation UK has a program ratio of 52.0%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 8% of UK Beneficiary group charities with income over £10M (sample of 685 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was Make-A-Wish Foundation UK registered as a charity?
Make-A-Wish Foundation UK was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 9 December 1986 as charity number 295672. It has been registered for 40 years.
Who runs Make-A-Wish Foundation UK?
Make-A-Wish Foundation UK is governed by a board of 9 trustees. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does Make-A-Wish Foundation UK operate?
Make-A-Wish Foundation UK operates across 3 areas: Northern Ireland, Scotland and England And Wales.
Is Make-A-Wish Foundation UK a registered charity?
Yes — Make-A-Wish Foundation UK is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 295672.
Details
Station Road
READING
BERKSHIRE
RG1 1LX
Registry Information
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Sectors & Classifications
Also Known As
- Make-a-Wish
- Make-a-Wish Foundation
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated