Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central & South Texas

“The foundation worked closely with an independent public accounting firm engaged to prepare the form 990. The draft form 990 prepared by the accounting firm was reviewed and approved by the foundation's treasurer and president/ceo. The return was then presented to the executive committee of the board, which includes financial professionals, for their review. Subsequent to the committee's approval, a complete copy of the form 990 was provided to all voting members prior to filing with the internal revenue service.”

“The foundation maintains a conflict of interest and ethics statement as provided by the make-a-wish foundation of america for each officer, employee, board member, and volunteer. Such statements must by signed upon date of hire, election, or commencement of volunteer service, and at least annually thereafter. The signed statements are then submitted to and reviewed by the volunteer coordinator if they are from volunteers, and the president/ceo if from staff and board members. Review of the statements is monitored by the president/ceo. The procedures for addressing any conflicts of interest of which the president/ceo becomes aware includes, but are not limited to, the following (1) determining the nature of the conflict via verbal or written communication with the interested person, (2) fully disclosing conflicting interests to the board, (3) the conflicted person recuses himself/herself from deliberations and decisions regarding the transaction, and (4) taking appropriate actions warranted by the conflict as recommended by the board up to and including termination of service.”

“For 2020 compensation, the president/ceo's compensation was determined by the board of directors, consisting of independent persons. It was reviewed against national benchmarking salary studies, surveys done every few years by make-a-wish foundation of america, and by local salary surveys conducted by state organizations and by national benchmarking organizations. The board's discussions and decisions were contemporaneously documented. Documentation includes the terms of the transaction and the date it was approved, the members present during deliberations and those who voted on it, and the comparability data relied upon and how it was obtained. Form 990, part vi, section b, line 15b: the same process listed above is used for other officers and staff members, using the same instruments. Salaries for staff, other than the president/ceo, are decided by the president/ceo in consultation with the employee's immediate supervisor within limits set by the board-approved budget. All salary increases are based on metrics from performance reviews.”

“While federal tax laws do not mandate that the organization's governing documents, conflict of interest policy and financial statements be made available for public inspection, the organization makes its audited financial statements and form 990 available upon request and on its website. Governing documents and conflict of interest policies are also available upon request with inspection at an office of the organization.”

“The make-a-wish foundation of central & south texas creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.”

“Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. The foundation's wish-granting efforts create a life-changing impact for the children who are granted a wish, as well as their friends and families, referral sources, donors, sponsors, and even entire communities. The chapter now has granted more than 5,500 wishes to children in its 40-county territory since its inception. Throughout this fiscal year and the covid-19 pandemic, we granted more than 160 wishes and invested in our staff and systems to grant wishes safely and in new ways. Although it has become one of the world's most well-known charities, the make-a-wish foundation has maintained the grassroots fulfillment of its mission. A network more than 200 volunteers enables the foundation to serve children with critical illnesses. Volunteers work as wish granters, fundraisers, special events assistants, language interpreters and in numerous other capacities. The make-a-wish foundation finances its work through individual contributions, corporate donations, foundation grants and planned gifts. It receives no federal, state or local government funding. Wishes are granted regardless of the child's race, socioeconomic status, religious beliefs or any other demographic category. We seek to instill a sense of belonging in throughout our diverse community by practicing inclusion and equity. Referrals for wishes come from children's parents or guardians, members of the medical community and the children themselves. When a wish team first visits a child, the volunteers start with one simple question: "if you could have one wish, what would it be?" wishes typically fall into one of five categories: "i wish to go..." "i wish to meet..." "i wish to be..." "i wish to have... Or " wish to give..." granting a wish creates a transformative moment for seriously ill children at a time when they need joy the most. The foundation makes every effort to include immediate family in the child's wish because watching a dream come true creates hope, strength and joy for everyone involved in the wish experience. The foundation is dedicated to making every eligible child's wish come true. For more information about the chapter, visit cstx.wish.org.”

“The program staff of the make-a-wish foundation of central & south texas is proud of their many accomplishments. Working with 235 incredible volunteers, the program department granted a total of 157 wishes to the deserving children throughout their 40 county territory this past fiscal year. Dedicated volunteers in austin, san antonio, laredo and surrounding cities, help to create magical memories and bring smiles to the faces of these amazing kids. We are very proud of our volunteer program and the individuals who give their time and their talents to make dreams come true. Granting wishes can be costly. It is the program staff's responsibility to keep those costs at a minimum. A big part of that is the securing of in-kind donations from hotels, restaurants, retailers and other organizations in our community to off-set those costs. The chapter has been successful in controlling increases in wish costs. Lastly, the program staff has worked hard to create a highly regarded internship program, utilizing talented students from the local colleges. During our recruitment time, we are always thrilled to learn of the interest we have from so many students who have a passion for our mission. We pride ourselves on the fact that our interns benefit not only from the hands-on experience we offer in working with our wish kids and their families to create magical experiences, but also from learning the inner-workings of a non-profit in all areas; fundraising, event planning, public relations and marketing. The total cost of wishes granted for the fiscal year was $1,154,503. Of this amount, $75,163 was contributed by various vendors who provided in-kind contributions such as travel and travel services, transportation, lodging, and other services and use of facilities to complete a child's wish. For financial statement purposes, these amounts are included as contribution revenue and granted wish expense. For form 990, however, the irs requires the $75,163 of contributed services and use of facilities to be excluded from both revenue and expense. In december 2019, an outbreak of a novel strain of coronavirus (covid-19) began. On march 10, 2020, in conjunction with the make-a-wish national medical advisory council, make-a-wish of america issued instructions to pause travel and large gathering wishes until deemed medically safe for our vulnerable population and their families. As of august 31, 2021, with the exception of regional travel, travel wishes are still paused. Prior to fiscal year 2020, travel wishes have been approximately 84% of the wishes granted and the number of granted wishes averaged approximately 299. In addition, the program expense ratio was impacted due to the make-a-wish foundation of central & south texas' inability to grant the travel wishes. The program expense ratio was previously 80% in fiscal year ended august 31, 2019. The make-a-wish foundation of central & south texas continues to evaluate all expenses and fundraising efforts in light of the impact of covid-19. National efforts are underway to return to wish granting and fundraising efforts when it is deemed medically safe.”

“Change in value of beneficial interest held by others 3,098.”