wish impact study results - kathleen j....

WISH IMPACT STUDY RESULTS

INITIAL PHASES: JAN – DEC 2010

March 9, 2011

Prepared by:

Make-A-Wish Foundation® of America

Operations Department

Business Intelligence Team

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

During 2010, the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s National Office led a study that defined the effects

of wishes on the Foundation’s “community” and, for the first time, provided quantitative

measures of the breadth and depth of the impact of the Foundation’s mission activities.

Conducted independently by a highly-qualified consulting firm, the study utilized interviews and

discussions to identify and validate an extensive range of positive outcomes of wishes.

Subsequent surveys of two constituent groups – parents of wish children and Foundation

volunteers – substantiated the positive effects and provided quantitative measures of their

impact. While each survey addressed respondents’ personal outcomes, both addressed outcomes

for wish children and their families.

The overarching importance of the study is that the impact of the Foundation’s mission activities

– previously supported by anecdotal, implied and intuitive knowledge and assumptions – has

now been substantiated through independently derived measurements. The quantitative results

presented in this report confirm that wish impact is not limited to the immediate emotional

effects on wish children. Rather, our mission activities broadly impact a wide community, known

to encompass the many thousands of people involved with or exposed to wish-granting. The

positive effects include emotional and social benefits, life enrichment, social awareness,

inspiration, enhanced resilience and coping ability, gratification and – for wish children –

improved strength and desire to overcome their illnesses.

Very high levels of positive responses demonstrate the extent to which the Foundation’s mission

to “enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy” is being accomplished. Wishes

generate hope and a positive outlook, not just among wish children, but for their parents and

volunteers alike. A wish is a source of emotional strength for children, helping them deal with

their illnesses and substantially contributing to improved physical strength. Wishes also foster

lasting joy and happiness for the children, their parents and Foundation volunteers.

Based on the study results, parents and volunteers believe that wish children receive much more

than hope, strength and joy from their wishes. Emotionally, the wish contributes relief and

decreased levels of anxiety to a wish child’s well-being. Inspiration, increased socialization and

social interactions, and greater levels of compassion enhance the social health of wish children.

Life-enriching factors include “normal” life opportunities and improved quality of life.

Furthermore, a greater sense of empowerment and enhanced coping ability contribute to a wish

child’s resilience.

The study results provide measures of the extent to which parents and volunteers both perceive

that wish children experience positive attitudinal changes, which can potentially lead to better

health outcomes. Among these changes are an increased willingness to work toward getting

better and compliance with treatment protocols. Improvements in wish children’s strength,

mobility, energy level and overall condition can also result from wish experiences, as affirmed by

large majorities of parents.

The wish experience also significantly impacts wish parents. Highly-rated outcomes include: (1)

improved mental and emotional well-being, which are manifest in a greater sense of hope, a more

positive outlook, decreased fear and anxiety, respite, and distraction from medical demands; (2)

greater social well-being and awareness, as measured by increased levels of compassion and

trust, greater philanthropic proclivity, and a desire to give back by helping others; (3) enriched

lives through lasting positive memories and once-in-a-lifetime experiences; and (4) improved

resilience, facilitated by increased empowerment and coping ability.

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Family members of wish children and the collective family unit have shown to benefit

substantially from the wish experience. The wish child’s siblings largely exhibit reduced levels of

fear and anxiety, while gaining opportunities to celebrate the uniqueness of the wish child.

Family members experience stress relief and receive needed support, resulting in a strengthened

family unit during particularly difficult times.

In addition to confirming parents’ perceptions for the wish child and family, the Foundation’s

volunteers draw significant personal value from their wish experiences. They benefit emotionally

(through increased hope and personal joy) and socially (through greater social awareness and

better interpersonal connections, increased compassion, faith in humanity and acceptance of

others). Their lives are also enriched (through heightened self-awareness, sense of compassion,

and self-satisfaction), and they are largely inspired to deepen their commitment to philanthropy.

These results serve as the first milestone in the Foundation’s effort to fully define the breadth

and depth of our mission’s impact on the community. Short-term plans include: additional

interviews, surveys and case studies to define and quantify the impact of wishes on other

constituent groups (including medical professionals), and – through their perceptions – on wish

children and their families. In addition, work is underway to develop the framework for

longitudinal comparisons that will better inform our progress toward the realization of our

vision.

With reasonable prudence, the results presented in this report can be used to further our

mission, but it is imperative that all results be used consistently and that they are fully

supported by the data. The Foundation’s Brand Advancement Department is currently

developing messaging that can be used with a consistent voice, Foundation-wide, in marketing

and communications pieces. In the interim, specific guidance is offered herein for other potential

applications.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

STUDY OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................ 1

RESULTS ............................................................................................................................................... 3

GENERAL RESULTS............................................................................................................................. 3

SPECIFIC RESULTS ............................................................................................................................. 3

Impact on the Wish Child ............................................................................................................... 4

Mental and Emotional Well-Being............................................................................................ 4

Enrichment ..................................................................................................................................... 4

Social Well-Being and Awareness ............................................................................................. 5

Resilience and Coping Ability .................................................................................................... 5

Health/Physical Condition ........................................................................................................ 6

Health Choices ............................................................................................................................... 6

Impact on the Wish Child’s Parents ............................................................................................ 7


Enrichment ..................................................................................................................................... 7


Resilience and Coping Ability .................................................................................................... 8

Impact on the Wish Family ............................................................................................................ 8


Enrichment ..................................................................................................................................... 8

Impact on Volunteers ...................................................................................................................... 8


Enrichment ..................................................................................................................................... 9


Inspiration and Gratification .................................................................................................... 9

USE OF THIS INFORMATION ..................................................................................................... 10

NEXT STEPS ...................................................................................................................................... 12

A. DISCOVERY, DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS METHODS

B. OUTCOMES RESULTING FROM MISSION ACTIVITIES

C. QUANTITATIVE SURVEY RESULTS

D. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PARENT/CHILD SAMPLE

E. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE VOLUNTEER SAMPLE

F. IMPACTS ON WISH PARENTS’ FUTURE LOYALTY AND INVOLVEMENT WITH MAWF

G. IMPACTS ON VOLUNTEERS’ FUTURE LOYALTY AND INVOLVEMENT WITH MAWF

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STUDY OVERVIEW

For the past year, we have been conducting a study that is designed to identify and

measure how, on a broad scale, our wishes “enrich the human experience with hope,

strength and joy.” While we intuitively and anecdotally know that quality-of-life

improvements accrue to wish children and their immediate families, the broader purpose is

to identify the extent and magnitude of the social value generated by wish experiences –

our impact on the “community.” From our perspective, our “community” consists of the

many thousands of constituents, including wish children, their families (immediate and

extended), their friends and classmates, the staff and boards of chapters throughout the

country, scores of volunteers, medical professionals who refer children and families to the

program, corporate sponsors, service providers, donors and the general public.

Our study involved a discovery process designed to systematically progress the research

from anecdotal knowledge to defined outcomes to measured indicators of impact. The

process included three separate phases:

• Define, articulate and prioritize constituent outcomes that are related to the mission

of the Make-A-Wish Foundation (MAWF) and/or are critical to our success

• Define indicators that distinguish various degrees of success for those outcomes

• Quantify the indicators so as to define and evaluate our impact and provide the

basis for continual assessment of strategic activities

The discovery, data collection and analysis methods are discussed in more detail in

Appendix A.

The study has been conducted in partnership with our consulting partner, TCC Group, a

respected consulting firm with extensive experience in developing strategies and programs

that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of nonprofit organizations in order to achieve

social impact. TCC Group’s core competencies include evaluation, organizational

assessment, strategic and business planning, capacity building, and program development.

The firm, which maintains offices in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and San Francisco,

has a staff of 43 professionals and works locally, nationally and internationally. To ensure

that the results of the study were independently derived and unbiased, TCC Group’s

professional staff designed the processes, performed independent research, developed all

questionnaires and protocols, designed and conducted all interviews and surveys, and

tabulated and provided an independent assessment of the results.

The initial phases of the study were centered on defining the widest range of logical

outcomes possible, validating and prioritizing them, and establishing the protocols for

measuring them. Based on the resulting outcome statements, two valid1 and reliable2

surveys were designed to assess and measure the outcomes that Foundation volunteers,

wish children and families gain through their experiences with the Foundation. These two

surveys were then administered during fall 2010. We plan to similarly interview and survey

1 Validity was ensured through a Phase I of this study design where the items within the survey were derived from analysis of

data collected from MAWF stakeholders through interviews and discussion groups and the testing of the survey instrument

with a sample prior to its distribution. 2 The reliability of the results was tested through factor analyses and statistical tests to examine differences and patterns in

responses. This process is explained in further detail in Appendix A.

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other constituent groups in order to document the effects on the broader spectrum of those

who are involved with and affected by the experience.

The characteristics of the sample populations of parents and volunteers who were surveyed

for this effort are considered to be representative of those of our parent and volunteer

populations. The two samples are described separately in Appendices D and E, respectively.

The wish parent sample was selected without bias from 11 chapters’ listings of parents: (1)

whose children’s wishes were granted within approximately the past 12 months; (2) who

had e-mail addresses to which the survey introduction and online access information could

be forwarded; and (3) who had not previously declined to be contacted.

The volunteer sample was selected from those who had completed a larger, earlier survey

on volunteer embeddedness (more information is provided in Appendix G) and had

expressed their willingness to be subsequently contacted. Volunteers from 33 of the

Foundation’s 65 chapters were invited to take the survey.

The surveys also polled participants on other aspects of their loyalty and commitment to

the Make-A-Wish Foundation. While responses are not necessarily directly related to the

impact of a wish, they do reflect the degree to which a wish experience adds social value

and have implications regarding future loyalty to the Foundation. These responses are

presented and discussed in Appendices F and G.

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RESULTS

GENERAL RESULTS

Overall, the evidence collected to date suggests that our constituents are benefitting greatly

through their experiences with MAWF. In particular, the results verify that the MAWF

mission to “enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy” is indeed reaching

the beneficiaries and stakeholders who have been surveyed to date.3 Both family members

and volunteers maintain that wish children benefit from wishes in many ways that enhance

their emotional and mental health, such as feeling greater joy, having a better outlook and

feeling that the wish has strengthened their own family during a difficult time. Family

members and parents also confirm that the wish has improved their own mental and

emotional health, while providing a unique opportunity to connect with their family in a

positive, “normal” way that provides respite and a distraction from the demands of caring

for a child with a life-threatening illness. Likewise, Foundation volunteers assert positive

outcomes in the form of emotional benefits (e.g. joy, hope, compassion, etc.), inspiration,

gratitude, and increased sense of goodwill and faith.

Evidence collected from both wish family members and volunteers suggests that the

majority of wish children also experience health and wellness benefits through their wish

experiences. The level of confirmation is especially high, given that many wish children are

facing life-threatening illnesses in which there may be limited opportunity to influence

their health status by any means. Despite this limitation, wish family members –

regardless of their child’s current health status – indicated that the wish experience greatly

improved their child’s happiness and joy, and very much improved their quality of life while

providing them with a unique opportunity to experience life as much more than an illness.

Specific results are discussed below. The overall results include the outcomes for our

various constituents that were defined and validated during the initial phases of the study,

and the survey results collected during the ensuing phase. The outcomes are summarized

in Appendix B, while the quantitative results of the surveys are detailed in tabular form in

Appendix C.

SPECIFIC RESULTS

The overall results of the study show that the wish experience produces positive outcomes

for a wide range of constituents. The results from the two surveys provide quantitative

evidence of the degree to which three distinct constituent groups are affected. These groups

include wish children and their parents, both individually and as part of a family unit, and

our valuable volunteers. Our impact on wish children and their family unit is measured by

the responses by volunteers and wish children’s parents to survey questions that elicited

their perceptions of the outcomes for the child. Each survey also elicited responses that

relate to the outcomes experienced by the volunteers and wish parents themselves.

These results, as they apply to wish children, parents, families and volunteers, are

discussed below. For discussion purposes, they are grouped into several broad (though not

3 Prior to the deployment of the surveys of wish parents and volunteers, TCC facilitated discussion groups of wish children and

family members, MAWF staff and volunteers, donors, corporate sponsors and in-kind supporters, and interviewed medical

personnel in order to establish the range of outcomes to be surveyed. A more detailed explanation of this discovery process is

provided in Appendix A.

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necessarily mutually exclusive) categories which include: mental and emotional well-being,

enrichment, social well-being and awareness, resilience and coping ability, health and

physical condition, health choices, and inspiration and gratification. While these categories

do not necessarily follow strict scientific convention, they serve primarily to facilitate the

discussion.

The following statements represent general results relative to our measured outcome

indicators. The quantitative results from each outcome statement presented to our survey

respondents are presented in Appendix C.

Impact on the Wish Child

Mental and Emotional Well-Being

For children, receiving a wish results in outcomes aligned with the Foundation’s mission to

increase feelings of hope, strength and joy. Ninety-five percent or more of volunteers and

wish parents agreed that a wish experience contributes to improvements in wish children’s

mental and emotional health by producing a positive outlook characterized by hope, joy and

happiness. More than 89 percent of parents also supported the statement that the wish

experience results in increased emotional strength for children to work toward improving

their health statuses.

The experience also impacts other aspects of the child’s emotional well-being. Between 84

and 97 percent of the parents held that the experience produces:

• respite—an experience of things being better, if only for a short period of time

• enhanced self-perception

• decreased feelings of depression or sadness

• a sense of relief

• decreased feelings of anxiety or fear

Enrichment

Children who receive wishes experience outcomes that enrich and increase the quality of

their lives by breaking the illness cycle and increasing their awareness of the positive

aspects of their lives. Ninety-five percent or more of parents concurred that the experience

provides the child with each of the following:

• a unique opportunity through the wish experience

• a distraction from the medical environment and its demands/a change in

environment

• the opportunity for a “normal life” experience

• a shift in focus away from the illness and toward the anticipation of the wish/having

something to look forward to

• an opportunity to be a part of a “normal" family again

• the opportunity to experience life as much more than an illness

• a sense that the wish enriched the lives of family members

• an increased ability to celebrate something positive related to his/her illness

• improved quality of life

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Social Well-Being and Awareness

The wish experience contributes substantially to wish children’s social well-being and their

general awareness of opportunities to create social value through their contributions to

others’ well-being. Parents and volunteers both feel strongly that the experience generally

improves the wish child’s ability to communicate, interact and socialize with other people,

while generating a stronger sense of belonging. Specifically, between 86 and 97 percent of

parents agreed that a wish experience results in the following:

• a desire to speak positively about the wish experience

• an increased sense of support from others

• inspiration from the sense of kindness and goodwill displayed by the Foundation’s

staff and volunteers

• increased feelings of gratitude

• an opportunity for others to help and participate (beyond medical staff)/an extended

network of support

• improved social interaction(s)

• an increased sense of compassion toward others

• a sense of decreased isolation

• increased sense of being accepted by others

• an increased desire to give back/help others or someone else’s family

• an increased sense of trust/reinforcement of trust in others

In addition, between 72 and 80 percent of wish parents attributed each of several other

specific social gains to children as a result of the experience, including:

• a connection with others who are coping with a life-threatening condition

• a desire to volunteer with and/or contribute to the Foundation

• a desire to increase personal involvement with the Foundation

• a long-term commitment to philanthropy/volunteering

The general social impact was also supported by the perceptions of the surveyed volunteers;

84 percent noted improvements in the wish child’s social health, including their interaction

with others and their engagement in life and/or community. These qualities contribute

substantial social value to a community, and they also contribute indirectly to the wish

child’s general well-being, since the ability to establish and maintain good social

relationships is linked to good health outcomes, longevity, productivity and positive

attitudes.4

Resilience and Coping Ability

The wish experience contributes to a wish child’s resilience and coping ability—his/her

ability to harness inner strengths and rebound more quickly from health issues, setbacks

and challenges. These characteristics are widely accepted as being of help in dealing with

the stress of an illness, in warding off mental health issues such as depression and anxiety,

and in helping one find enjoyment in life.5 Eighty-nine percent or more of parents

maintained that the following specific coping mechanisms result from the wish experience:

4 House, James S.; Landis, Karl L.; Umberson, Debra, “Social Relationships and Health,” Science, New Series, Vol. 241, No

4865 (Jul. 29, 1988), 540-545 5 Goldstein, Sam; Brooks, Robert B. (Eds.), Handbook of Resilience in Children, Springer, New York, 2006

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• a sense that the wish experience reinforced/strengthened the family

• a sense that the family unit was strengthened during difficult times

• an increased sense of empowerment when much seems out of control

• increased self-confidence

• increased ability to cope with the illness and/or situation

Health/Physical Condition

Improvements in a child’s physical health and strength are contingent upon many factors

independent of a wish experience, which likely resulted in a relatively high number (18% to

36%) of “not applicable” responses to individual questions relating to physical outcomes.

Nonetheless, a high percentage of parents and volunteers still perceived strong, positive

outcomes relative to the child’s physical condition. Seventy-five and 78 percent of wish

parents and volunteers, respectively, who did consider physical improvement to be a

possible outcome, felt that a wish experience does result in improvements in the wish

child’s overall physical health/strength (e.g., medical condition, strength for treatment).

Between 70 and 82 percent of parents attributed specific physical improvements in the wish

child’s overall health condition or physical strength to the wish experience, including:

• an increased energy level

• a potential positive turning point in the treatment

• improved physical strength

• improvements in the medical or health condition

• improved physical mobility

Health Choices

While outcomes related to health and physical condition are difficult to determine,

outcomes related to choices and behavioral changes of wish children are more observable.

Relatively high percentages of both parents and volunteers affirmed behavioral changes as

a result of wish experiences, and these changes could presage better physical outcomes in

wish children. As was the case with the physical condition questions in the surveys,

significant numbers of parents (18%-34%) considered positive outcomes to be “not

applicable.” However, between 79 and 89 percent of the parents who did consider the

different behavioral outcomes to be applicable, and 75 percent of all surveyed volunteers,

agreed that improvements in wish children’s health choices, attitudes and actions

accompanied or followed a wish experience. Specifically, these parents supported the

following statements about the impact of the wish experience on their children:

• an increased willingness to work toward improved health outcomes

• an increased willingness to work toward improving their physical strength

• an increased effort in working toward becoming stronger physically

• a perceived opportunity to influence health goals and/or status

• an increased willingness to comply with, and actual compliance with, treatment

protocols

• an increase in healthy behaviors and choices

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Impact on the Wish Child’s Parents


For parents, as with wish children, the wish experience results in outcomes that are aligned

with the Foundation’s mission. Ninety-eight percent of parents agreed that their wish

experience generated a sense of hope, an improved outlook and positive forward thinking,

and generally enhanced mental and emotional health. Ninety-five percent or more of

parents affirmed that the experience provided the following specific emotional benefits:

• respite, an experience of things being better, if only for a short period of time

• a distraction from the medical environment and its demands/a change in

environment

• confirmation that the wish child is experiencing and living “life” (beyond the

illness/treatment)

• decreased feelings of anxiety and fear

Of those parents who felt it applicable to their specific situation, 83 percent acknowledged

that the experience assisted them with the grieving process, in grieving over the illness

and/or the possible loss of the child.

Enrichment

As a result of a wish, parents benefit from outcomes that enrich and increase the quality of

their lives by breaking the illness cycle and increasing their awareness of the positive

aspects of their lives. More than 99 percent of the parents upheld the statement that the

wish experience produced positive memories that may last forever – through the recovery

and healing process, through the duration of the illness, or following the passing of a child.

In addition, 97 percent or more of the parents concurred that the wish experience enriched

their lives by providing:

• an experience of something that was not otherwise likely or possible

• an opportunity to experience life as much more than the wish child’s illness

• an opportunity for a “normal life” experience

• a positive wish experience with minimal effort for the family


Wish parents are grateful for having been given the opportunity for a wish experience; 99

percent of all respondents affirmed these feelings. Their sense of gratitude clearly relates to

their feelings toward the Make-A-Wish Foundation, but also beyond; the vast majority

acknowledged that the wish experience increased their awareness, association and loyalty

to the Foundation, and generally enhanced their overall philanthropic proclivity. Between

91 and 99 percent of respondents indicated:

• an increased desire to give back by helping others

• a desire to speak positively about their wish experience(s)

• a desire to volunteer with and/or contribute to the Foundation

• an increased sense of compassion toward others

• inspiration from the sense of kindness and goodwill displayed by the Foundation’s

staff and volunteers

• a desire to increase their involvement with the Foundation

• a long-term commitment to philanthropy/volunteering

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• a feeling of an extended network of support through the Foundation and other wish

families

• an increased or reinforced sense of trust in others

Other social gains that were ascribed to their wish experience by 85-89 percent of wish

parents are:

• an increased sense of social acceptance

• a desire to make a volunteer commitment to the Foundation

• a sense of decreased isolation, in part through the opportunity to experience life with

others who are coping with a life-threatening condition

• opportunities to connect with other parents or other children outside of the illness

Resilience and Coping Ability

The wish experience contributes stability to wish families during very difficult times,

allowing parents to deal more effectively with health issues and challenges. Ninety-three

percent of parents attested to an increased sense of empowerment when much seems out of

control, and an improved ability to cope with the illness and situation.

Impact on the Wish Family


Members of a wish child’s family, and the family as a whole, benefit mentally and

emotionally from the wish experience. Ninety-two percent of parents affirmed a reduction

in fear and anxiety among the wish child’s siblings. Volunteers also endorsed statements

regarding benefits for family members and the family as a unit; 94 percent of volunteers

held that the wish experience provides both stress relief and support to the family, and

strengthens the family unit during difficult times.

Enrichment

The enriching effects of the wish experience extend into the lives of individual wish family

members. Ninety-five percent of volunteers asserted that the wish family members’ lives

are enriched as a result of the wish. The wish parents’ views echoed this notion with

positive responses between 95 and 98 percent to more specific outcomes:

• a sense of normalcy for the family

• opportunities for siblings to connect with parents and each other

• opportunities for siblings to celebrate the uniqueness of the wish child

Impact on Volunteers


Foundation volunteers are emotionally impacted by wishes in ways that are aligned with

our mission. Joy was the most commonly identified emotion experienced by volunteers; 96

percent acknowledged that their personal joy increased due to the wish experience. Eighty-

nine percent also affirmed increased feelings of hope (a changed outlook, positive forward

thinking). The wish-granting process also fosters an emotional connection with wish

children and their families, based on 87 percent of volunteers who substantiated the

connection.

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Enrichment

The wish experience enriches the lives of volunteers in ways that may transfer into other

facets of their lives. Ninety-six percent of volunteers corroborated that, by volunteering for

the Foundation, they were making a difference for others, while 94 percent acknowledged

an increased sense of compassion. Other effects, however, were more closely tied to

volunteers’ own self-worth: 89 percent maintained that their wish involvement brought

them a sense of satisfaction with their personal lives and improved their self-awareness.

Furthermore, two-thirds felt that their spiritual faith was reinforced.


As a result of their involvement with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, volunteers acquire an

improved general awareness of children with life-threatening illnesses and their families;

95 percent of volunteers supported this outcome. Foundation volunteers also indicated that

the wish experience instills qualities that support interpersonal connections and builds

their confidence in other people. Between 83 and 90 percent of volunteers endorsed the

following outcomes:

• an improved ability to show compassion and demonstrate understanding

• an enhanced ability to learn from others/be more accepting of others’

perspectives/ideas

• an increased sense of faith in humanity

Additionally, through their work with the Foundation, almost two-thirds of the volunteers

subscribed to an increased sense of trust in others.

Inspiration and Gratification

Sentiments of fulfillment are common in volunteers who work with the Foundation.

Illustrating this, 95 percent or more of volunteers affirmed increased feelings of gratitude

and thankfulness, and a sense of satisfaction/gratification with their volunteer roles.

Additionally, the volunteer experience with the Foundation stimulates altruistic habits in

the volunteers. After having been directly or indirectly involved with the wish-granting

process, 97 percent of volunteers indicated a desire to speak positively about their Make-A-

Wish experience, and between 91 and 95 percent held that they gained:

• inspiration and better understanding of the strength of children and families

• an increased desire to give back/help someone else's family

• a deepened commitment to philanthropy/volunteering

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USE OF THIS INFORMATION

The discovery process for this study identified more than 125 positive outcomes of the wish

experience, which collectively impact a broad range of constituents. In addition, the extent

of these impacts has been measured among the most directly affected groups: wish children,

wish families and volunteers. This is a work in progress, however, and steps are being

taken to broaden the scope of measurements to include other constituent groups.

Meanwhile, the results to date provide us with interim qualitative and quantitative

responses to the frequently-asked question of how the Make-A-Wish mission activities

impact our communities. In response to those questions, whether voiced, developed for ad

hoc query responses or funding applications, or implied in public communications, it is

imperative that responses are consistent across the Foundation and that they are fully

supported by the results of our work. For these reasons, the National’s Office’s Brand

Advancement Department staff is currently developing messaging that can be used with a

consistent voice, Foundation-wide, in marketing and communications pieces. Appropriate

messages – along with usage guidance – will be developed and distributed to chapters in

the very near future.

In the meantime, the information presented herein can be used to respond to specific

queries – from funding foundations, individuals or corporate sponsors – related to our

organization’s impact. However, special care should be taken to maintain the integrity of

the data in terms of representation, accuracy and source, as it represents the aggregated

perceptions of two survey samples and should be presented in that context. Sourcing the

data is not always required when sharing results internally, but should always accompany

results shared externally. The following statement would be sufficient for most cases:

“Data presented are based on two representative sample surveys – wish parents and

volunteers – conducted and analyzed by an independent contractor.”

The Executive Summary at the beginning of this report can be used relatively verbatim, or

in large part, as an overall summary or characterization of our impact. Some examples of

other reasonable statements include the following paragraphs, each of which address

specific aspects of our findings and may be applicable to specific queries. These do not

represent the full gamut of possible statements, however, since other characterizations can

utilize the specific results presented in the previous sections of this report. Percentages can

be stated as presented, or in a relative context (e.g., “a very high percentage” rather than

“90 percent”).

“Overall, the evidence that has been independently and systematically collected to

date confirms that a broad segment of our stakeholder community is benefitting

greatly through their experiences with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and their

participation in the wish-granting process. In particular, our mission to ‘enrich the

human experience with hope, strength and joy’ is reaching all stakeholders who

have been interviewed and surveyed, as evidenced by their highly favorable

responses to interview and survey questions.”

“Our mission activities have a broad and pronounced effect on our ‘community,’

which consists of the thousands of people who are involved or exposed to our wish-

granting activities. The positive effects, as substantiated through interviews, group

discussions and surveys, involve emotional and social benefits, life enrichment,

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social awareness, inspiration, enhanced resilience and coping ability, gratification,

and – for wish children – improved strength and desire with which to overcome their

illnesses.”

“The impact of our wishes is not limited to the immediate emotional impact of a

wish-granting experience. Rather, the evidence obtained from interviews, group

discussions, and surveys indicate that various aspects of mental and emotional well-

being are among the outcomes for wish families, volunteers and others. In addition,

wide-ranging social value accrues as a result of the high-quality wishes we grant.

These include life enrichment, social well-being and awareness, resilience and

coping ability, inspiration and gratification.”

“Significantly high percentages of surveyed parents and volunteers alike perceive

behavioral changes that could presage better physical outcomes in wish children as

a result of their wish experiences. To a significant and important degree, they also

perceive physical improvements in the wish child’s overall health condition and/or

physical strength.”

“The wish experience contributes stability to wish families during very difficult

times, allowing parents to deal more effectively with health issues and challenges.

High percentages of surveyed parents of wish children believe that a wish

experience increases their sense of empowerment when much seems out of control

and improves their ability to cope with their children’s illness and its effects on their

lives.”

“The enriching effects of the wish experience extend into the lives of wish family

members. High percentages of surveyed volunteers perceive overall enrichment in

wish family members’ lives. Higher still were the percentages of wish parents who

echoed this notion with positive responses to more specific life-enrichment

outcomes.”

“The wish experience brings both short and long-term consolation to the wish family.

It is an immediate opportunity for them to experience life beyond the confines of the

child’s illness, but they can also take comfort later in the positive memories of the

wish.”

“Our volunteers benefit emotionally and socially from their involvement with the

wish experience. Satisfied with their volunteer roles and the accompanying effects

on their personal lives, a vast majority perceive increased feelings of gratitude, hope,

and joy within themselves. Additionally, they typically say that their abilities to

understand and be compassionate toward others are improved due to the wish

experience.”

12

NEXT STEPS

The results presented in this report represent a significant step forward in identifying and

measuring the outcomes, and quantifying the impact associated with the wish experience.

The ability to quantify and communicate impact has become an essential element of

ensuring the long-term viability of any successful organization, the Make-A-Wish

Foundation being no exception.

While encouraged by the results reported herein, we recognize that the variety of wish

experiences provided by the Foundation requires the involvement and support of a broad

and diverse group of constituents beyond the immediate beneficiaries. These include but

are not limited to individual participants and donors, corporate contributors and their

employees and customers, medical professionals and the numerous vendors who facilitate

wishes via their products and services.

We expect our study efforts to continue throughout 2011 and beyond. The next phase of the

project will expand our knowledge of the impact that our activities have on a wider circle of

constituents. We are planning a survey of members of the medical/wellness community in

order to document their perceptions of the effects of wishes on wish family members, and to

gain insight into how the wish experience, in return, affects the members of this

community. Our consulting partner, TCC Group, will also be conducting case studies

involving several wishes. We expect these studies to bring context to the wish “story” by

following wishes as they happen – observing and interviewing various constituents who

participate directly or indirectly in the wish.

Our ultimate goal is to create a systematic process for collecting, analyzing and

disseminating data that illustrate the full impact of a wish within and across communities.

That information will then be used to inform our own work in order to maintain and ensure

our position as the world’s premier wish-granting organization.

APPENDIX A

A-1

DISCOVERY, DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS METHODS

Discovery

Between January and May 2010, TCC Group conducted the following data collection and

analysis activities that culminated in the creation of a set of potential evaluation questions,

indicators of success, data collection strategies and sources of information.

• A kickoff meeting with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America (MAWFA or

National Office) senior staff and evaluation advisor to outline possible outcomes that

MAWFA might want to measure and the audiences that would be interested in these

findings

• A review of existing relevant documents, including related research studies

• Facilitated discussion groups and interviews with various key constituent groups to

understand their perceptions and experience related to the quality and impact of

MAWFA’s work

• Cognitive interviews with additional constituents to vet the preliminary outcomes

statements that emerged from the first phase of data collection

• A literature review to identify existing scales that might be used to validate

MAWFA’s selected outcome measures, further refine these outcomes, and provide

information upon which to consider their incorporation into MAWFA’s own data

collection efforts

• Development of an evaluation framework that includes revised outcomes and

indicators, as well as potential data collection strategies and sources

• A second meeting with MAWFA senior staff and evaluation advisor to present and

discuss the framework

Table 1 below illustrates the range and number of constituents participating in this effort.

Table 1: Participants

Based upon these activities and the results of this data collection, TCC Group presented a

set of recommendations to MAWFA senior leaders regarding next steps that the

organization might take as it moves toward the implementation of an evaluation process.

Constituent Group MethodNumber of

Participants

Wish Child and Family Members Discussion Group 11

Staff and Volunteers Discussion Group 12

Individual Donors, Corporate Sponsors and In-Kind Supporters Discussion Group 8

Medical Personnel Interviews 7

Mix of Stakeholders Interviews 17

TOTAL 55

APPENDIX A

A-2

TCC shared overarching goal statements and indicators that resulted from the evaluation

activities with MAWFA. Accompanying each of these goals and indicators was a set of more

specific measures that could be used to document progress toward achieving broader

outcomes, as well as the constituent groups that would be possible sources of data (e.g.,

wish children, wish families, medical personnel, volunteers, donors, staff and/or community

members), and the range of quantitative and qualitative data collection strategies that

might be used (e.g., interviews, discussion groups, case studies, surveys and/or

documentation).

Using the identified goal statements, indicators and specific measures, TCC developed two

online surveys in order to begin collecting quantitative data from the stakeholders who are

among the closest in proximity to the wish experience: volunteers and wish families.

Data Collection Methods

MAWF volunteers comprised the first constituent group surveyed. TCC designed the

Volunteer Outcomes Survey and shared drafts with MAWFA to ensure that it properly

accommodated its intended audience. MAWFA was responsible for the logistics needed to

access the volunteer population. To this end, MAWFA aggregated contact information

provided by volunteers representing 61 of its 65 chapters in the embeddedness survey

conducted in March 2010 (more information is provided in Appendix G). Executives of 33 of

the most commonly represented chapters approved the transmittal of the survey link to

their share of these volunteers.

On August 4, TCC e-mailed the Volunteer Outcomes Survey link to 719 volunteers

representing 30 chapters, while the remaining three chapters e-mailed the same link to its

volunteers, for a combined total of approximately 781 potential respondents. TCC and

MAWFA were targeting a minimum of 300 responses to comprise the volunteer sample. By

the survey close date of August 23, a total of 405 complete responses were received, a 56

percent response rate.

TCC developed the Family/Child Outcomes Survey next, collaborating again with MAWFA

to refine the tool prior to its deployment. This survey was created under the assumption

that the parents or guardians of wish children would be taking the survey, and that they

would respond on behalf of wish children, when necessary. Anticipating that wish parents

were less likely than Foundation volunteers to respond to a survey request, MAWFA

received the contact information for 1,371 wish parents representing 11 chapters. To ensure

that the bulk of respondents were not too far removed from the wish experience, MAWFA

requested that these chapters share only the information of wish parents of children who

had their wish granted within the last year.

On September 24, TCC e-mailed the Family/Child Outcomes Survey link to 1,225 potential

respondents. Again, TCC and MAWFA set a benchmark at 300 responses to make up the

wish family sample. By the survey close date of October 19, a total of 306 complete

responses were received, a 25 percent response rate.

APPENDIX A

A-3

TCC independently analyzed the results of both the Volunteer Outcomes Survey and the

Family/Child Outcomes Survey, and ultimately presented a combined report of their

findings to MAWFA on December 20.

Factor Analyses

Exploratory factor analyses were conducted to examine the outcome constructs used in the

surveys. As described earlier, these outcomes constructs were the result of a detailed qualitative effort to identify and articulate wish outcomes for MAWF's various constituents.

During this process, various constituents were first asked to describe the impact of

participating in MAWF activities in their own words, and then react to drafted language regarding these outcomes. The exploratory factor analyses examined differences and patterns in individuals' responses to test the validity and reliability of the outcomes

constructs (i.e., emotional health, mental health, social health and physical health and health behaviors).

Preliminary results from these tests showed some variation in expected patterns and/or

further specificity in the larger constructs. Most notably, TCC found that volunteers

seemed to distinguish between feelings of inspiration/gratification, goodwill/faith and

personal joy/self awareness; family members perceived a difference between wish children’s improved self image/attitude about illness and their self efficacy, or belief that they can

affect their own health.

TCC will continue to test the underlying outcomes constructs, the exploratory factor

analyses results, and the survey items through repeat use of the survey items and

additional factor analyses. As is typically found in the research process, TCC may elect to eliminate or refine particular survey items as a result of these analyses toward improving

the reliability of the constructs and refining MAWF's understanding of its outcomes for its

various constituents.

APPENDIX B

B-1

OUTCOMES RESULTING FROM MISSION ACTIVITIES

Stated simply, the outcomes of our mission activities – the wishes we grant – encompass

the range of effects that our combined wish-granting output has on the Foundation’s

various beneficiaries and stakeholders. Our primary beneficiaries are our wish recipients

and their immediate and extended families. Our stakeholders are considered to be other

wish participants and observers, including:

• Former wish children

• Foundation staff

• Volunteers (regular and ad hoc)

• The pediatric medical community (nurses, hospital social workers, child life

specialists, school nurses, physicians)

• Wish children’s circle of friends, classmates and teachers

• Foundations (national, local)

• Private donors (national, local)

• Corporate sponsors (national, local)

• Community donors

• Friends and family of other stakeholders

The impact of our activities is the combined effect of our wish-granting activities on all of

our beneficiaries and stakeholders. In order to assess this impact, indicators were

established to provide measures of the degree to which various outcomes are achieved. For

this study, numerous outcomes were defined and validated through group discussions and

interviews, and were tested and validated though subsequent interviews. Select outcomes

were then measured through surveys of a sample set of our beneficiaries and one of our

stakeholder groups – our volunteers.

The outcomes that were identified and validated during the initial phases of this study fall

into four general categories:

• Enriched lives for children with life-threatening medical conditions – our wish

recipients

• Eased burdens from illness and enriched lives for the families, and especially the

parents of wish children

• Social and emotional benefits for wish participants – those involved with making our

wishes happen

• Ripple effects – expanded reach of wishes and increased social value for the greater

good Specific and measurable outcomes that were validated during this study include:

Enriched lives for wish children

• Improved mental and emotional health

• Increased feelings of joy

• Decreased feelings of anxiety and fear

• Decreased feelings of depression or other negative feelings

• Hope/improved outlook for the future

APPENDIX B

B-2

• Increased motivation and emotional strength to work toward healthy status and

healthy outcomes

• Improved health behaviors and physical health/strength

• Increase in healthy behaviors

• Improvements in the child’s medical/health condition

• Improved social health

• Improved social interaction (self)

• A sense of belonging and/or community, diminished sense of isolation

• Relief, support and enrichment

• Increased sense of support from others

• Improved quality of life

• A perceived unique experience

• A distraction from medical environment/demands, ability to change the

environment

• Respite – an experience of things being better, if only for a short period of time

• Extended network of support through MAWFA

• Strengthened family

• Reinforced/strengthened the family

• Reinforcement of the family; an opportunity to be a family again

Eased burdens, enriched lives for wish parents and families

• Improved mental and emotional health

• Improved mental and emotional health for the family

• Decreased feelings of anxiety and fear

• Hope/a changed outlook, positive forward thinking

• Increased sense of empowerment/control (coping)

• Improved social health

• Increased sense of social acceptance

• Improved coping with the illness and situation

• A sense of belonging and/or community – an opportunity to experience life with

others who are coping with a life-threatening condition (out of isolation)

• Relief, support and enrichment

• Wish is provided with minimal effort on families' part

• Wish as something not otherwise likely/possible

• Respite – an experience of things being better, if only for a short period of time

• Positive memories (through the illness or following the passing of a child)

• Opportunity for sibling to celebrate the uniqueness of wish child

• Extended network of support

• Strengthened family

• Reported opportunities for parents to connect with each other/other kids outside

of the illness

• Reported opportunities for siblings to connect with parents and each other

Social and emotional benefits for wish participants

• Mental and emotional benefits

• Feelings of joy

• Increased compassion

• Improved perspective, feeling humble/gratitude

APPENDIX B

B-3

• Increased job satisfaction

• Improved social health and awareness

• Increased sense of trust/reinforcement of having trust in others

• Increased sense of faith in humanity/reinforcement of faith

• Enrichment

• A sense of satisfaction

• Sense of making a difference for others

• Fulfilling experience/sense of satisfaction/gratification with the role

• Inspiration and better understanding of the strength of wish children and

families

• An emotional connection with the family/child

• Experience and skills

• Improved team building skills in team work toward common goal

• Improved ability to show compassion and demonstrate understanding

• Enhanced ability to learn from others, to be more accepting

• An opportunity for philanthropic giving/to help with a cause

• An opportunity to help the parents, to provide something during the hard times

Ripple effects - increased social value

• Positive mental and emotional benefits

• Increased feelings of joy

• Hope/changed outlooks, positive forward thinking

• Inspiration/commitment to help others

• Inspiration and increased sense of humanity

• Increased awareness of MAWFA and its mission

• Increased positive feelings/associations toward MAWFA

• Sense of loyalty to MAWFA

• Desire to give back/help others

• Long-term commitment to philanthropy/volunteering

• Ripple effect

• Increased desire to give back/help other families

• Positive influences on associates (corporate partners' customers, donors’ circles

of friends)

APPENDIX C

C-1

QUANTITATIVE SURVEY RESULTS

The tables on the following pages contain the percentages of survey respondents who

responded positively or negatively to the outcome statements presented to them in the

survey instruments. The tables are organized such that the outcomes for wish children,

wish families, parents of wish children and volunteers are presented separately. Parent and

volunteer responses to similarly-stated outcome statements applicable to the child, family

and parent are also presented in a parallel fashion.

Although both the Family/Child Outcomes Survey and the Volunteer Outcomes Survey

measured respondents' perceptions of many of the same outcomes statements, the wording

of the questions and the response choices were tailored differently for wish parents than for

volunteers, in some cases. For the most part, the survey instruments provided response

options for specific outcome statements as “not applicable,” “not sure,” “little or not at all,”

“somewhat,” and “very much so.” In other cases, respondents were asked to characterize

their opinions via a balanced scale with “strongly disagree,” “disagree,” “agree,” and

“strongly agree” as the options, along with “not applicable” and “not sure.”

The table below reflects how the “positive” and “negative” determinations on the following

pages were determined for each of the different response options. In each case, “not

applicable” responses were excluded in determining positive/negative response percentages.

The governing instruction for this response option was:

“Please note that the ‘not applicable’ response choice is available for cases in which it was impossible for your wish child to experience the effect being asked about or it does not apply to the wish child's

situation.”

Both Surveys: Wish Child,

Family & Volunteer

Both Surveys: Wish

Child, Family &

Volunteer

Volunteer Survey:

Volunteer

Volunteer Survey:

Wish Child, Family

Strongly Agree Very Much So Very Much So

I Believe… Experience

this Outcome Very

Much So

Agree Somewhat Somewhat

I Believe… Experience

this Outcome

Somewhat

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Not Sure1

Not Sure3

I Do Not Know

(Ex

clu

de

d)

Not Applicable2

Not Applicable Not Applicable

1 Family/Child Survey: Child's outcomes only

2 Family/Child Survey only

3 Family/Child Survey: Child's outcomes only

Little or Not at All

A Limited Amount

I Do Not Believe...

Experience this

Outcome

Po

siti

ve

Re

spo

nse

sN

eg

ati

ve

Re

spo

nse

s

APPENDIX C

Little/Not At

All or

Disagree*

Somewhat or

Agree

Very Much So

or Strongly

Agree

Positive

Total

Little/Not At

All or

Disagree*

Somewhat or

Agree

Very Much So

or Strongly

Agree

Positive

Total

Improvements in the wish child’s mental and emotional health (e.g., outlook of

joy, hope, strength)3% 10% 87% 97% 5% 11% 84% 95%

Increased feelings of joy or happiness 1% 5% 94% 99%

Respite - an experience of things being better, if only for a short period of time 2% 12% 85% 97%

Increased feelings of hope 4% 24% 71% 96%

Improved self perception 8% 23% 69% 92%

Decreased feelings of depression or sadness 9% 23% 69% 91%

Increased emotional strength to work toward improving his/her health status. 11% 27% 62% 89%

A sense of relief 13% 29% 59% 87%

Decreased feelings of anxiety or fear 16% 36% 48% 84%

A perceived unique opportunity through the wish experience 1% 6% 92% 99%

A distraction from the medical environment and its demands/ a change in

environment2% 10% 88% 98%

Opportunity for a “normal life” experience 2% 12% 86% 98%

A shift in focus away from illness and toward anticipation of the wish and having

something to look forward to 2% 7% 91% 98%

An opportunity to be a “normal’ family again 2% 10% 88% 98%

Opportunity to experience life as much more than an illness 2% 11% 87% 98%

A sense that the wish enriched the lives of family members 3% 7% 90% 97%

Increased ability to celebrate something positive related to his/her illness 4% 11% 85% 96%

Improved quality of life 5% 20% 75% 95%

Improvements in the wish child’s social health (e.g., interaction with others,

engagement in life/community)16% 37% 47% 84%

A desire to speak positively about the MAWF experience(s) 3% 15% 82% 97%

An increased sense of support from others 4% 18% 77% 96%

Inspiration from the sense of kindness and goodwill displayed by the MAWF staff

and volunteers6% 27% 67% 94%

Increased feelings of gratitude (in general) 7% 25% 68% 93%

An opportunity for others to help and participate (beyond medical staff) 7% 21% 73% 93%

Improved social interaction(s) 7% 34% 59% 93%

An increased sense of compassion toward others 9% 31% 60% 91%

An extended network of support 10% 20% 70% 90%

A sense of decreased isolation 10% 22% 68% 90%

Increased sense of being accepted by others (in general) 11% 20% 69% 89%

An increased desire to give back/help others 12% 33% 55% 88%

An increased sense of trust/reinforcement of having trust in others 13% 29% 58% 87%

An increased desire to give back/help someone else's family 14% 35% 52% 86%

A connection with others who are coping with a life threatening condition 20% 23% 57% 80%

A desire to volunteer with and/or contribute to the MAWF 22% 31% 47% 78%

A desire to increase personal involvement with the MAWF 22% 33% 45% 78%

A long-term commitment to philanthropy / volunteering 28% 28% 43% 72%

A desire to make a volunteer commitment to the MAWF 37% 25% 38% 63%

Volunteer SurveyParent Survey

Impact on the Wish Child (as perceived by survey respondents)

Emotional Well-

Being

Social Well-

Being &

Awareness

Enrichment

C-2

APPENDIX C

Little/Not At

All or

Disagree*

Somewhat or

Agree

Very Much So

or Strongly

Agree

Positive

Total

Little/Not At

All or

Disagree*

Somewhat or

Agree

Very Much So

or Strongly

Agree

Positive

Total


A sense that the wish experience reinforced/strengthened the family 3% 10% 87% 97%

A sense that the family unit was strengthened during difficult times 5% 9% 86% 95%

Increased sense of empowerment when much seems out of his/her control 8% 22% 70% 92%

Increased self confidence 9% 19% 72% 91%

Increased ability to cope with the illness and/or situation 11% 28% 61% 89%

Improvements in the wish child’s physical health / strength (e.g., medical

condition, strength for treatment, etc.)25% 35% 40% 75% 22% 42% 36% 78%

Increased energy level 18% 28% 54% 82%

A potential positive turning point in the treatment 26% 28% 46% 74%

Improved physical strength 28% 31% 42% 72%

Improvements in the medical/health condition 29% 32% 39% 71%

Improved physical mobility 30% 28% 42% 70%

Improvements in the Wish Child’s health choices,attitude and actions 34% 30% 36% 66% 25% 42% 33% 75%

Increased willingness to work toward improved health outcomes for

himself/herself11% 33% 56% 89%

Increased willingness to work toward improving the physical strength of

himself/herself12% 28% 60% 88%

Increased effort in working toward becoming stronger physically 13% 40% 48% 88%

A perceived opportunity to influence his/her health goals and/or status 18% 29% 53% 82%

Increased willingness to comply with treatment protocol 19% 32% 49% 81%

Increased healthy behaviors/choices 21% 39% 39% 79%

Increased compliance with treatment protocols 21% 35% 44% 79%

Health Choices

Health / Physical

Condition

Resilience /

Coping Ability

Impact on the Wish Child (Continued)

C-3

APPENDIX C

Little/Not At

All or

Disagree*

Somewhat or

Agree

Very Much So

or Strongly

Agree

Positive

Total

Little/Not At

All or

Disagree*

Somewhat or

Agree

Very Much So

or Strongly

Agree

Positive

Total


Hope/a changed outlook, positive forward thinking 2% 18% 80% 98%

Respite—an experience of things being better, if only for a short period of time 2% 9% 89% 98%

A distraction from the medical environment and its demands/a change in

environment2% 11% 87% 98%

Confirmation that the wish child is experiencing and living ”life” (beyond the

illness/treatment)3% 4% 93% 97%

Improved mental and emotional health 3% 11% 85% 97%

Decreased feelings of anxiety and fear 5% 27% 67% 95%

Assistance with the grieving process (grieving the illness/possible loss) 17% 27% 56% 83%

Positive memories that may last forever (through the recovery/healing or

duration of the illness or following the passing of a child) 0% 2% 98% 100%

An experience (i.e. the wish) of something that was not otherwise likely/possible 1% 4% 95% 99%

Opportunity to experience life as much more than the wish child’s illness 2% 9% 89% 98%

Opportunity for a “normal life” experience 2% 9% 89% 98%

A positive wish experience with minimal effort for the family 3% 6% 91% 97%

An increased feelings of gratitude (in general) 1% 24% 75% 99%

An increased desire to give back/help someone else's family 1% 36% 63% 99%

A desire to speak positively about the MAWF experience(s) 3% 18% 80% 98%

A desire to volunteer with and/or contribute to the MAWF 3% 36% 62% 98%

An increased sense of compassion toward others 2% 28% 70% 98%

An increased desire to give back/help others 2% 27% 71% 98%

Inspiration from the sense of kindness and goodwill displayed by the MAWF, staff

and volunteers2% 24% 74% 98%

A desire to increase his/her/my involvement with the MAWF 7% 40% 54% 94%

A long-term commitment to philanthropy / volunteering 6% 40% 54% 94%

A feeling of an extended network of support (through MAWF ) 7% 16% 77% 93%

Increased sense of trust/reinforced trust in others 9% 22% 69% 91%

Increased sense of social acceptance 11% 26% 63% 89%

A desire to make a volunteer commitment to the MAWF 12% 44% 44% 88%

A sense of decreased isolation (e.g., an opportunity to experience life with others

who are coping with a life threatening condition)12% 18% 70% 88%

Opportunities to connect with other parents or other children outside of the

illness15% 24% 61% 85%

Increased sense of empowerment when much seems out of control 7% 21% 73% 93%

Improved coping with the illness and situation 7% 27% 67% 93%

Resilience /

Coping Ability

Social Well-

Being &

Awareness

Emotional Well-

Being

Enrichment

Impact on Wish Parents

C-4

APPENDIX C

Little/Not At

All or

Disagree*

Somewhat or

Agree

Very Much So

or Strongly

Agree

Positive

Total

Little/Not At

All or

Disagree*

Somewhat or

Agree

Very Much So

or Strongly

Agree

Positive

Total


Provision of stress relief and support to the family during difficult times 7% 17% 77% 94%

Strengthening of the family unit during difficult times 7% 20% 74% 94%

An observed reduction in fear and anxiety for siblings 8% 24% 67% 92%

Enrichment of the family member’s lives 5% 19% 76% 95%

A sense of normalcy for the family 2% 4% 94% 98%

Opportunities for siblings to connect with parents and each other 3% 20% 77% 97%

An observed opportunity for siblings to celebrate the uniqueness of wish child 5% 3% 92% 95%

Increased feelings of joy 4% 21% 75% 96%

Increased feelings of hope (a changed outlook, positive forward thinking) 11% 33% 56% 89%

An emotional connection with a family/child 13% 29% 58% 87%

Sense of making a difference for others 4% 23% 73% 96%

Increased sense of compassion 6% 17% 77% 94%

A sense of satisfaction with personal life 11% 33% 56% 89%

Improved self-awareness 11% 37% 52% 89%

Reinforcement of spiritual faith 32% 32% 36% 68%

Improved awareness of children with life threatening illnesses and their families 5% 16% 79% 95%

Improved ability to show compassion and demonstrate understanding 10% 34% 56% 90%

Enhanced ability to learn from others/be more accepting of others

perspectives/ideas14% 37% 49% 86%

Increased sense of faith in humanity 17% 36% 47% 83%

Increased sense of trust in others 37% 43% 21% 64%

Increased feelings of gratitude/feeling thankful 3% 15% 82% 97%

Want to speak positively about Make-A-Wish experience(s) 3% 16% 81% 97%

Sense of satisfaction/gratification with volunteer role 5% 21% 74% 95%

Inspiration and better understanding of the strength of children and families 6% 21% 74% 95%

Increased desire to give back/help someone else's family 8% 19% 73% 92%

Deepened commitment to philanthropy/volunteering (in general) 9% 40% 51% 91%

Notes: "Little/Not At All or Disagree" columns include "Not Sure" responses where those were options.

Percentages may not add to 100% due to rounding

Social Well-

Being &

Awareness

Inspiration &

Gratification

Enrichment

Impact on Volunteers

Emotional Well-

Being

Enrichment

Impact on the Wish Family

Emotional Well-

Being

C-5

APPENDIX D

D-1

CHARACTERISTICS OF PARENT/CHILD SAMPLE

The results from the TCC survey were compared to fiscal year 2010 wish data to determine

the extent to which survey respondents were representative of the Make-A-Wish

population.

Age of Wish Children

Children between two-and-a-half and five years of age accounted for the largest share of

wish children in both the TCC survey and actual FY10 wish data (31.5 and 22.9 percent,

respectively). Both sources also identified 18 years and older as the smallest age group

among wish children (1.7 versus 8.2 percent).

Gender of Wish Children

Male wish recipients outnumbered females among TCC survey respondents and FY10 wish

data results. TCC totals were 53.0 and 47.0 percent, respectively, compared to FY10 wish

data at 54.5 and 45.5 percent.

Race/Ethnicity of Wish Children

Both data sources ranked racial/ethnic categories in the same order in terms of percentage.

The top three—Caucasian/White, Hispanic/Latino and African American—accounted for

more than 90.0 percent of respondents on both surveys. The top three percentages for the

TCC survey were 67.3, 14.9 and 11.9 percent, respectively, compared to 54.7, 23.8 and 14.0

percent for FY10 wish recipients. It should be noted that a high percentage of "Not

Reported" is not atypical for wish data, historically.

Children by Age (TCC Survey) Children by Age (Actual)

Age Number % of Total Age Number % of Total

2 1/2-5 years 92 31.5% 2 1/2-5 years 3,108 22.9%

6-8 years 45 15.4% 6-8 years 2,674 19.7%

9-11 years 60 20.5% 9-11 years 2,155 15.9%

12-14 years 37 12.7% 12-14 years 2,103 15.5%

15-17 years 53 18.2% 15-17 years 2,420 17.8%

18 + years 5 1.7% 18 + years 1,120 8.2%

Not Reported 14 4.8% Not Reported 0 0.0%

Average Age Average Age

Note: percentages above exclude "not reported"

9.1 10.2

Children by Gender (TCC Survey) Children by Gender (Actual)

Gender Number % of Total Gender Number % of Total

Female 139 47.0% Female 6,175 45.5%

Male 155 53.0% Male 7,398 54.5%

Not Reported 0 0% Not Reported 7 0%

APPENDIX D

D-2

Condition of Wish Children

Cancer, congenital heart defects and cystic fibrosis were the top three specified conditions

(in order of occurrence) identified in both sources. Collectively, they represented 53.4

percent of all TCC survey respondents and 56.2 percent of FY10 wish data totals. TCC

totals were 37.5, 10.6 and 5.3 percent, respectively, compared to 48.5, 4.0 and 3.7 percent

for FY10 wish recipients.

Wish Type

While wish type categories differed depending on data source, amusement park and travel

wishes were the top two choices among children, representing more than 60 percent of

wishes. TCC totals were 33.9 and 30.2 percent, respectively, compared to 41.7 and 15.7

percent among FY10 wish recipients. Only two other categories reached the 10.0 percent

level—cruise wishes from the TCC survey (11.5 percent) and shopping sprees from the

FY10 wish data (11.6 percent).

Children by Race/Ethnicity (TCC Survey) Children by Race/Ethnicity (Actual)

Category Number % of Total Category Number % of Total

Asian/Pacific Islander 11 4.0% Asian/Pacific Islander 256 2.8%

African-American/Black 37 11.9% Black 1,300 14.0%

Hispanic/Latino 45 14.9% Hispanic Origin 2,205 23.8%

American Indian/Alaska Native 3 1.0% Native American 63 0.7%

Caucasian/White 208 67.3% White 5,071 54.7%

Other 2 1.0% Other 369 4.0%

Not Reported 11 4.9% Not Reported 4,316 31.8%


Eleven respondents selected m ore than one category (m ulti-racial)

Children by Condition (TCC Survey) Children by Condition (Actual)

Condition Number % of Total Condition Number % of Total

Cancer 106 37.5% Cancer 6,591 48.5%

Cerebral palsy 13 4.6% Cerebral palsy 368 2.7%

Congenital heart defects 30 10.6% Congenital heart defects 546 4.0%

Cystic fibrosis 15 5.3% Cystic fibrosis 508 3.7%

Epilepsy/seizures 12 4.2% Epilepsy/seizure disorders 389 2.9%

HIV/AIDS 1 0.4% HIV/AIDS 163 1.2%

Liver transplant 3 1.1% Liver transplants 152 1.1%

Lupus 2 0.7% Lupus 124 0.9%

Muscular dystrophy 4 1.4% Muscular dystrophy 365 2.7%

Renal failure/ESRD 6 2.1% Renal failure/ESRD & transplants 419 3.1%

Sickle-cell disease 5 1.8% Sickle-cell anemia 474 3.5%

Spina bifida 7 2.5% Spina bifida 98 0.7%

Other diseases 79 27.9% Other Diseases 3,383 24.9%

Unspecified 23 7.5% Unspecified 0 0.0%

Note: percentages above exclude "unspecified"

APPENDIX D

D-3

Wishes by Type (TCC Survey) Wishes by Type (Actual)

Type Number % of Total Type Number % of Total

Animal 81 0.6%

Celebrity Local 202 1.5%

Celebrity Travel 839 6.2%

Computer 439 3.2%

Electronics 323 2.4%

Construction - Other 18 0.1%

Cruise - Celebrity/Royal 199 1.5%

Cruise - Disney 400 2.9%

Cruise - Other 118 0.9%

Disney World 5,289 38.9%

Disneyland 381 2.8%

Education 45 0.3%

Medical Bed/Chair/Wheelchair 0 0.0% Medical Bed/Chair/Wheelchair 15 0.1%

Motor Vehicle Customization 50 0.4%

Motorized Vehicle 25 0.2%

Musical Instrument/Music-Related 53 0.4%

Party 1 0.3% Party 86 0.6%

Playhouse/Playset 8 2.7% Playhouse/Playset 260 1.9%

Room Redecoration/Furniture 1 0.3% Room Redecoration/Furniture 412 3.0%

Shopping Spree - Local 1,469 10.8%

Shopping Spree - Travel 106 0.8%

Spa/Hot Tub 73 0.5%

Swimming Pool 97 0.7%

Sports/Camping Equipment 26 0.2%

I wish to be… 6 2.0% I wish to be… 51 0.4%

Toys/books 23 0.2%

Trailer/Camper 22 0.2%

Travel - Hawaii 653 4.8%

Travel - International 575 4.2%

Travel - Other 906 6.7%

Other 13 4.4% Other 344 2.5%

6 2.0%

Travel 89 30.2%

Motorized Vehicle/Vehicle

customization2 0.7%

Shopping Spree 9 3.1%

Swimming Pool/Spa/Hot tub 10 3.4%

Cruise 34 11.5%

Amusement Park 100 33.9%

Celebrity 16 5.4%

Computer/Electronics

APPENDIX E

E-1

CHARACTERISTICS OF VOLUNTEER SAMPLE

The Make-A-Wish Foundation does not collect demographic statistics for its volunteer

population. In order to determine the extent to which TCC survey respondents were

representative of the Make-A-Wish volunteer base, results were compared to the much

larger embeddedness survey (see Appendix G) of more than 4,200 volunteers across 55

chapters, conducted in 2010.

Age of Volunteers

Three out of four volunteers in both surveys were between 30 and 63 years of age. The 45 to

63 year age range was the most populous, with the TCC survey reporting 44.8 percent and

the Ragan survey listing 41.1 percent. Volunteers between 16 and 29 years of age ranked

third at 13.6 and 17.5 percent, respectively.

Gender of Volunteers

Females made up a significantly higher proportion of volunteers in both surveys. Nearly

79.0 percent of volunteers surveyed by TCC were female, while 82.0 percent of those from

the Ragan survey reported their gender as female.

Race/Ethnicity of Volunteers

More than nine out of ten respondents to both the TCC and Ragan surveys identified

themselves as Caucasian/White—93.5 and 90.5 percent, respectively. Hispanics/Latinos

represented the second highest total in both surveys at 3.0 and 4.2 percent, respectively.

African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, American Indian/Alaska Native (not included in

TCC survey) and Other combined for the remainder of those reporting.

Volunteers by Age (TCC Survey) Volunteers by Age (Embeddedness Survey)

Age Number % of Total Age Number % of Total

16-29 54 13.6% 16-29 591 17.5%

30-44 130 32.7% 30-44 1,139 33.8%

45-63 178 44.8% 45-63 1,387 41.1%

64-84 34 8.6% 64-84 255 7.6%

85+ 1 0.3% 85+ 1 0.0%



Volunteers by Gender (TCC Survey) Volunteers by Gender (Embeddedness Survey)

Gender Number % of Total Gender Number % of Total

Female 313 78.8% Female 2,811 82.0%

Male 84 21.2% Male 616 18.0%



APPENDIX E

E-2

Position(s) of Volunteers

Not surprisingly, wish granting was the most frequently reported role on both the TCC and

Ragan surveys (89.4 and 78.5 percent, respectively). Second to wish granting was

fundraising (combined with special events in the TCC survey) at 40.4 and 48.8 percent.

Office Assistance was the only other role common to both surveys and was identified by

similar percentages— 8.6 and 8.3, respectively. Respondents on both surveys were allowed

to select multiple volunteer categories to describe their roles with the Make-Wish Foundation.

Therefore, percentages total more than 100. It should also be noted that time allocation per

role was not specified.

Volunteers by Race/Ethnicity (TCC Survey) Volunteers by Race/Ethnicity (Embeddedness Survey)

Race/Ethnicity Number % of Total Race/Ethnicity Number % of Total

African-American 7 1.8% African American/Black 74 2.3%

American Indian/Alaska Native 7 0.2%

Asian 2 0.5% Asian/Pacific Islander 87 2.7%

Caucasian 371 93.5% Caucasian/White 2,953 90.5%

Hispanic 12 3.0% Hispanic/Latino 138 4.2%

Other 5 1.3% Other 5 0.2%



Volunteers by Position(s) (TCC Survey) Volunteers by Position(s) (Embeddedness Survey)

Position Number % of Total Volunteer Capacity Number % of Total

Special Event/Fundraiser Planning and Assistance160 40.4% Fundraising events 2,059 48.8%

Office Assistance 34 8.6% Office 350 8.3%

Wish Granting 354 89.4% Wish Granter 3,315 78.5%

Other 52 13.1% Other 534 12.6%

Professional Services 7 1.8% Board position 132 3.1%

Public Speaking/Advocacy and

Promotion77 19.4%

Language Interpreters/Translators 7 1.8%

Committee Member 44 11.1%


*Multiple positions 234 59.1% *Multiple positions 1,805 42.8%


APPENDIX F

F-1

IMPACTS ON WISH PARENTS’ FUTURE LOYALTY

AND INVOLVEMENT WITH MAWF

The Family/Child Outcomes survey asked wish parents to rate 13 statements regarding

both their child’s and their own post-wish relationships with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

There were two options for indeterminate answers: “Not Applicable,” for cases in which

answers were not logical or possible (based on the child’s illness, condition, age or other

reason), and “Not Sure,” for cases in which parents perceived the outcomes to be applicable

to their children, but were unable to provide an answer. Accordingly, the “Not Applicable”

percentages are excluded in the following percentages, and the “Not Sure” responses are

included.

Not only did all wish parents surveyed (100%) report “an increased awareness of MAWF

and its mission,” 98 percent said that they came away from the wish experience with “a

desire to volunteer with and/or contribute to the MAWF.” Furthermore, 88 percent had “a

desire to make a volunteer commitment to the MAWF.” These overwhelmingly positive

statistics demonstrate the appreciation that wish parents have for MAWF, and the “ripple

effect” that a wish has on a community.

According to parents, wish children are also likely to help other children experience wishes.

As a result of the wish experience, 92 percent of wish parents reported a sense of loyalty to

the MAWF among their children, and 78 percent perceived a desire for them to volunteer

for, or to otherwise involve themselves with MAWF. Other perceptions are below:

88%

94%

94%

98%

98%

98%

98%

98%

99%

99%

99%

99%

100%

63%

78%

72%

97%

78%

91%

88%

94%

92%

92%

93%

86%

92%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

…a desire to make a volunteer commitment to the MAWF

…a desire to increase personal involvement with the MAWF

…a long-term commitment to philanthropy / volunteering

…a desire to speak positively about the MAWF experience(s)

…a desire to volunteer with and/or contribute to the MAWF

…an increased sense of compassion toward others

…an increased desire to give back/help others

…inspiration from the sense of kindness and goodwill displayed by the

MAWF staff and volunteers

…more positively (has more positive associations) about the MAWF

…a sense of loyalty to the MAWF

…increased feelings of gratitude (in general)

…an increased desire to give back/help someone else's family

…an increased awareness of MAWF and its mission

As a result of the wish experience, my child wants/is/has/feels...

As a result of the wish experience, I want/am/have/feel...

Child

Parent

APPENDIX G

G-1

IMPACTS ON VOLUNTEERS’ FUTURE LOYALTY

AND INVOLVEMENT WITH MAWF

The Volunteer Outcomes Survey administered by TCC asked volunteers to rank their top

five reasons for deciding to volunteer with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The most common

reason was that they “wanted to help children that are ill and [that they] believe in

MAWF’s mission.” Secondly, they “wanted to do some kind of volunteer work to give

something back to the community.” The least common reason for beginning to volunteer

with MAWF was that the volunteers themselves were wish children or wish family

members. However, that 7 percent of volunteers surveyed were either a wish child

themselves or related to a wish child speaks to the sense of loyalty that wish beneficiaries

have for MAWF. The other reasons for volunteering are below:

Three out of four volunteers (75%) in the TCC survey reported having volunteered at other

nonprofit organizations aside from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Twenty-eight percent of

this segment said that they were/are “deeply involved” with them (45% and 28% said that

they were/are “somewhat involved” and “not very involved,” respectively).

Three out of five volunteers (60%) reported having a current volunteer position with at least

one organization aside from MAWF, 74 percent of whom said that MAWF is their “primary

organization for volunteer service.”

Please rank your top 5 reasons for why you began volunteering with Make-A-

Wish Foundation.1

st 2

nd 3

rd 4

th 5

th % Ranked

I wanted to help children that are ill and believe in MAWF’s mission. 21% 20% 17% 11% 9% 78%

I wanted to do some kind of volunteer work to give something back to the

community.19% 18% 13% 12% 10% 72%

The Make-A-Wish mission 5% 12% 15% 9% 9% 50%

I believed I could make more of an impact with Make-A-Wish Foundation than

somewhere else 4% 9% 12% 15% 9% 49%

I had a passionate interest in the organization 7% 10% 13% 9% 6% 45%

I trusted the Make-A-Wish Foundation 4% 5% 6% 13% 15% 43%

Make-A-Wish Foundation had a number of activities that fit in my schedule and

are enjoyable.2% 7% 9% 9% 8% 35%

A friend, colleague, or family member encouraged me to volunteer 10% 3% 2.5% 3% 4% 23%

I saw an advertisement or media coverage about Make-A-Wish Foundation or a

Wish experience4% 3% 1.5% 3.7% 4% 16%

I have been personally affected with a life threatening illness and wanted to

help others in that situation.5% 4% 2.5% 2% 2% 16%

Other 2.5% 0.2% 1% 2% 6% 12%

I am related to, or friends of, a Wish Family member 5% 1.5% 1% 1.5% 2.5% 11.5%

I was a Wish Child/Family member 5% 0.5% 1% 0% 1% 7%

Other Volunteer Experience% Positive

Response

Have you ever or do you currently volunteer with any other nonprofit organizations aside from Make-A-Wish Foundation? 75%

Deeply involved 28%

Somewhat involved 45%

Not very involved 28%

Are you currently volunteering with one or more community organizations aside from Make-A-Wish Foundation (e.g., church,

schools, other nonprofit organizations, etc.)?60%

Is Make-A-Wish Foundation your primary nonprofit organization (i.e., you spend most of your volunteer hours with the

Foundation?)74%

How would you define your volunteer involvement/commitment with the other organizations?

APPENDIX G

G-2

Reasons for selecting MAWF as their primary organization vary, but mostly involve the

MAWF mission, opportunities to work with children and families, and schedule flexibility.

The other reasons for selecting MAWF as their primary organization for volunteer services

are below:

According to the TCC survey, many respondents have spent multiple years as volunteers

with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Forty-one percent have volunteered with MAWF for 0-3

years, 23 percent have volunteered for 3-6 years, and 36 percent have volunteered for more

than six years. The depth of these commitments is substantiated by 59 percent of

respondents who volunteer at least once per month, on average:

Four out of five respondents (82%) reported that they last volunteered with MAWF fewer

than three months ago. Many of these time commitments are to be expected, however, as 87

percent of volunteers surveyed were wish granters. Furthermore, 40 percent assisted in

special event/fundraising planning, and 19 percent engaged in public speaking and/or

fundraiser planning/assistance, which entails that some respondents volunteer with MAWF

in more than one capacity. Frequencies of other volunteer capacities are listed below:

10%

1%

6%

9%

15%

24%

29%

33%

36%

38%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%

Other

My company volunteers with Make-A-Wish Foundation

Rewards and recognition

Orientation and training

Social interaction

The organization is well managed

I can have fun and do good at the same time

Schedule flexibility

Opportunity to work with children and families

Their mission

% of Volunteers

Why have you chosen Make-A-Wish Foundation as your primary organization for volunteer service?(Volunteers could select multiple answers)

10%

31%

18%

12%

26%

2.5%0.5%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

Once per

week

A few times

per month

Once per

month

Every other

month

A few times

per year

Once per year Less that once

per year

On average, how frequently do you volunteer with Make-A-Wish Foundation?

41%

23%

36%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

0-3 years 3-6 years 6+ years

How long have you volunteered with

Make-A-Wish Foundation?

APPENDIX G

G-3

These statistics suggest that most volunteers were thoroughly involved with the Make-A-

Wish Foundation before they took the TCC survey. Predictably, 98 percent of surveyed

volunteers reported having a “sense of loyalty to MAWF” as a result of their volunteer

experience, and approximately the same number of respondents said that they “want to

continue to volunteer with and/or contribute to the Foundation.” Ninety-seven percent of

respondents felt and wanted to speak positively about their experience and MAWF. Finally,

about 9 out of 10 volunteers surveyed have a deepened commitment to

philanthropy/volunteering and wanted to further their commitment or involvement with

MAWF. These outcomes are detailed below:

While the Volunteer Outcomes Survey demonstrates how volunteers impact wish children

and families, it also inquired about the opposite effects: how the wish experience impacts

the volunteers. In addition to the results previously shared in this study, these same impact

statements were measured relative to respondents’ other volunteer experiences. The results

below indicate the segments of volunteers who reported that they experienced a given

impact more with MAWF than with any other volunteer experiences (if applicable):

2%

2%

8%

11%

19%

40%

87%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Language interpreter/translator

Professional services

Office assistance

Committee member

Public speaking/Advocacy & promotion

Special event/fundraiser planning & assistance

Wish-granting

In what capacity do you volunteer for Make-A-Wish Foundation?(Volunteers could select multiple answers)

As a result of volunteering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, I…Strongly

DisagreeDisagree Agree

Strongly

Agree

To Some

Degree

Want to continue to volunteer with and/or contribute to the Foundation 2% 0.2% 16% 82% 98%

Have a sense of loyalty to Make-A-Wish Foundation 2% 0.5% 19% 78.5% 98%

Have an increased awareness of Make-A-Wish Foundation and its mission 2% 1% 16% 81% 97%

Want to speak positively about my Make-A-Wish experience(s) 2% 1% 16% 81% 97%

Feel more positively (have more positive associations) about Make-A-Wish

Foundation2% 1% 25% 72% 97%

Have deepened my commitment to philanthropy/volunteering (in general) 2% 6% 40% 51% 91%

Want to further my commitment to the Foundation 2% 8% 38% 52% 90%

Want to further increase my involvement with the Foundation 2% 10% 37% 52% 89%

APPENDIX G

G-4

Eighty-six percent or more of volunteers who reported volunteering elsewhere said that

their experience with MAWF improved their awareness and understanding of children and

families—particularly those who have dealt with life-threatening illnesses—more so than

any other organization they have volunteered with. Although this reflects the uniqueness of

the MAWF mission and its beneficiaries, the difference of the MAWF volunteer experience

can be all-encompassing: 80 percent of volunteers surveyed said that their experience with

MAWF gave them a stronger ‘sense that [they] have made a difference for others.’

44%

54%

55%

58%

59%

60%

65%

67%

68%

69%

70%

73%

75%

76%

77%

77%

78%

80%

83%

86%

90%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Increased job satisfaction in my professional job

Increased sense of trust in others

Reinforcement of spiritual faith

Improved prioritization around work-life balance (i.e. making it a priority to …

Improved team building skills in working with others toward a common goal

Improved self-awareness

Enhanced ability to learn from others/ability to be more accepting of others …

A relatively easy way to make a philanthropic contribution/help others (i.e., …

Increased sense of faith in humanity

Improved ability to show compassion and demonstrate understanding

A sense of satisfaction with my life

Increased desire to give back/help someone else's family

Increased sense of compassion

Increased feelings of gratitude/feeling thankful

Increased feelings of joy

Increased feelings of hope (for example, a changed outlook, positive forward …

Sense of satisfaction/gratification with your volunteer role

Sense that I made a difference for others

An emotional connection with a family/child

Inspiration and better understanding of the strength of children and families

Improved awareness of children with life threatening illnesses and their families

% of Volunteers

Impact Frequency, Compared to Other Volunteer Experiences

APPENDIX G

G-5

Parallel Study: Embeddedness Survey

Many of the results from the Volunteer Outcomes Survey are substantiated by findings

from a second volunteer survey conducted in March and April 2010 by Ragan Kontes, a

volunteer for the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Sacramento & Northeastern California, and

graduate student at California State University-Sacramento. In this study, a total of 4,263

Foundation volunteers, or approximately 18 percent of the entire MAWF volunteer base,

completed an online survey about their embeddedness with the Foundation. In this, they

answered questions about their reasons for volunteering with MAWF, their relationship

with the Foundation, and how the wish-granting experience personally impacted them.

Volunteers who took the embeddedness survey were asked to rate 11 statements regarding

the degree to which the statements accurately reflect their influences on their initial

decision to volunteer. The 5-point rating scale was: (1) strongly disagree; (2) disagree; (3)

neutral; (4) agree; and (5) strongly agree. These results are below:

The top two statements from this survey match those of the Volunteer Outcomes Survey;

most Foundation volunteers “want to help children that are ill and believe in the Make-A-

Wish mission,” and “want to do some kind of non-profit work to give something back to the

community.” To further validate the consistency between the two surveys, the same

percentage of respondents reported that they decided to volunteer because they were a wish

child or a relative of a wish child.

Volunteers who also donate their time to other organizations were asked about their

reasons for choosing the Make-A-Wish Foundation as their primary volunteer organization.

Volunteers were asked to rate (on a 5-point scale) the below factors as influences on their initial decision to volunteer.

Average

Rating

% Positive

Response

4.62 89%

4.54 88%

4.38 82%

4.46 82%

3.96 68%

3.99 66%

2.98 33%

2.91 27%

2.33 16%

2.28 16%

1.82 7%

Average Rating

I want to help children that are ill and believe in the Make-A-Wish mission

Reason

3 = neutral

4 = agree

5 = strongly agree

Five point scale:

1 = strongly disagree

2 = disagree

I saw a PSA or media coverage about the Foundation or a wish experience which

triggered my desire to get involved

I am related to, or friends of, a Wish Family

I have been personally affected with a life threatening illness and wanted to help

others in that situation

I was a wish child/family member

I want to do some kind of non-profit work to give something back to the

community

I have a general interest in the organization

I trust the Make-A-Wish Foundation

I was familiar with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and their mission before I first

volunteered with a local chapter

The Make-A-Wish Foundation has a number of activities that fit in my schedule

and are enjoyable

A friend, colleague, or family member encouraged me to volunteer

1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0

APPENDIX G

G-6

Again, the “organization’s mission” was the most common response, while “schedule

flexibility” closely followed. Six other reasons are listed below:

The embeddedness survey asked volunteers to rate 14 statements about their relationship

with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The strongest finding was that volunteers feel like they

are a good match for MAWF. Accordingly, 84 percent of respondents said that, if they were

to continue volunteering, they would “be able to achieve most of [their] personal reasons for

volunteering,” and 82 percent said that their MAWF volunteer role(s) “utilize(s) [their]

skills and talents well.” Twenty-six percent of volunteers had a spouse who was involved

with MAWF. Nearly 7 out of 10 volunteers felt that they would have to “give up a lot if

[they] left [their] role as a Make-A-Wish volunteer.” The other results for these statements

are listed below:

Reason(s) why Make-A-Wish Foundation is respondents' primary volunteer organization

(Volunteers could select multiple answers)

% Selected

86.2%

82.2%

59.6%

45.1%

39.6%

32.0%

19.7%

11.3%

Rewards and recognition

Other

Schedule flexibility

Organization is well managed

Social interaction

Client contact

Orientation and training

Percentage of respondents selecting each reason:Reason

Organization's mission

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

APPENDIX G

G-7

The embeddedness survey also asked volunteers to rate statements regarding their

satisfaction and overall sentiment toward working with MAWF. Ninety-nine percent of

respondents reported that they “clearly understand the mission of the Make-A-Wish

Foundation.” Approximately 9 out of 10 volunteers said that they are satisfied with their

“volunteer experience with the Make-A-Wish Foundation,” nearly all of whom plan to

volunteer with MAWF for an indefinite amount of time. MAWF chapter staff members

appear to contribute to this trend, as they frequently express their appreciation for

volunteer efforts, and the impact that volunteers have on wish beneficiaries. More than half

of the volunteers surveyed believed that they are “making more of an impact with the

MAWF than with any other organization [they] could volunteer for.” These and other

responses are detailed below:

Volunteers were asked to rate (on a 5-point scale) the below statements about their relationship with the Foundation.

Average

Rating

% Positive

Response

4.44 95%

4.35 89%

4.24 84%

4.25 84%

4.14 82%

3.91 75%

3.99 74%

3.92 69%

3.64 60%

3.57 57%

3.61 55%

3.07 37%

2.45 26%

2.68 17%

Average Rating

When I volunteer, I prefer to work on my own rather than in a group.

Five point scale:


2 = disagree

3 = neutral

4 = agree

5 = strongly agree

Generally speaking, I would say I am an extrovert.

I work closely with other Make-A-Wish volunteers.

If I were to leave the community, I would miss my Make-A-Wish friends.

As a Make-A-Wish volunteer, I interact frequently with many other Make-A-Wish

group members.

My spouse/significant other is also involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

I have a lot of freedom as a Make-A-Wish volunteer to pursue my personal reasons

for getting involved.

The volunteer role(s) I play within the Make-A-Wish Foundation utilize(s) my skills

and talents well.

I am active in one or more community organizations (e.g., faith-based

organizations, sports teams, schools, etc.).

I am a member of an effective group of volunteers within the Make-A-Wish

Foundation.

I feel I would give up a lot if I left my role as a Make-A-Wish volunteer.

Reason

I feel like I am a good match for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

I believe the prospects for continuing to volunteer for the Make-A-Wish

Foundation are excellent.

If I continue to volunteer for the MAWF, I will be able to achieve most of my

personal reasons for volunteering.

1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0

APPENDIX G

G-8

Like the Volunteer Outcomes Survey, the embeddedness survey also measured the impact

of the wish experience on volunteers, and many of the results were consistent between the

two surveys. Both resulted in at least 97 percent of volunteers reporting that they had a

“heightened sense of gratitude and appreciation for good health of family and friends”

following the wish-granting experience. Similarly, while 94 percent of surveyed volunteers

experienced an increased sense of compassion in the Volunteer Outcomes Survey, over 97

percent of respondents for the embeddedness survey experienced “increased empathy for

wish children, their families and others in similar situations.” The third highest-rated

outcome for volunteers in the embeddedness survey was an enhanced belief in “the inherent

good in people and their willingness to share that goodness,” which nearly 97 percent of

respondents experienced. This augments and clarifies a comparable finding in the

Volunteer Outcomes Survey, in which 83 percent of respondents experienced an increased

sense of faith in humanity.

While 95 percent of volunteers reported an improved awareness of children with life-

threatening illnesses and their families in the Volunteer Outcomes Survey, 87 percent of

volunteers expressed a “heightened awareness of a specific disease condition” in the

embeddedness survey. Approximately 95 percent of embeddedness survey respondents

agreed that the wish-granting experience instills “a desire to become more selfless and

pursue the interests or welfare of others,” mirroring the Volunteer Outcomes Survey

finding that 92 percent of volunteers experience an increased desire to give back/help

someone else’s family. More specifically, the embeddedness survey and the Volunteer

Outcomes survey found that the wish-granting experience stimulates a desire to personally

invest in the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the community, among 90 and 88 percent of

volunteers, respectively.

Volunteers were asked to rate (on a 5-point scale) the below statements about their fit and satisfaction with the Foundation.

Average

Rating

% Positive

Response

4.69 99%

4.53 94%

4.39 91%

4.46 89%

4.35 86%

4.31 86%

4.17 85%

3.79 71%

3.80 63%

3.71 56%

1.66 7%

Five point scale:


2 = disagree

3 = neutral

4 = agree

5 = strongly agree

Average Rating

Reason

I clearly understand the mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Overall, I believe I fit well with the mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundaiton.

Overall, I am satisfied with my volunteer experience with the Make-A-Wish

Foundation.

I plan to volunteer with the Make-A-Wish Foundation until I no longer can or until

they no longer need me.

Make-A-Wish Foundation staff members frequently express their appreciation for

our volunteer efforts.

The chapter I volunteer with frequently reminds volunteers about the impact they

have on the people we serve.

I have encouraged friends and/or family to volunteer for the Make-A-Wish

Foundation (MAWF).

I am currently active in one or more community organizations aside from the Make-

A-Wish Foundation.

While I may volunteer for other organizations, the MAWF is my primary volunteer

experience.

I believe I am making more of an impact with the MAWF than with any other

organization I could volunteer for.

I do not plan to remain a long-term volunteer.

1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0

APPENDIX G

G-9

Volunteers were asked to rate the impact of a wish-granting experience on themselves.

Average

Rating

% Positive

Response

2.81 97.7%

2.78 97.4%

2.71 96.9%

2.60 95.0%

2.59 94.6%

2.56 92.5%

2.47 90.5%

2.42 90.3%

2.37 88.1%

2.32 87.8%

2.28 87.0%

2.10 75.1% Generated an active desire to help others similarly affected

with this or similar disease conditions.

Increased my awareness of the need and opportunities for

volunteering for worthwhile causes.

Instilled a desire to promote the well-being of the human

population.

Stimulated a desire to make additional personal

investments in Make-A-Wish.

Increased my awareness of philanthropic opportunities for

both children and adults.

Stimulated a desire to make a personal investment in the

community.

Heightened my awareness of a specific disease condition.

Three-point scale:

1 = not affected

2 = somewhat affected

3 = strongly affected

Average Rating

Instilled a desire to become more selfless and pursue the

interests or welfare of others.

Reason

Produced a heightened sense of gratitude and appreciation

for good health of family and friends.

Led to increased empathy for wish children, their families

and others in similar situations.

Emphasized the inherent good in people and their

willingness to share that goodness.

Produced an increased sense of general well-being.

1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0

wish impact study results - kathleen j....

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