The Association of Wish Granting Organizations, Inc.
The early 80's brought about a new concept in charities, focusing on bringing joy to children and adults with seemingly insurmountable health challenges. Organizations were formed to grant the wishes and dreams of those having to face chronic, life-threatening and terminal illnesses.
During this time, many independent wish granting organizations were formed across the U.S. and throughout the world. They were known by different names - A Child's Wish of Greater New Orleans, A Wish Come True of Rhode Island; a Wish with Wings of Texas; California Law Enforcement; Carolina Sunshine for Children; Cystic Fibrosis Dream Holidays of England; Dream Come True of Lehigh Valley, PA; Make-A-Wish, Special Wishes of Connecticut; The Rainbow Society of Alberta, Canada; The Wishing Well of Texas; Wishes Can Happen of Ohio; Wishing Star Foundation of Washington - and the list goes on and on.
Individuals and businesses, wanting to help fulfill these heartfelt wishes and dreams, opened their hearts and their pocketbooks to donate to their causes. And unfortunately, there were a few "so-called" wish granting organizations that took advantage of this generous outpouring of support and used only a small portion of those donations toward the actual wishes of those they had promised to help.
Well-meaning organizations, wanting to distance themselves from these few groups, chose to form an 'umbrella' entity, whose members were required to follow strict guidelines for both fundraising and wish granting. Additionally, members were able to gain valuable insight from similar charities through the sharing of ideas and experiences.
After meeting informally for three years, the founding member organizations established The Association of Wish Granting Granting Organizations, Inc. (AWGO) in 1995.
Membership acceptance into The Association of Wish Granting Organizations, Inc. ensures charitable donations are being used in a responsible manner with the maximum dollars going directly toward the stated purpose of the charity.
AWGO is a 501(c)(3) Not-For-Profit organization.