Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Mexico

As with many not-for-profit organizations, Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Mexico employees donate a great deal of their personal time to fulfilling wishes. What sets them apart, however, is their genuine appreciation of the mission. As an example, the organization found itself in a financial crisis in the aftermath of September 11, 2001. Donations were down and the only way to fulfill wishes was to cut the administrative budget. Employees agreed to a pay decrease and the uncertainty of continuous future employment.

The organization's integrity is of greatest concern to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Mexico. To maintain their integrity and the trust of the community, they have instituted a code of ethics called the Annual Conflict of Interest Statement. All employees and volunteers are expected to read, sign and comply with the code. This statement discusses the importance of confidentiality, conflicts of interest, legal assurance, integrity and guidelines for ethical behavior.

Donations come in all shapes and sizes to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Mexico. When the organization was recently offered a piece of artwork that appraised far less than the donor's suggested value, the donor insisted on a tax deduction at the suggested value rather than the appraised value of the item. Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Mexico chose to refuse the artwork instead of compromising their ethical standards.

In 2002, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Mexico granted 56 wishes to children who have medically-diagnosed, life-threatening illnesses. With only 3 paid staff members, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Mexico relies on the help of 150 state-wide volunteers to help children realize their wishes. This organization fulfills its heart-warming mission utilizing all available resources while remaining true to its ethical principles.