Dream Factory, Inc.

Dream Factory, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States, recognized as one of the largest all-volunteer driven children's wish-granting organizations. Founded in 1980 by Charles Henault, a South Central Bell employee, the organization aims to fulfill the dreams of critically and chronically ill children aged three through eighteen. Unlike some other wish-granting organizations, Dream Factory does not limit its mission to children with life-threatening illnesses but includes those with chronic conditions as well.

Mission and Activities

The mission of Dream Factory is to provide relief and joy to children enduring serious health challenges by granting their dreams. These dreams can range from trips to popular destinations like Walt Disney World, shopping sprees, to meeting celebrities and athletes. By fulfilling these dreams, the organization temporarily alleviates the children's pain and allows them to feel like healthy children, enhancing their quality of life and creating lasting memories for their families. Doctors have noted that experiencing such dreams can potentially extend the life of a seriously ill child and certainly brings joy and memories to their families.

Structure and Financials

Dream Factory operates with an all-volunteer model at the chapter level, with only a few employees at its national headquarters. This structure helps maintain low overhead costs, enabling the organization to allocate a significant portion of its funds directly to granting dreams. On average, 96.1% of the money raised is used for dream-granting activities, reflecting a highly efficient use of donations. This efficiency has earned Dream Factory a perfect 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for 13 consecutive years, a distinction shared by only a small percentage of charities.

Impact and Recognition

Since its inception, Dream Factory has granted over 23,000 dreams across more than 30 chapters in the U.S., making it one of the most prolific wish-granting organizations. The organization's grassroots approach to fundraising, where volunteers raise funds locally to grant dreams to children in their community, ensures that the majority of donations remain within the local area, further enhancing community involvement and support.

Awards and Ratings

Dream Factory's consistent financial transparency and high efficiency in utilizing donations have led to its recognition as a top-rated charity. This includes its 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, indicating exceptional performance in accountability and transparency. Donations to the organization are tax deductible.