Frequently Asked Questions
Making Dreams Come True
for children with life-threatening illnesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Dreams Come True receives many inquiries regarding eligibility for dreams, the process and how we fund dreams. Please take a moment to review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to find the answers to many of these questions and others. If you have additional questions that are not addressed in this section, we invite you to call our office at 904-296-3030.
Who is Eligible for a Dream?
All children between the ages of 2 ½ and 18, who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness and either live or are treated in Northeast Florida or Southeast Georgia, are eligible for a dream.
Who May Refer a Child for a Dream?
Medical professionals, parents and legal guardians may inform Dreams Come True of a potential Dreamer. All children eligible for a dream must be referred by their physician and have all activities approved.
What Types of Dreams are Available?
Joy comes to Dreamers in many forms. The following is a list of some of the more common dream requests, but Dreamers are only limited by their imagination.
- Week-Long Getaway to a Magical Theme Park
- Swimming with Dolphins
- Shopping Trips
- Celebrity Meet-and-Greets
- Catching Waves in Hawaii
Having a dream fulfilled gives a child a sense of hope, and creates memories of a lifetime for the child and family. Many medical professionals can affirm that a dream dramatically impacts a child’s attitude, often strengthening a child’s determination to undergo difficult treatment.
Does Dreams Come True Participate in Telemarketing?
Dreams Come True of Jacksonville, Inc. does not solicit contributions by telephone. It is against the policy of Dreams Come True to telemarket. Telemarketing is expressly forbidden by the Association of Wish Granting Organizations, of which Dreams Come True is a charter member. Dreams Come True of Jacksonville, Inc. will never sell or share information regarding donors and sponsors. This information is protected and used singularly by Dreams Come True to contact donors and sponsors.
Are My Financial Contributions Tax Deductible?
Yes. Dreams Come True of Jacksonville is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Your financial contributions may be deductible for federal income tax purposes. We recommend that you consult with your CPA to determine the extent of tax deductibility.
What is Your Source of Funding?
Dreams Come True is a local organization and is not affiliated with a national organization. We rely strictly on the generosity of individuals and corporate supporters to provide the funding and in-kind resources necessary for us to create unforgettable memories for local children. We receive no federal funding; and adhere to the Association of Fundraising Professional’s Donor Bill of Rights.
We apply 100% of donations, unless otherwise designated, directly toward local children’s dreams.
Another way to help is to designate Dreams Come True as the recipient of your Combined Federal Campaign contribution. You can find our listing in the Combined Federal Campaign brochure under the agency code #65453. Or, you can write in Dreams Come True when you give to the United Way.
Does Dreams Come True Receive In-Kind Contributions?
Contributions may be gifts in the form of merchandise or money. You can also choose to give your time by becoming a volunteer. We never stop fulfilling dreams, so your contributions, in any form, are important year-round.
How Can I Volunteer with Dreams Come True?
Dreams Come True is always in search of great volunteers and would love for you to join our “dream team!” Interested volunteers must complete a volunteer application and a background check. For more information on how you can become a part of our volunteer team, please email Andrea Siracusa your contact information. You can also download the volunteer application form here.
How Can I Help Sponsor the Dream of a Child?
You can help make a child’s dream become a reality by joining in our Dream Campaign. Please feel free to visit our Get Involved page to learn how to get involved as an individual, business, or civic group.
Students and schools wishing to raise money for a child’s dream can do so through our Kids Helping Kids program. If you’d like to learn more about sponsoring a child’s dream, please email Andrea Siracusa.