WHAT DOES COVID MEAN FOR DREAMS?
Like everyone else, the Dream Factory is finding our way through these challenging times. With safety as our number one priority, chapters are operating and we are granting dreams, following our guidelines in accordance with local and national recommendations. There were numerous dreams postponed but we are looking forward to fulfilling those dreams, and many, many more. Be sure to look through our website on ways you can volunteer, donate or refer a child. And you can contact us with any questions. We hope you are staying healthy and safe.
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The Dream Factory operates using a network of volunteers who raise funds in their communities to grant dreams to local children. We receive no government funding but rely on the generosity of members of our communities. Donors are assured that their funds remain in their communities and volunteers can see the direct results of their efforts by serving local children.
Unfortunately, we have no means to grant dreams where we have no chapters.
If you would like to receive information or an application for a dream for your child, go to the Find Your Local Chapter section in our website to see the lists of where Dream Factory Chapters are located across the country. This listing provides names, addresses, and phone numbers of Dream Factory volunteers across the country who make dreams come true for children with critical or chronic illnesses. Contact them for information about your local chapter or an application.
Most dream requests fall into five major categories:
Celebrity Dreams – Many children want to meet their favorite television personality, movie star or favorite recording artist. Some children want to meet other role models such as politicians or other public figures.
Fantasy Dreams – Many children dream of what they may aspire to when they grow up including being a fireman, policeman, military officer, model or even a princess for a day.
Shopping Dreams – Some children wish for a special gift that they may have been dreaming about for a long time such as a hot tub, pool, shopping spree, playhouse, computer, big screen TV or a pet.
Sports Dreams – Many boys and girls of all ages want to see their favorite sports team, go to a NASCAR race and meet their favorite sports hero.
Travel Dreams – Dream Trips include, theme parks, visits to other countries and exotic islands, cruises, and popular beach destinations.
No. Family income is not considered when determining whether a child is eligible for a dream.
The cost of a dream varies depending on the type of dream. The average cost of a dream is $5,000.
No. All dream expenses are paid for through donations, fundraising efforts and in-kind contributions to The Dream Factory. The Dream Factory strives to create a memorable dream experience that is as free of stress and concern as possible.
In most instances, those that accompany the child are restricted to immediate family members; the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and siblings.
It is important that the dream be that of the child’s and not other family members. For this reason, the child must be able to communicate his dream to The Dream Factory screening volunteers.
Each Dream Factory chapter follows national policies and guidelines for granting a child’s dream. However, it is up to local chapters to determine their own criteria for granting dreams for chronically ill children. The child’s physical condition also, at times, has a role in determining whether a particular dream will be possible. The treating physician works closely with The Dream Factory volunteers to determine the best time for a dream to be granted and whether a dream will be safe for the child. If a particular dream cannot be granted due to safety concerns, an alternative dream is normally granted.
The Dream Factory does not grant dreams for motorized vehicles or weapons of any type.
The login function grants rights to data and functionality that is strictly for Dream Factory personnel which includes administrative staff, volunteers, vendors, and webmasters.
The Dream Factory is 501(c)3 non-profit organization and so almost all donations we receive are 100% tax deductible.
No. The Dream Factory is the largest wish-granting organization in the United States that grants dreams to children who are also chronically ill, meaning we do not limit or mission to terminally ill children. We believe that chronically ill children also endure trauma, stress and emotional suffering. Some of the chronic conditions that may qualify are type 1 diabetes, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, seizure disorders, cystic fibrosis, and more.
The mission of The Dream Factory is to grant dreams to children 3 through 18 who are critically or chronically ill. To be eligible for a dream the illness must be documented and affirmed by a treating physician.
