Yes, we are open!

As of July 1, we have opened our new operational office in the Netherlands. Based in Hilversum, right next to Make-A-Wish® Netherlands, we have received our office furniture in-kind from four sponsors, to whom we are very grateful. In the next coming weeks, we will further optimize the 14 working spaces and two meeting rooms. Also, we have to “wishify” the setting.

Our new address is:

This Edition's Topics:

• Personnel Updates
• Roundtables
• Funding Model
• Fundraising Strategy
• Budget 2020 Update
• Upcoming Events

INTERNATIONAL PERSONNEL UPDATES

Transition means change. As of August 30^th , two staff members will leave the Make-A-Wish International organization:

• After careful consultation, Jose Martinez decided to leave our organization to take on new challenges as an entrepreneur and consultant.
• Also Deana Lenz will leave our organization after two years.

I would like to thank both Jose and Deana for their contributions to Make-A-Wish and wish them both every success with their new journeys.

Simultaneously, we have started the recruitment processes for the following positions:

• VP Finance & Administration
• Manager Finance & Administration
• Digital Marketing Manager
• Donor Support Manager

Job profiles are available at the Make-A-Wish International website.

AFFILIATE PERSONNEL UPDATE

In the last few months, the following CEO changes has been announced with the following countries:

• Austria: Birgit Fux
• Chile : Julie Kim
• Brazil: Luciana Portugal
• Hong Kong: Madeline Kam
• Singapore: Neil Dyason
• Germany: Wolfram Schotler

Please join me in welcoming the new CEO’s to the incredible organization and the Make-A-Wish network. We still have two open vacancies: in Norway and Turkey.

ROUNDTABLE

The European Roundtable took place in June in Athens. The focus was on volunteer management. Many discussions and views were shared among the participants. Also, we had the opportunity to discuss with the CEO’s present about the past and future challenges of our organization. The hospitality of our Greek affiliate was overwhelming. Many thanks to the whole Greek staff.

FUNDING MODEL

The ultimate question the Board has asked the Task Force: What is the right funding mechanism for Make-A-Wish International?

Robust discussions, benchmarking, calculations and presentations are on-going together with the in-kind consultancy support from Deloitte to help us better understand the funding model. Our preliminary findings will be shared with Board later this month. There will be interesting stepping stones for the overall strategic approach of our organization.

FUNDRAISING STRATEGY

In June, we started together with AAW (Astarita Aldrich & Ward) based in London, the fundraising strategy project. This project consist of 4 stages: Insight (developing the evidence base for a change strategy), Inspire (making believe change is possible), Ignite (developing the change strategy) and Implement. We are now finalizing stage one (Insight) and received comprehensive feedback through the affiliates interviews. Currently, we are preparing this input and follow up for the second phase.

BUDGET 2020 UPDATE

This month we will present our Make-A-Wish International budget FY 2020 to the Audit & Finance committee and the International Board. After their feedback, I would like to discuss this with many affiliates before the upcoming AGM in October.

UPCOMING EVENTS

2019

• August 29: International Board meeting by Zoom
• October 23 & 24: International Board meeting in Amsterdam
• October 24: Annual Meeting (AGM) by Zoom

2020

• February 6 & 7: International Board Meeting in Amsterdam

SAVE THE DATE:

• February 4 & 5: Strategy Meeting* in Amsterdam (CEO’s only)
• February 5: Ceremonial Opening Operational Office Hilversum
• October 22 & 23: Wishleader Conference/AGM (joint with MAWA 40^th Anniversary, Orlando)

*More information on the February 4 & 5 Strategy Meeting will follow later this year.