Michael Jordan Donates $10 Million to Make A Wish Foundation

Michael Jordan celebrated his 60th birthday with the largest donation to the Make-a-Wish Foundation in history. His $10 million donation will go to “create an endowment to provide the funds needed to make future wishes possible for kids with critical illnesses,” the foundation said in a release. The gift is the largest given by an individual in the foundation’s 43-year history.

Jordan said “Witnessing the strength and resilience of the organization’s kids has been a continuous inspiration. Witnessing their strength and resilience during such a tough time in their lives has truly been an inspiration. I can’t think of a better birthday gift than seeing others join me in supporting Make-A-Wish so that every child can experience the magic of having their wish come true.”

The Chicago Bulls legend has partnered with the organization for 34 years and has become increasingly generous with his fortune over the years. The first wish Jordan granted happened in 1989 and the organization said he has granted hundreds of wishes to children all over the world. In 2008, Jordan was named a Make-A-Wish ambassador “for the life-changing impact he has had on wish kids and their families.” In 2021 he donated $10 million to Novant Health for the opening of two new children’s hospitals in his home state of North Carolina, the same company to which he gave $7 million 4 years before that.

President and CEO of Make-A-Wish America Leslie Motter applauded Jordan’s ability to create a legacy both on and off the court. “Everyone knows about Michael’s legacy on the basketball court, but it’s what he has consistently done off the court when no one’s watching that makes him a true legend for wish families and the wider Make-A-Wish community. Michael, using his birthday as a chance to make history for Make-A-Wish speaks to the quality of his character and his loyal dedication to making life better for children with critical illnesses. We hope that the public will be inspired to follow in his footsteps by helping make wishes come true.”