Wish of a Lifetime
Spark hope and joy in the hearts of older adults by fulfilling their dreams through personalized wish experiences.
IRS Tax Year 2024
Period ending December 31, 2024
Total Revenue
$4.1M
Total Expenses
$5.0M
Net Assets
$774K
Employees
30
Volunteers
5,014
Program Expense Ratio
82.8%
Fundraising Efficiency
1170.1%
This nonprofit profile presents IRS Form 990 tax filing data for Wish of a Lifetime (EIN: 26-2123649), based on the 2024 tax year annual return filed with the Internal Revenue Service.
Sections below include financial summaries (revenue, expenses, and net assets), program accomplishments, officer and key employee compensation, detailed executive pay breakdowns, top independent contractors, governance policies and audit information, related tax-exempt organizations. All figures are reported in USD as filed.
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Financial Health
Transparency
Compensation
Program Effectiveness
Financial Stability
Risk Flags
Indicators derived from IRS Form 990 data. Not financial advice.
Wish of a Lifetime is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Denver, CO, founded in 2008. It is classified under NTEE code P60 (Emergency Assistance), within the Human Services category. The organization has held tax-exempt status since 2008. In its 2024 filing, the organization reported $4.1M in total revenue, a 5.9% decrease from the prior year, and $5.0M in total expenses. The organization employed 30 people and engaged 5,014 volunteers. Scott M Frisch, Director & AARP EVP - COO, is the highest-compensated individual at $1,099,565. The organization runs 1 program, totaling $4.1M in program expenses. 5 of 6 recommended governance policies are in place.
Wish of a Lifetime is classified under NTEE code P60 (Emergency Assistance), which falls within the Human Services category. Its foundation type is 15.
Programs(Tax Year 2024)
1 record
Wish of a Lifetime operates 1 program, with total program expenses of $4.1M. Wish of a Lifetime's largest program accounts for 100% of total program spending.
We envision a world where everyone ages with hope and joy, older adults are celebrated for their wisdom, accomplishments, and sacrifices, and intergenerational connections enrich our daily lives. Wishes connect older adults to people, purpose, and passions to eliminate feelings of isolation and help them live vibrant, purposeful lives. Wishes are a catalyst to share our recipients incredible and inspiring stories that we believe break down generational boundaries and empower our recipients to once again discover their purpose and passion in life.
Financial Overview(Tax Years 2020–2024)
5 records
Over the past 5 years, Wish of a Lifetime's revenue has grown from $2.4M to $4.1M, a 69.9% increase. Program expenses represent 83% of total spending.
Revenue decreased 5.9% year-over-year, while expenses grew 3.2%. net assets fell to $774K, down 52.9% from the prior year. the organization reduced headcount by 1 employees.
Wish of a Lifetime derives 99% from contributions and grants, with 1% from investment income.
Revenue is heavily concentrated: 99% comes from contributions and grants, indicating limited diversification.
Wish of a Lifetime allocates 83% to programs, 10% to management and general, 7% to fundraising.
Revenue declined by 5.9% and expenses grew by 3.2% year over year.
Over 5 filings from 2020–2024, Wish of a Lifetime grew revenue from $2.4M to $4.1M (+69.9%) while maintaining a program expense ratio of 83%. During this period, the organization grew from 18 to 30 employees.
Wish of a Lifetime holds $1.4M in total assets against $592K in liabilities (debt-to-asset ratio of 43%). The organization has 1.9 months of operating reserves. Cash and equivalents of $109K cover approximately 0.3 months of expenses.
Revenue
| Year | Total Revenue | Contributions | Gov't Grants | Program Revenue | Investment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $4.1M | $4.1M | $0 | $0 | $45K |
| 2023 | $4.4M | $4.3M | $0 | $0 | $71K |
| 2022 | $3.5M | $3.5M | $0 | $0 | $22K |
| 2021 | $2.4M | $2.4M | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| 2020 | $2.4M | $2.4M | $0 | $27K | $374 |
Expenses
| Year | Total Expenses | Program | Management | Fundraising | Grants Paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $5.0M | $4.1M | $510K | $349K | $0 |
| 2023 | $4.8M | $3.9M | $542K | $404K | $1K |
| 2022 | $3.0M | $2.4M | $379K | $200K | $500 |
| 2021 | $2.1M | $1.5M | $391K | $232K | $3K |
| 2020 | $1.3M | $781K | $345K | $183K | $3K |
Program Expense Ratio
82.8%
Admin Expense Ratio
10.2%
Fundraising Efficiency
1170.1%
Operating Reserve
1.9 mo
People & Compensation(Tax Year 2024)
15 records
Wish of a Lifetime reported compensation for 15 officers and key employees. Total officer compensation was $3.4M, representing 67.1% of total expenses. 2 individuals received total compensation exceeding $500,000.
Wish of a Lifetime's highest-compensated individual received $1.1M in total compensation. Total officer compensation of $3.4M represents 67.1% of total expenses. 1 individual received total compensation exceeding $1,000,000.
| Name | Title | Type | Hours/wk | Comp from Org | Related Orgs | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scott M Frisch | Director & AARP EVP - COO | Director | 1.00 | $0 | $1,024,073 | $1,099,565 |
| Karen Mercer | Treasurer & AARP SVP | Officer | 1.00 | $0 | $466,489 | $532,283 |
| Sarah Shaw | Secretary & AARP SVP | Officer | 1.00 | $0 | $400,044 | $464,470 |
| Thomas Wagenlander | Executive Director | Officer | 40.00 | $255,476 | $0 | $299,975 |
| Beau Ballinger | Director, Business Planning & Ops | Highest Comp | 40.00 | $141,888 | $0 | $192,740 |
| Kristen Prusky | Director, Marketing & Comm | Highest Comp | 40.00 | $133,795 | $0 | $183,352 |
| Steven Glaser | Director, Wish Program | Highest Comp | 40.00 | $141,672 | $0 | $172,149 |
| Jared Bloomfield | Director, Field Program | Highest Comp | 40.00 | $136,646 | $0 | $165,606 |
| Elija Valdez | Manager, Wish Fulfillment | Highest Comp | 40.00 | $105,993 | $0 | $133,957 |
| Jeremy Bloom | Board Chair | OfficerDirector | 1.00 | $0 | $112,500 | $112,500 |
| Eric Chess | Vice Chair | Director | 1.00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Michelle Armstrong | Director | Director | 1.00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Eliot Hamlisch | Director | Director | 1.00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Eric Hirschberg | Director | Director | 1.00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Laurie Schadegg Thomas | Director | Director | 1.00 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Compensation Breakdown
Schedule J detail — base, bonus, benefits, and executive perks
Scott M Frisch
Base Salary
—
Bonus
—
Other Reportable
—
Retirement/Deferred
—
Nontaxable Benefits
—
Karen Mercer
Base Salary
—
Bonus
—
Other Reportable
—
Retirement/Deferred
—
Nontaxable Benefits
—
Sarah Shaw
Base Salary
—
Bonus
—
Other Reportable
—
Retirement/Deferred
—
Nontaxable Benefits
—
Thomas Wagenlander
Base Salary
$198,102
Bonus
$53,067
Other Reportable
$4,307
Retirement/Deferred
$10,047
Nontaxable Benefits
$10,264
Beau Ballinger
Base Salary
$116,778
Bonus
$24,470
Other Reportable
$640
Retirement/Deferred
$5,650
Nontaxable Benefits
$31,600
Kristen Prusky
Base Salary
$112,031
Bonus
$19,936
Other Reportable
$1,828
Retirement/Deferred
$5,279
Nontaxable Benefits
$31,570
Steven Glaser
Base Salary
$116,417
Bonus
$24,815
Other Reportable
$440
Retirement/Deferred
$5,649
Nontaxable Benefits
$11,227
Jared Bloomfield
Base Salary
$112,375
Bonus
$23,841
Other Reportable
$430
Retirement/Deferred
$5,449
Nontaxable Benefits
$10,393
Top Contractors(Tax Year 2024)
2 records
Wish of a Lifetime reported 2 contractors receiving over $100,000, with total contractor payments of $265K.
| Name | Service | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Media Cause Inc | Marketing | $140,000 |
| Merge Studio LLC | Website hosting & maintenance | $125,423 |
Governance & Compliance(Tax Year 2024)
Wish of a Lifetime has 5 of 6 recommended governance policies in place, including conflict of interest, whistleblower, document retention. Its board has 7 members, 5 of whom are independent.
Wish of a Lifetime does not have audited financial statements, an audit committee oversees the process.
Policies & Oversight
Audit & Financial Oversight
Filing History(Tax Years 2008–2024)
5 records
Showing the 5 Form 990 filings currently in our system.
| Tax Year | Form | Period | Revenue | Expenses | Net Assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 990 | 2024-01-01 – 2024-12-31 | $4.1M | $5.0M | $774K |
| 2023 | 990 | 2023-01-01 – 2023-12-31 | $4.4M | $4.8M | $1.6M |
| 2022 | 990 | 2022-01-01 – 2022-12-31 | $3.5M | $3.0M | $2.1M |
| 2021 | 990 | 2021-01-01 – 2021-12-31 | $2.4M | $2.1M | $1.6M |
| 2020 | 990 | 2020-01-01 – 2020-12-31 | $2.4M | $1.3M | $1.4M |
| 2008–2019 | No filings acquired yet | ||||
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Wish of a Lifetime do?
Spark hope and joy in the hearts of older adults by fulfilling their dreams through personalized wish experiences.
How much revenue does Wish of a Lifetime have?
Wish of a Lifetime reported $4,129,021 in total revenue for tax year 2024, down 5.9% from the prior year.
Who is the highest-paid executive at Wish of a Lifetime?
Scott M Frisch, Director & AARP EVP - COO, received $1,099,565 in total compensation as of tax year 2024.
Is Wish of a Lifetime a 501(c)(3)?
Yes, Wish of a Lifetime is classified as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
Where is Wish of a Lifetime located?
Wish of a Lifetime is headquartered in Denver, CO 80203.
How many employees does Wish of a Lifetime have?
Wish of a Lifetime has 30 employees and 5,014 volunteers as of tax year 2024.
What type of nonprofit is Wish of a Lifetime?
Wish of a Lifetime is classified under NTEE code P60 (Emergency Assistance), within the Human Services category. It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
Is Wish of a Lifetime audited?
No, Wish of a Lifetime does not currently have audited financial statements.
How much does Wish of a Lifetime spend on fundraising?
Wish of a Lifetime reported $348,999 in fundraising expenses for tax year 2024, which represents 7.0% of total expenses.
Data Source
IRS Form 990 electronic filings via the IRS Exempt Organizations Business Master File. All financial figures are as reported in USD.
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