Children's Miracle Network Grants

The Children's Miracle Network generates funds around the country and directs donations to hospitals and pediatric programs in the donors' local area. Funds raised go to hospitals and programs to help kids with all kinds of ailments.

According to the charity, more than 17 million children receive treatment each year at Children's Miracle Network hospitals around the country. Founded in 1983, the Salt Lake City-based organization had raised nearly $4 billion by its annual telethon in June 2009, mostly through small donations collected by local businesses that display its red-and-yellow balloons.

Funds Stay Local

• Rather than making annual charitable grants for specific medical programs, as many health charities do, Children's Miracle Network directs funds continually to a group of affiliated hospitals.

  According to the charity, "All donations go directly to the Children's Miracle Network hospital in the area where the funds are raised. That hospital can use those funds to provide life-saving care, purchase equipment, organize educational programs, and provide other pediatric services."

  Each donor's zip code is tracked to find the closest Children's Miracle Network hospital, which receives the funds and sends a tax receipt to the donor.

  Children's Miracle Network has earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, which reports that the charity distributes 88.8 percent of its revenues and spends about 11 percent of its proceeds on administrative and fundraising overhead.

Network of Hospitals

• More than 170 hospitals around the United States receive funds from the Children's Miracle Network. Money is raised through events, sponsorships and activities ranging from national campaigns, celebrity golf tournaments and an annual telethon to local car washes and college dance contests. All money is distributed to a hospital in the donor's local area.

  To locate Children's Miracle Network hospitals in your area, visit the charity's Hospital Search page (see Resources, below) and enter your zip code or state.

  Pediatric hospitals wishing to become an affiliate of the Children's Miracle Network may contact the charity for further information.

Special Program: Cure Kids Cancer

• Cancer kills more children than any other disease. One Children's Miracle Network program, Cure Kids Cancer, raises funds and awareness for pediatric oncology programs in 170 local communities. Funds from this initiative support diagnosis, treatment, research and education for kids with cancer, their caregivers and families.