2026 Wish List Application

This application closes at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.

If you have questions, contact Andy Smith, Wish List Coordinator, at [email protected] or 513-762-7163.

Thank you for participating in Wish List this year! Here are some frequently asked questions to consider when submitting a nomination:

What can nominees wish for?
The wishes must be for a tangible item(s), excluding food. Examples include household goods such as furniture, appliances or bedding; assistive technology; medical devices; wheelchair or wheelchair ramp; clothing or other needs. Please do NOT submit proposals seeking currency, gift cards, cash, airfare/bus fare, rent/utility payments and the like. Wishes focused solely on requests for cash will not be considered.

What about cars?
We recognize transportation is an issue for many people, but we discourage requests for cars because of the ongoing need for maintenance, fuel and oil, and insurance. A wish including a need for a safe vehicle will be considered only if the nominating organization can provide assurance there is a means of paying for ongoing operating costs.

Who can apply?
Individuals of all ages are eligible for Wish List. They must live in Hamilton, Clermont or Brown County in Ohio; Boone, Kenton, Campbell or Grant Counties in Kentucky; or Dearborn or Ohio Counties in Indiana. In selecting proposals, we attempt to choose stories representing all areas served by United Way of Greater Cincinnati.

How many people can I nominate?
An agency/partner is encouraged to submit up to three nominations, but only one will be selected from each. Submitting multiple nominations provides more flexibility in the selection process and increases the chances one of your proposals is selected. We aim to represent a range of geographic areas, races and ages.

How will wishes be granted?
If your nomination is selected and a story is published, Wish List funds will be disbursed to your organization so you can fulfill the wish. If your organization is not a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, you will receive a 1099 from United Way to report the value of the gift on your tax return.

First, please provide information about you and your organization.

Organization Name

Contact First Name

Contact Last Name

Contact Email

Contact Phone Number

Alternate Contact First Name

Alternate Contact Last Name

Alternate Contact Email

Alternate Contact Phone Number

Is your nominee willing to be interviewed by a United Way writer, have their story published and appear on camera?

YesNo

Thank you for your interest in Wish List. Photography is an essential component of our appeal to donors for this campaign, which is why we require consent to proceed. You’re still encouraged to submit this application so we can keep you informed about future opportunities.

Now, let's get information about your Wish List Nominee.

Nominee's name

Nominee's age

Nominee's race/ethnicity

Please describe Other

Nominee's ZIP Code and city, neighborhood or town

Lastly, please tell us about your Wish List proposal.

Please include information about your nominee, describe the nominee’s wish and explain why they nominee should be selected.

The stories most likely to be chosen are those that make an emotional connection with readers. The wish should be for a tangible item or items (see guidelines above or view examples.)

Nominee's Story

Wish Cost(s)
Please list the specific item or items being requested and carefully estimate the cost to fulfill the entire wish (you may request up to $5,000 to fulfill a single wish for a specific nominee).

By submitting this application, you indicate the person or persons you are nominating agreed to participate in the Wish List process and that all information is correct and subject to further inquiry.

If selected, your organization agrees to:

Ensure the nominee fully understands the Wish List process.
Obtain a signed Media Release for the nominee.
Immediately report changes in circumstances or if the nominee wishes to withdraw from the process to the Wish List Coordinator: [email protected].
Field questions/calls from the Wish List Coordinator, reporters, vendors and nominees as warranted, especially on the day your nominee’s story is published.
Ensure the organization acts as a conduit/case manager for their nominee helping ensure wish fulfillment — includes purchasing items and working closely with vendors.
Coordinate potential follow-up stories on nominee.

By submitting this application, you indicate the person or persons you are nominating agreed to participate in the Wish List process and that all information is correct and subject to further inquiry.

I agree