The Carlito's Wish Foundation (CWF) is a non-profit organization formed to grant wishes to children suffering from life threatening illnesses of families in financial need. CWF was formed in New York City in April 1994, by concerned family and friends of Carlos M.L. Ottley, who died on October 30, 1992, after a long battle with leukemia.

The main goal of CWF is to help grant wishes to children suffering from life threatening illnesses here in the U.S. and abroad. By granting wishes, CWF hopes to bring some happiness to the children and their families. CWF also donates toys and books to institutions that treat these children.

Hospitals, physicians and social works refer the children to CWF. The trustees review the referrals and select the children who will benefit the most from a wish. Any critically-ill child up to his/her 18th birthday, of a family in financial need, can apply for a wish, as long as he/she was not a previous recipient of a wish by CWF or another wish granting organization.