Grants
A Child Waits Foundation – http://www.achildwaits.org/grantloan-program.html
Adoption grants and loans for US families adopting internationally. There is also a grant program only for domestic adoptions for US families.
Application Deadline(s): Ongoing reviews. Apply at least 3-4 months prior to expected travel date and must have completed homestudy.
Application Fee: One fee $20 for either loan or grant, or both at same time. Applications found online but only hard copy accepted through US Mail only.
Grant Amount: $1,000 – $7,500. Grant Eligibility: Family income under $150,000.
*Note: Grant(s) awarded to Cradle of Hope Adoption Center families
DOD Adoption Reimbursement Policy
The Department of Defense will reimburse service members on active duty for qualifying adoption expenses after adoption is finalized. Applicants should contact the Military Service headquarters POC for adoption information to receive directions on completing DD Form 2675, “Reimbursement Request for Adoption Expenses”.
Application Deadline(s): No later than two years after the adoption is finalized or the child is issued a certificate of U.S. citizenship in the case of foreign adoption. Must be submitted prior to the service member’s separation from active duty. Applications cannot be submitted before the adoption is finalized.
Application fee: None.
Reimbursement Amount: Up to $2,000 per adoptive child or a maximum of $5,000 per calendar year for any qualifying adoption expense as indicated in the policy.
Reimbursement Eligibility: Applicants must be service members on active duty, including Reserve or National Guard members who are called to active duty for 180 or more consecutive days, Active Guard and Reserve and full time National Guard Duty and National Guard members. Reimbursement can cover agency fees, placement fees, legal fees, or medical expenses, but cannot include travel expenses. Applicants must submit: DD Form 2675 for each child adopted; a copy of active duty military orders for Reserve and National Guard members; a copy of the final adoption decree; proof of US citizenship for the child; documentation to show that the adoption agency is qualified; documentation to substantiate reasonable and necessary expenses. Policy was updated in 2016.
Gift of Adoption– www.giftofadoption.org
Grants to complete adoption process for families adopting a relative or domestic or international children in vulnerable circumstances.
Application Deadline(s): Monthly reviews.
Application Fee: $50.
Grant Amount: $1,000 to $15,000 (average grant: $4,000).
Grant Eligibility: Any U.S. citizen with a completed adoption home study but before finalization. For international adoption, a U.S. citizen must have an approved adoption home study from a Hague accredited agency or licensed social work if it is a domestic adoption.
*Note: Grant(s) awarded to Cradle of Hope Adoption Center families
Help Us Adopt – http://www.helpusadopt.org
Grants for single-parent, two-parent, and same-sex households for domestic, international and foster care adoption.
Application Deadline(s): For 2024, January 6, March 2, May 4, July 6, September 7 and November 2.
Application Fee: None.
Grant Amount: $1,000 – $30,000 but average is $10,000 and payable to a licensed adoption agency or lawyer.
Grant Eligibility: At least one parent must be U.S. citizen. No religious preference. A completed home study is required for foster care adoption. For domestic adoption, application should be made after home study is completed and profile is ready to be shown to birth parents. For international adoption, application should be made after child has been identified. Significant financial need must be demonstrated.
*Note: Grant(s) awarded to Cradle of Hope Adoption Center families
Never Alone Foundation – www.laurelsmessage.org
Grants for international adoption, in three areas: international adoption; significant medical-needs adoption; and post-placement support for children with adoption/attachment challenges. Board may choose to award a matching grant.
Application Deadline(s): Applications accepted as of October 1, 2024 and deadline is December 15, 2025. Grants awarded by January 15, 2025.
Application Fee: None.
Grant Amount: Up to $25,000 for international adoption before adoption is completed. Up to $15,000 for medical-needs adoption. Up to $5,000 for post-placement support.
Grant Eligibility: Single parents or couples, regardless of race, religion, gender, ethnicity, marital status, or sexual orientation. Must demonstrate great financial need, significant obstacles and hardships. Must submit follow-up report six months and one year following award. A completed home study is required.
Rollstone Foundation – www.rollstone.us.
For international adoption of special-needs children.
Application Deadline(s): Ongoing. (Bimonthly application reviews.)
Application Fee: None.
Grant Amount: $1,000 to $5,000.
Grant Eligibility: Applicants must have a referral to adopt one or more special-needs orphan(s).
*Note: Grant(s) awarded to Cradle of Hope Adoption Center families
Grants/Loans for Christian Families
ABBA Fund – www.abbafund.org
Provides interest free loans to Christian married couples. Families can also apply for grants through a partner of ABBA Fund. Funds are disbursed to third-party service providers (adoption agency, lawyer, etc.).
Application Deadline(s): Ongoing, with typical response time of 6-8 weeks.
Application Fee: None.
Grant Amount: Information not provided.
Loan Amount: Typically $6,000 to $8,000 but not to exceed more than 1/3 of overall adoption expenses. Usually a three-year term. Loans are not made until family has referral and target court date to complete adoption.
Loan Eligibility: Detailed application, completed home study, pastor’s letter of reference, statement of faith/shared beliefs. Applicants are assessed in four areas: Heart for Adoption; Spiritual Wellness of Family; Educational and Parenting Values; and Biblical Stewardship.
*Note: Grant(s) awarded to Cradle of Hope Adoption Center families
America’s Christian Credit Union –https://www.americaschristiancu.com/personal/loans/adoption-loans.html
Adoption loans available for domestic or international adoption. Also has an “Adoption Line of Credit.
Application Deadline(s): Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Application Fee: None.
Loan Amount: minimum $1,000.
Grant Eligibility: Membership in ACCU required. Simple process: fill out short application form and share personal adoption story.
Be The One
For two-parent Christian families (man/woman) pursuing adoption but will consider single applicants. Prefer families working with an accredited adoption advice provider.
Application Deadline(s): Applications are reviewed quarterly.
Application Fee: None.
Grant Amount: $500.00 to $1,000.
Grant Eligibility: Must live in Ohio, Indiana, or Kentucky and can apply at any point during the adoption process. Financial assistance determined by four factors: families who are committed to the Christian faith; the need of the child; the financial needs of the parents; the availability of funds of Be The One. Application must be submitted with a letter from the adoption agency, a letter from a pastor, a list of expenses for the adoption, and a signed copy of the organizations Statement of Faith.
Chosen for Life Ministries
Provides funds for prospective adoptive parents in Georgia and the surrounding states (Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, and North Carolina) through the Family Sponsorship Program for both international and domestic adoptions.
Application Deadline(s): Quarterly on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 1.
Application Fee: None.
Grant Amount: starting at $2,000.
Grant Eligibility: Christian couples living in Georgia and surrounding states with a completed home study who are working with both a licensed homestudy agency and licensed placing agency. Applicants are considered based upon financial need and written statement of faith. Prospective parents must indicate agreement with organization’s Statement of Faith as well as a reference letter from their lead or associate pastor.
Ephesians 3:20 Foundation – https://www.eph320foundation.org
(partners with Lifesong for Orphans to manage the application and fundraising process.)
Provides adoption grants to married Christian adoptive parents for both international and domestic adoption.
Application Deadline(s): Applications accepted in July only. Allow 4-6 weeks for processing.
Application Fee: None.
Grant Amount: Typically range from $1,000 to $5,000.
Grant Eligibility: Must be working with a licensed, child-placing agency, and a completed homestudy is required. Must be in the final stages of the adoption process. Grants are determined based on: leading of the Holy Spirit; needs of the child; financial need of prospective adoptive parents; referral and level of support from local church pastor/leadership; availability of funds in families’ outreach adoption grant program. Prospective adoptive parents must be qualified U.S. citizens. Applications must include an endorsement from the family’s pastor and a completed statement of faith. Families must fall below a maximum income requirement that varies based on the number of people in a family.
*Note: Grant(s) awarded to Cradle of Hope Adoption Center families
Orphan Outreach – www.orphanoutreach.org
Provides adoption grants to married Christian couples for both international and domestic adoptions.
Application Deadline(s): January 31st, April 30th, July 31st, and October 31st.
Application Fee: None.
Grant Amount: Grant amount is determined by the organization on a case-by-case basis.
Grant Eligibility: A completed homestudy is required. Families must demonstrate a financial need (In general, annual gross family income should be below $120,000 for a family of four) and must submit a pastoral reference as well as a personal reference. Families must in good conscience and affirm signing off on organization’s statement of belief. Families must be officially matched with their child and must demonstrate a funding status of a minimum of 70% raised.
Golden Dawn Adoption Assistance, Inc. – http://www.goldendawnaa.org
Provides adoption grants to “families of faith” who wish to adopt children with special needs “and other hard to place children.”
Application Deadline(s): None; applications reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Application Fee: $20.00.
Grant Amount: Up to $2,000.
Grant Eligibility: Must be adopting a child with special needs. Family must be a family of faith; a letter of recommendation from family’s ecclesiastical leader explaining their activity in church is required, along with a completed homestudy. Funds are paid directly to the adoption agency.
Hands of Hope – http://handsofhopein.org/grants-and-loans/
Partners with Lifesong for Orphans to manage the application screening, interest-free loans, and matching grant processes.
Provides matching grants and interest-free loans to families in Indiana pursuing both domestic and international adoptions. Qualifying families who, based on financial situation, would not qualify for a matching grant or interest free loan, may still set up an account so others can make tax deductible donations towards their adoptions.
Application Deadline(s): Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Application Fee: None.
Grant Amount: Loans up to $5,000
Grant Eligibility: Straightforward application that clearly lists qualifying adoption costs. Detailed expense reporting. Includes in-depth personal statement of faith and an endorsement from your pastor. A completed homestudy is required.
Katelyn’s Fund Orphan Ministry – https://katelynsfund.org/adoption-grants
Grants for Christian families showing financial hardship with adoption process. Funds are disbursed directly to adoption agency. Up to three subsequent grants will be given as able. Application Deadline(s): Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Application Fee: None.
Grant Amount: Grants given may be up to $3,000 contingent on available resources.
Grant Eligibility: Must be two-parent, married, heterosexual, Christian families professing belief in Jesus Christ as the only Lord and Savior. After review of application, the couple may be invited for personal interview, either in-person or virtually. Decisions made following the interview. Interview must take place at least 90 days before travel to complete international adoption and 45 days for domestic adoption. A completed homestudy is required.
*Note: Grant(s) awarded to Cradle of Hope Adoption Center families
Lifesong for Orphans – https://lifesong.org/adoption/apply
For traditional, two-parent Christian families completing international and domestic adoptions. Provides matching grants, interest free loans, adoption crowdfunding pages and fundraising support for domestic and international adoptions.
Application Deadline(s): None. Allow 4-6 weeks for application processing.
Application Fee: None.
Grant Amount: Amount varies – specific amount will be decided upon if application is approved.
Grant Eligibility: Detailed expense reporting is required. Includes in-depth personal statement of faith and an endorsement from your pastor. A completed homestudy is required. Criteria for loans and grants are as follows: leading of the Holy Spirit; needs of the child; financial need of prospective adoptive parents; referral and level of support from local church pastor/leadership; availability of funds.
*Note: Grant(s) awarded to Cradle of Hope Adoption Center families
Loving Arms Adoption Resource Ministries – http://lovingarms.life
For conservative Anabaptist families that conform to the 1921 Garden City Confession of Faith pursuing an adoption internationally, domestically, or through the foster care system.
Application deadline(s): Information not provided.
Application Fee: Information not provided.
Grant Amount: Amount varies, but will not exceed $10,000.
Grant Eligibility: Must have a completed homestudy. Must be in process with a 501(c)(3) placing agency. Must be members of a Conservative Anabaptist church that conforms to the 1921 Garden City Confession of Faith, with preference is given to families with a waiting or medically needy child. Selection of the recipients will be based on a combination of age/medical condition of the child, cost of the adoption, the families’ financial situation and availability of funds at Loving ARMs. Grants will be disbursed only for qualified adoption expenses and will be paid directly to the service provider. The organization also offers post-adoption support.
*Note: Grant(s) awarded to Cradle of Hope Adoption Center families
Show Hope – www.showhope.org
Primarily focused on Christian parents (single or married), for domestic or international adoptions; Also provides pre- and post-adoption advice/support as well as grants specifically for adoptee’s medical needs. For international adoptions, country must be party to the Hague Adoption Convention.
Application Deadline(s): Quarterly: March 31st, June 30th, September 30th, December 31st.
Application Fee: None.
Grant Amount: $8,000 – $12,000.
Grant Eligibility: Online application only and must have completed home study. Adoptions through licensed adoption agencies only. No independent adoptions, no embryo adoptions, and no adoptions through for-profit adoption agencies. Will consider adoption of more than one child at a time. Financial need is strong consideration, but no income requirements. Applications require a reference from the family’s pastor along with church address, phone number, pastor’s email address, and website. All funds will be disbursed directly to the adoption agency.
*Note: Grant(s) awarded to Cradle of Hope Adoption Center families
Promise 686 – https://www.promise686.org/family-support-grants
For married Christian couples living in Georgia. Promise686 administers grants on behalf of participating churches. Churches offer three types of adoption grants: Adoption Matching Grants, Legal Grants, and Post-Placement Support Grants. Families fundraise for their adoption within their communities, typically using letters, emails, or face-to-face meetings. Church Adoption Funds, administered by Promise686, match the funds raised dollar-for-dollar up to the grant amount. Legal grants are offered to offset legal expenses, such as domestic re-adoption of international adoptees, etc. Post Placement Support grants help with counseling, therapy, or special education needs of a child.
Application Deadline(s): January 1st, March 1st, May 1st, July 1st, September 1st, November 1st.
Application Fee: None.
Grant Amount: $500 to $4000 for one child; $500 to $6000 for more than one child.
Grant Eligibility: Must complete pre-approval application and home study. Families must reside in Georgia and both husband and wife must be church members in good standing that adhere to the truths of the Nicene Creed. Applicants must be utilizing a non-profit adoption agency. Prospective recipients will be invited to be interviewed in person or via Zoom. Many families who receive Adoption Matching Grants may later apply for a Legal Grant.
*Note: Grant(s) awarded to Cradle of Hope Adoption Center families
Loans
A Child Waits Foundation – http://www.achildwaits.org/grantloan-program.html
Low-interest adoption loans for families adopting internationally.
Application Deadline(s): Ongoing reviews. Apply at least 3-4 months prior to expected travel date.
Application Fee: One fee $20 for either loan or grant, or both at same time.
Loan Amount: No more than $10,000 (3% interest, 5-year maximum term).
Loan Eligibility: Family income must be $150,000 or less. Must be in the process of accepting a referral and have a completed homestudy. A credit check will be performed and co-signer option is available. Families can apply for an adoption as well as a loan with this organization; the total amount will not exceed $10,000. Selection of applicants for loans is based upon: cost of adoption; demonstrated financial need; ability to make loan payments; credit evaluation.
ABBA Fund – www.abbafund.org
Provides interest free loans to Christian families consisting of married couples. Families can also apply for grants through a partner of ABBA Fund. Funds are disbursed to third-party service providers (adoption agency, lawyer, etc.).
Application Deadline(s): Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with a typical response time of 6-8 weeks.
Application Fee: None.
Loan Amount: Typically $6,000 to $8,000 but not to exceed more than 1/3 of overall adoption expenses. Usually a three-year term. Loans are not made until family has referral and target court date to complete adoption.
Loan Eligibility: Detailed application, completed home study, three letters of reference (one must be pastor’s letter of reference), agreement to organization’s Statement of Faith/shared beliefs. Applicants are assessed in four areas: Heart for Adoption; Spiritual Wellness of Family; Educational and Parenting Values; and Biblical Stewardship.
*Note: Grant(s) awarded to Cradle of Hope Adoption Center families
America’s Christian Credit Union
https://www.americaschristiancu.com/personal/loans/adoption-loans.html
Adoption loans with fixed low interest rates available for domestic or international adoption. Also has an “Adoption Line of Credit.”
Application Deadline(s): Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Application Fee: None.
Loan Amount: minimum $5,000 up to $50,000.
Grant Eligibility: Membership in ACCU required. Application for membership is straightforward: fill out the short application form and share personal adoption story.
Hands of Hope – http://handsofhopein.org/grants-and-loans/
Hands of Hope utilizes LifeSong for Orphans for their Matching Grant and Interest Free Loan program, which offers interest-free loans to adoptive families who live in Indiana pursuing international or domestic adoption.
Application Deadline(s): Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Application Fee: None.
Loan Amount: Up to $5,000.
Loan Eligibility: Straightforward application, clearly lists qualifying adoption costs. Detailed expense reporting. Requires an in-depth personal statement of faith and an endorsement from your pastor. A completed homestudy is required.
Lifesong for Orphans – https://lifesong.org/adoption/apply
For traditional, two-parent Christian families. Provides interest-free loans for domestic and international adoptions.
Application Deadline(s): None.
Application Fee: None.
Loan Amount: approximately $3,000 to $8,000.
Loan Eligibility: Straightforward application, clearly lists qualifying adoption costs. Detailed expense reporting. Includes in-depth personal statement of faith and an endorsement from your pastor. A completed homestudy is required. Criteria for loans and grants are as follows: leading of the Holy Spirit; needs of the child; financial need of prospective adoptive parents; referral and level of support from local church pastor/leadership; availability of funds.
Pathways for Little Feet– http://www.pathwaysforlittlefeet.org/adoption-financial-assistance
Provides interest-free loans to single and married families to help with the costs of adoption. Monthly payments on the loan are required, but the payment amount is set by the family.
Application Deadline(s): None.
Application Fee: None.
Loan Amount: Up to $10,000. Funds are available to the family one month before the due date or placement date. For international adoptions, funds are available one month prior to the final travel date.
Loan Eligibility: Applicants must use licensed adoption agency in their state and have an approved home study. While there is no specific maximum family income level, a completed application must include household income, monthly expenses, credit scores, existing debt, and other important financial information. Phone numbers of four references are required.
Loans for Jewish Families
Hebrew Free Loan Society – https://hfls.org/loan-programs/adoption
Offers interest-free adoption loans to low- and moderate-income level New York City residents to help cover adoption-related costs including agency fees, advertising costs, travel fees, and birth parent medical expenses. Payments are made by electronic debit of a checking account, beginning one month after the loan is received.
Application Deadline(s): HFLS reviews and decides on loan applications daily.
Application Fee: None.
Loan Amount: Up to $25,000.
Loan Eligibility: Loan applicants must have annual pre-tax household income at or below the income limits for their household sizes listed on their website. Loans must be repaid within 5 years. Must be a resident of New York City’s five boroughs, Westchester County, or Long Island. Must have a completed homestudy and documentation of cost (invoices or bills). Two guarantors are required for all loans. See guarantor criteria on the website. Must have a completed home study.
Fundraising Sources
Adopt Together – https://www.adopttogether.org
AdoptTogether is a project of Hoping Hearts Foundation, an IRS approved 501(c)(3) organization. It is a crowdfunding platform that bridges the gap between families who want to adopt and the children who need loving homes. The organization has donors who generously donate so that a grant program exists for adoption expenses required for your adoption. This can include expenses such as homestudy fees, agency fees, attorney or court fees, travel expenses to bring your child(ren) home, etc. Grant requests are reviewed by the Hoping Hearts Foundation board every 30 days and approved grants are processed the following week. Please allow up to 30 days to receive your funds. It also permits families to set up a profile and begin fundraising.
Both Hands– https://bothhands.org
Both Hands offers fundraising support for families pursuing adoption. Families must gather a team of several workers who will then spend a day of service working on a widow’s home. All of the money raised goes towards the family’s adoption. The family and their team raise sponsorship for their project day through sending letters and sharing their fundraising webpage; families have raised an average of over $22,000 over the last three years.
Connected Hearts Ministry– http://www.connectedheartsministry.org/
Connected Hearts Ministry provides adoption funding for both international and domestic adoptions specifically for children with special needs, older children and children in sibling groups.
Connected Hearts Ministry provides free one-on-one adoption funding coaching that helps families raise funds for their adoption through crowdfunding, fundraising and identifying and applying for grants. The organization partners with Open Hearts for Orphans, an organization created to care for orphaned and abandoned children around the world through medical intervention, meeting basic needs, and providing “Say Yes” grants to families in the adoption process. As a preferred partner, qualified Connected Heart’s families can apply for a $2,000 grant from Open Hearts for Orphans. To qualify for the Connected Hearts’ fundraising program, families must be married (man/woman) or single person who have professed belief in the Christian faith and is working with a licensed child-placing agency.
Donations from Churches and Community Groups – Some families have received financial help towards their adoption expenses from their church and other civic organizations in their local area.
IRS Adoption Credit and Adoption Assistance Program – Publication 5851-B (Rev. 8-2024) (irs.gov) or Forms and Pubs Index Search | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)
Offers both a tax credit for qualified adoption expenses paid to adopt an eligible child and an exclusion for employer-provided adoption assistance. The credit is nonrefundable. For adoptions finalized in 2023 (tax returns claimed in 2024), the maximum amount a family can receive as credit is $15,950 per adopted child. Foster care and intercountry adoptions must be final before you can claim the Adoption Tax Credit. In domestic adoption, parents can either file for the credit when the adoption is final or in the tax year following the expenses being paid. In 2023, families with a modified adjusted gross income below $239,230 can claim full credit. Those with incomes from $239,230 to $279,230 can claim partial credit, and those with incomes above $279,230 cannot claim the credit. Qualified expenses include reasonable and necessary adoption fees, court costs and legal fees, Adoption related travel expenses like meals and lodging, and other expenses directly related to the legal adoption of an eligible child.
Many states do have an adoption tax benefit in addition to the federal tax credit. These state benefits can be claimed when filing state tax returns.
For detailed information, order Publication 5851-B (irs.gov) or contact the IRS at 1-800-829-3676 or download it from the above link.
Lifesong for Orphans – https://mystory.lifesongfororphans.org/how-it-works/
All funds raised go to the family’s adoption fund through adoption crowdfunding pages and fundraising support for domestic and international adoptions. Adoptive families must complete and be approved by Lifesong before launching their campaign. Funds raised for adoption through mySTORY go directly into families’ Lifesong account and are then disbursed.
Note: Many fundraising programs keep a percentage of donations received as an administrative fee. Your friends and family are welcome to donate directly to Cradle of Hope, earmarking their donation for a particular child’s adoption, and 100% of their donation will be applied to that child’s adoption.
More information on financing your adoption:
Adoption Financing Information – https://adoptionfinancinginformation.com – provides financing information regarding grants, loans, and fundraising for adoption expenses.
My Adoption Advisor – www.myadoptionadvisor.com – User-friendly site with links to resources for grants and loans, tips on fundraising, and information on tax credits and military adoption benefits.
New Beginnings – http://www.new-beginnings.org/about/list-financial-assistance-organizations Their mission is to find orphaned and displaced children permanent loving homes by providing quality and compassionate social services through the adoption process and after the child is placed. Financial assistance is provided for international adoptions through this agency.
Resources4Adoption – www.resources4adoption.com/store.html– Resources4Adoption maintains a list of active adoption grants and loans and provides it for free to families who are looking for waysDOD Adoption Reimbursement Policy to afford their adoption.
Fund Your Adoption – http://fundyouradoption.tv – Free access to 50+ grant organizations and information on the different types of grants, loans and fundraising available.
