Grants
A Child Waits Foundation – http://www.achildwaits.org/grantloan-program.html
Adoption grants 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.
Grant Amount: Not more than $5,000.
Grant Eligibility: Family income under $120,000. A completed homestudy is required.
*Note: Grant(s) awarded to Cradle of Hope Adoption Center families
Childless Mothers Adopt – http://www.cmoma.org/cmoma/the-cmoma-grant-program/
Adoption financial assistance is given to single persons or couples who are childless.
Application Deadline(s): Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Application Fee: None.
Grant Amount: $5,000.
Grant Eligibility: Childless men, women, or couples who are adopting older children (ages 2-17) or a child with special needs of any age either domestically or internationally. A completed homestudy is required. Grant winners must be willing to provide a compelling story of their child and their need for the grant, participate in a parenting class, serve as a buddy for a new family, and willingness to share their story with the public.
DOD Adoption Reimbursement Policy– http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/134109p.pdf
The Department of Defense will reimburse service members on active duty for qualifying adoption expenses. Applicants should contact the Military Service headquarters POC for adoption information to receive directions on completing DD Form 2675, “Reimbursement Request for Adoption Expenses,” available at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/forms/eforms/dd2675.pdf.
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.
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.
Gift of Adoption– www.giftofadoption.org
Grants to complete adoption process for families adopting vulnerable children.
Application Deadline(s): Monthly reviews.
Application Fee: $50.
Grant Amount: $1,000 to $7,500 (average grant: $3,500).
Grant Eligibility: Any U.S. citizen with an approved adoption home study.
*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.
Application Deadline(s): December 9, April 15, August 5
Application Fee: None.
Grant Amount: $500 to $15,000.
Grant Eligibility: At least one parent must be U.S. citizen. No religious preference. A completed homestudy is required.
*Note: Grant(s) awarded to Cradle of Hope Adoption Center families
National Adoption Foundation – http://fundyouradoption.org/adoption-grants/
Grants for domestic, international, and special needs adoptions through agencies or privately.
Application Deadline(s): Grants are reviewed quarterly. If not awarded, family may reapply.
Application Fee: Information not provided.
Grant Amount: $500 to $2,000.
Grant Eligibility: No exclusions as to race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, family characteristics, or income. A completed homestudy is required.
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 Apr. 1 through June 15.
Application Fee: None.
Grant Amount: Up to $25,000 for international adoption. 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 submit follow-up report six months and one year following award. A completed homestudy is required.
Rollstone Foundation – https://therollstonefoundation.com/
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
SowingRoots – http://www.sowingroots.org/adoption-assistance/process.html
This is a nonprofit organization started by adoptive parents who understand the financial strains of adoption.
Application Deadline(s): Mar. 30, Jul. 1, Nov. 1
Application Fee: None.
Grant Amount: $500-$5,000.
Grant Eligibility: Applications are accepted after a family has received a referral or after a family has been matched with a birth mother or specific child. Applicants must have a completed homestudy and can be adopting internationally or domestically.
Grants for Christian Families
ABBA Fund – www.abbafund.org
Provides the opportunity to be a sponsored family in ABBA’s Christian Family Adoption Grant 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.
Grant Amount: Information not provided.
Grant Eligibility: Detailed application, 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 Financial 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 grants available. Also has an “Adoption Grant” VISA card: purchases go toward adoption grant fund.
Application Deadline(s): Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Application Fee: None.
Grant Amount: $500.
Grant Eligibility: Membership in ACCU required. Simple process: fill out short application form and share personal adoption story.
Be The One –http://www.betheone1.org/
For to two-parent Christian families (one man/one woman) pursuing adoption.
Application Deadline(s): Applications are reviewed quarterly.
Application Fee: None.
Grant Amount: $500.00.
Grant Eligibility: Must be located in Ohio, Indiana, or Kentucky.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 –http://www.chosenforlifeathens.com/
Provides funds through the Family Sponsorship Program for both international and domestic adoptions.
Application Deadline(s): Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Application Fee: None.
Grant Amount: Up to $1,000.
Grant Eligibility: Christian couples living in Georgia with a completed homestudy who are working with both a licensed homestudy agency and licensed placing agency. Applicants are considered based upon financial need.
Elijah’s Truth –http://www.elijahstruth.com/grants.html
Provides adoption grants to Christian adoptive families living in Minnesota, North Dakota, or South Dakota.
Application Deadline(s): Jan. 15, Apr. 15, Jul. 15, Oct. 15.
Application Fee: None.
Grant Amount: Determined by the organization on a case-by-case basis.
Grant Eligibility: Must be matched to a minority domestic infant or plan to adopt internationally. A completed homestudy is required. Recommendation forms are required from a pastor, the adoption agency, and three references.
Ephesians 3:20 Foundation –http://www.eph320foundation.org/apply.htm
Provides adoption grants to both single and married Christian adoptive parents for both international and domestic adoption.
Application Deadline(s): Applications accepted in July and August only.
Application Fee: None.
Grant Amount: Typically range from $1,000 to $5,000.
Grant Eligibility: A completed homestudy is required. Must be in the final stages of the adoption process. Grants are awarded on a financial needs basis. Applications must include an endorsement from the family’s pastor. Families must fall below a maximum income requirement that varies based on the number of people in a family (chart found on website).
*Note: Grant(s) awarded to Cradle of Hope Adoption Center families
Families Outreach – http://familiesoutreach.org/adoption-grant-program/
Provides adoption grants to married Christian couples for both international and domestic adoption.
Application Deadline(s): Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
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 and have the endorsement of their pastor. Families must in good conscience affirm the organizations Values Statement. 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.
Forever Families Foundation – www.4everfamiliesfoundation.org/
For Christian families adopting domestically or internationally.
Application Deadline(s): Mar. 31, Aug. 31
Application Fee: Information not provided.
Grant Amount: Determined on a case-by-case basis.
Grant Eligibility: Completed and approved home study.
*Note: Grant(s) awarded to Cradle of Hope Adoption Center families
God’s Grace Adoption Ministry – https://ggam.org
For traditional, husband-and-wife Christian families. Provides financial support via matching grants.
Application Deadline(s): Feb. 28, Apr. 30, Jun. 30, Aug. 31, Oct. 31, Dec. 31
Application Fee: $25.
Grant Amount: Varies. Typically $1,000 match.
Grant Eligibility: Only for adoptions with “significant” expenses (i.e., costs total $15,000 or more). Must be committed to an agency and provide detailed list of paid and anticipated adoption expenses. Applicants are assessed in five areas: prayer-Holy Spirit leading; adoptive parents’ information; adoptive family’s financial need; child’s needs; references. A completed homestudy is not required.
Golden Dawn Adoption Assistance, Inc. – http://www.goldendawnaa.org/
Provides adoption grants to “families of faith…to adopt children with special needs and other hard to place children.” Golden Dawn has approved eighteen grants thus far totaling over $35,000.00.
Application Deadline(s): None.
Application Fee: $20.00.
Grant Amount: Up to $2,000.
Grant Eligibility: Must be adopting a child with special needs. Must be a family of faith. A completed homestudy is required.
Hand in Hand Christian Adoption, Inc. – http://www.handinhandadopt.org/
Offers matching grants to adoptive Christian couples. The organization will match every dollar you raise, up until an agreed upon maximum limit.
Application Deadline(s): Not currently accepting applications. Will announce application deadlines on their website on June 15.
Application Fee: None.
Grant Amount: A matching grant of up to $2,500 for a total of $5,000 raised.
Grant Eligibility: A completed homestudy is required.
Hands of Hope – http://handsofhopein.org/grants-and-loans/
Offers matching grants 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.
Grant Amount: Up to $10,000.
Grant 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.
JSC Foundation – http://www.jscfoundation.org/
For Christian couples with income under $120,000. Grant deadlines: 1/31, 3/31, 6/30, 8/31, 10/31..
Application Deadline(s): Applications are reviewed monthly.
Application Fee: None.
Grant Amount: Determined on a case-by-case basis, not exceeding $20,000.
Grant Eligibility: Married couples only, with family income under $120,000. Home study must be complete, approved, and paid for. Does not fund more than one adoption at a time, unless two siblings. Must not have adopted another child within past two years. Requires completed expense sheet showing all paid/outstanding fees.
*Note: Grant(s) awarded to Cradle of Hope Adoption Center families
Katelyn’s Fund Orphan Ministry – http://www.katelynsfund.org/grants
Grants for Christian families with income under $100,000.
Application Deadline(s): Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Application Fee: None.
Grant Amount: $1,500 or $3,000. Funds are disbursed directly to adoption agency.
Grant Eligibility: Must be two-parent, married, heterosexual, Christian family professing belief in Jesus Christ as the only Lord and Savior. After review of application, couple may be invited for personal interview. Decisions made following the interview. Interview must take place before travel to complete international adoption. A completed homestudy is required.
*Note: Grant(s) awarded to Cradle of Hope Adoption Center families
Kinsman Redeemer – http://thekinsmanredeemer.org/
Grants are awarded to Christian couples who are residents of Missouri.
Application Deadline(s): Feb. 15, May 15, Aug. 15, Nov. 15.
Application Fee: None.
Grant Amount: $1,000 to $7,000.
Grant Eligibility: A completed homestudy is required. Applicants must submit a statement of faith, agency recommendation form, pastoral recommendation form, financial assessment sheet, and employee adoption benefit statement. International adoptive families must have received their travel date to pick up their child and domestic adoptive families must have received placement of a child in their home. Post adoption costs are not considered for international adoption.
Lifesong for Orphans – http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/adoption-funding/adoption-grants/
For traditional, two-parent Christian families. Provides matching grants.
Application Deadline(s): None.
Application Fee: None.
Grant Amount: Matching grants from $1,000 to $4,000.
Grant 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.
*Note: Grant(s) awarded to Cradle of Hope Adoption Center families
Love Has Come – http://lovehascome.com/forever-family-fund/
For Christian families residing in Montana adopting domestically or internationally. Families must complete both the online form and the supplemental documents pdf found through the link above.
Application deadline(s): Mar. 31, June 30, Sept. 30, and Dec. 31.
Application Fee: Information not provided.
Grant Amount: $5,000 maximum grant amount.
Grant Eligibility: Families must have a completed and approved home study. Applications can be submitted once a referral has been made through to when the child is in the home. Families may only apply once per adoption and must be completing their adoption through a licensed 501(c)(3) agency. A letter of recommendation from a pastor is required. Families must also provide a statement of faith. Must be a resident of Montana or Ravalli County.
Loving Arms Adoption Resource Ministries – http://lovingarms.life/
For conservative Anabaptist families pursuing an adoption internationally, domestically, or through the foster care system.
Application deadline(s): Information not provided.
Application Fee: Information not provided.
Grant Amount: Award 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. Preference is given to families with a waiting or medically needy child.
*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.
Application Deadline(s): Feb 28, April 30, Jun 30, Aug 31, Oct 31, Dec 31.
Application Fee: None.
Grant Amount: Average $5,000.
Grant Eligibility: Completed home study. Adoptions through licensed adoption agencies only. No independent adoptions; no embryo adoptions. Will consider adoption of more than one child at a time. Financial need is strong consideration, but no income requirements. Application requires a reference from the family’s pastor.
*Note: Grant(s) awarded to Cradle of Hope Adoption Center families
Promise 686 – https://promise686.org/adoption-grants/
For married Christian couples. Matching grants, as well as legal grants (to offset legal expenses, such as domestic re-adoption of international adoptees).
Application Deadline(s): Jan 1, Mar 1, May 1, July 1, Sept 1, Nov 1.
Application Fee: None.
Grant Amount: $500 to $4000 for one child; $500 to $6000 for more than one child.
Grant Eligibility: Must fill out pre-approval application; have complete home study; live in Georgia; and both husband and wife must be church members in good standing. Face-to-face/Skype interview required.|
*Note: Grant(s) awarded to Cradle of Hope Adoption Center families
Pure Gift of God – http://puregiftofgod.org/apply-for-a-grant.html
For Christian couples and singles pursuing a domestic or international adoption.
Application deadline(s): None. It typically takes 3 months for applications to be processed.
Application Fee: None.
Grant Amount: Amount varies. The organization hopes for their grants to be sufficient enough to make adoption possible for each family.
Grant Eligibility: Must have a completed homestudy and be working with a 501(c)(3) placing agency. Application requires a statement of faith and a financial aid portion. Preference is given to families of a low socioeconomic status.
*Note: Grant(s) awarded to Cradle of Hope Adoption Center families
Grants for Jewish Families
Sarah Lily Fund – www.riverdaley.org/sarahlilyfund
For single parents or couples building a Jewish family through adoption.
Application Deadline(s): May 15, Nov 15.
Application Fee: None.
Grant Amount: $5,000.
Grant Eligibility: Must be Jewish and live in the New York City metropolitan area. Must have a completed home study and demonstrable financial need.
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: Not more than $10,000 (3% interest, 5-year maximum term).
Loan Eligibility: Family income of $135,000 or less.
National Adoption Foundation – http://fundyouradoption.org/adoption-grants/
Grants and loans for domestic, international, and special needs adoptions through agencies or privately.
Application Deadline(s): None.
Application Fee: Information not provided.
Loan Amount: $5,000 to $50,000. (Low APR personal loan through Citizens One).
Loan Eligibility: U.S. resident with valid Social Security number. A completed homestudy is required.
Pathways for Little Feet– http://www.oxfordadoption.com/
Provides interest-free loans 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 $7,500.
Loan Eligibility: Applicants must provide: completed application; current credit scores; approved home study; most recent tax information; signed consent form; most recent bank statement; copy of a valid driver’s license; copy of recent pay stubs; name, address and phone numbers of four references.
The Oxford Adoption Foundation – http://www.oxfordadoption.com/
Provides low-interest loans to help with the costs of international adoption. The payments for the loan will be set up on an automatic payment program which will begin on the first day of the first month after the loan is funded.
Application Deadline(s): None.
Application Fee: None.
Loan Amount: $5,000 per child (0% APR for years 1-3; 3% APR for years 4-6; 6% APR for years 7-9).
Loan Eligibility: Applicants must provide: a completed homestudy; tax returns for previous two years; a letter of introduction including information regarding your family, why you are adopting and the reasons for applying for a low interest loan; most recent pay stub for all applicants; copy of drivers’ license for all applicants; application form; financial statement; monthly budget; adoption expense form; consent form.
Loans for Christian Families
ABBA Fund – www.abbafund.org
Provides interest-free loans to adoptive families. 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: $6,000 to $8,000 (but no more than 1/3 of total adoption expenses).
Loan Eligibility: Detailed application, 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 Financial Stewardship.
America’s Christian Credit Union – https://www.americaschristiancu.com/personal/loans/adoption-loans.html
Adoption loans. Low-APR loans for domestic or international adoptions; covered expenses include travel for overseas adoptions.
Application Deadline(s): Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Application Fee: None.
Loan Amount: Up to $50,000 (terms up to 84 months).
Loan Eligibility: Membership in ACCU required. Can apply for personal or home-equity loan.
Hands of Hope – http://handsofhopein.org/grants-and-loans/
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 $10,000.
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.
Lifesong for Orphans – http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/adoption-funding/adoption-grants/
For traditional, two-parent Christian families. Provides interest-free loans.
Application Deadline(s): None.
Application Fee: None.
Loan Amount: $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.
Loans for Jewish Families
Hebrew Free Loan Society – http://hfls.org/our-programs/adoption-loans/
Offers interest-free adoption loans 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’s Loan Committee reviews and decides on loan applications weekly.
Application Fee: None.
Loan Amount: Up to $25,000.
Loan Eligibility: Loans must be repaid within 5 years. Applicants must have a minimum family income of $50,000 per year. 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.
Fundraising Sources
Adopt Together – https://www.adopttogether.org
Both Hands– https://bothhands.org – Both Hands offers fundraising support for families pursuing adoption. Families must gather a team of workers who will then contribute a day of service towards working on a widow’s home. All of the money raised goes towards the family’s adoption. On average, families raise $12,5000.
Connected Hearts Ministry –http://www.connectedheartsministry.org/Provides funds through the Family Sponsorship Program for both international and domestic adoptions. Families must be a married couple who have been matched with an older child (over the age of 5) or a special needs child, who have already completed their homestudy and demonstrate financial need.
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 – http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc607.htmlOffers 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. The maximum amount (dollar limit) for 2017 is $13,570 per child. For detailed information, order Publication 968 from the IRS at 1-800-829-3676 or download it from the above link.
Lifesong for Orphans – http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/adoption-funding/adoption-grants/ provides Adoption Fundraising Kit with advice on fundraising; offers program in which adopting family solicits volunteers to find sponsors for them to rehab a widow’s home; then all funds raised go to the family’s adoption fund.
PureCharity.com – https://purecharity.com
YouCaring.com – https://www.youcaring.com/adoption-fundraising
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
Affording Adoption – http://www.affordingadoption.com/– No-cost access to a few resources for fundraising, loans, and grants. (New site; may grow.)
My Adoption Advisor – www.myadoptionadvisor.com/th_gallery/how-to-afford-adoption/– 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/– Nearly two dozen financial assistance organizations for international adoption
Resources4Adoption – www.resources4adoption.com/store.html– Fee-based access to searchable online database of grants and loans and/or Adoption Finance Toolkit.
Fund Your Adoption – http://fundyouradoption.tv/adoption-grants/- Free access to 50+ grant organizations and information on the different types of grants available.
