Adoption Grants
When it comes to the cost of adoption, most of us could use a little, or a lot, of financial help. Adoption grants can help make your adoption dreams a reality. They definitely made a big difference in our adoption journey.
Here are 5 adoption grants you may have never even heard of!
And, if this list isn’t enough, be sure to grab the free download below that covers 14 adoption grants!
Some of the grants on the free download I discovered after we adopted. I wish we had known about them from the beginning. But, I’m happy to have found them and to share them with you!
Remember…
Before we dive in, please keep in mind that organizations that offer grants have limited funds. Not everyone who applies for a grant will receive one. Even if you do not receive the grant you apply for, don’t get discouraged. There are other grants (9 other on the download) as well as many other ways to fund an adoption.
Also, if you are going to apply for a grant, take your time and do exactly as directed by the grant organization. Failing to complete the application in the way they ask or leaving out requested documents and information can disqualify you altogether. But, I promise, it’s not that hard! I successfully applied for and received a few that contributed thousands of dollars toward our adoptions. If I can do it, so can you!
Home-Study Completion
Another important thing to note is that most organizations that offer grants require that you have a completed and approved home study or home study update before applying for financial assistance.
However, I started researching grants well before we were at that point and it helped tremendously once we were ready to apply.
If you do receive a grant, the funds are typically payable to the recipient’s licensed adoption agency or lawyer for outstanding or future expenses. Many times, the funds are sent directly to the agency.
Now, let’s dive into more details on 5 adoption grants you may have never even heard of!
Show Hope
The Show Hope grant is near and dear to my heart! The founder of this grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, is the reason I became so interested in adoption. After attending one of his concerts where he highlighted adoption, I just knew it was how we would build our family.
With Show Hope, there are six application deadlines throughout the year:
Feb 28th, April 30th, June 30th, Aug 31st, Oct 31st, Dec 31st
According to their site, “Your application is complete after you successfully submit your application and all references and documents are submitted. Your application date is the day your complete application is submitted to Show Hope. If a portion of your application or references is not complete, you will be moved to the next deadline.”
You will receive notification of the outcome of your application by mail. Processing the application takes a minimum of 90 days after the application deadline.
Show Hope grants average $5,000
I still remember getting that letter in the mail saying we were selected for a grant from Show Hope. It was such an awesome moment and a great demonstration of God’s provision in our choice to follow His calling to adopt.
Check out more details and learn more about this grant here: https://showhope.org/our-work/adoption-aid/
Gift of Adoption
Gift of Adoption is another great grant option that worked out well for us.
According to their site, “Gift of Adoption is the largest provider of adoption assistance grants awarded without regard to race, religion, age, marital status, or sexual orientation. Grants of up to $10,000 are awarded monthly to qualified applicants to remove prohibitive financial barriers and make possible the adoptions of some of the most vulnerable children in the U.S. and around the world. There is no application deadline. Families are invited to apply anytime after completing their home study and before finalization.”
Adoption assistance grants from Gift of Adoption range from $1,000 to $10,000 while the average grant award is $3,500.
Learn more about this grant here: https://giftofadoption.org/apply-for-a-grant/
Help Us Adopt
This organization award grants four times a year in February, May, August, and November. Applications must be submitted online or postmarked by the date indicated to be considered for that cycle.
According to the site, they award a total of $100,000 per grant cycle. Each Grant award is between $500 – $15,000. “The amount awarded is determined based on the amount requested and demonstrated need. The amount requested will not affect the decision to award a grant.”
We received a smaller grant from this organization, but it was still a tremendous help! Any amount that you can receive through a grant is money that you do not have to pay back so it is well worth taking the time to apply if you are in a position of financial need.
Learn more here: https://www.helpusadopt.org/apply
A Child Waits Foundation
A Child Waits Foundation offers adoption grants as well as loans for domestic and international adoption.
They state that their purpose is to “increase the number of children who are adopted by providing grants and low-interest loans to families to help with the cost of adoption.”
They also state right on their site that despite Covid-19, they are open and continue to accept grant and loan applications, take phone calls and reply to emails.
Learn more here: https://www.achildwaits.org/
National Adoption Foundation
The National Adoption Foundation states that they are “dedicated to providing financial support for adoptive families in order to assist them in the successful adoption of children. We are committed to improving each child’s chance of becoming part of a loving family. The Foundation’s programs are available to any family whether they are adopting a child domestically, abroad or from foster care.”
They understand that a huge barrier to adoption is the expense. Their grant program is open to all legal adoptions including public or private agency adoptions, international, special needs, or adoptions facilitated by an attorney. There is no income requirement. There is a simple one-page application and the only requirement to apply is a home study or one in progress.
Learn more here:https://www.fundyouradoption.org/adoption-grants/
What Next?
Although these are five awesome adoption grant options, don’t limit yourself. Download the free PDF below that lists 14 adoption grants with links to apply.
I can’t stress this enough! If you are in a financial situation that makes the cost of adoption prohibitive, apply for grants! Aside from a little time, you have absolutely nothing to lose and so much to gain.
