How to Fund an Adoption

Updated: 1/24/10

This is something I will periodically update as there are an increasing number of resources to help fund an adoption. Contact me if you have any suggestions to add to the list. I encourage folks to make use of as many as possible, as you have need.

Federal Adoption Tax Credit

Currently the federal adoption tax credit provides a credit of up to $13,170 per child (2010) for “qualified adoption expenses.” This credit has helped many couples plan and finance their adoption. Additional details about the Federal Adoption Tax Credit can be found at here.

Interest-Free Adoption Loans

• The ABBA Fund is designed to help Christian families overcome the financial obstacles of adoption through interest-free loans that can be paid back over time.
• LegacyChild is a ministry of the ABBA Fund designed for families to set up memorial funds in memory of a loved one. The family is able to choose a pre-approved family that is waiting for funding for their adoption from our website to receive an interest-free loan. Click here to find out how you can start a memorial fund and click here to see the families waiting for funding for their adoption.
• Lifesong is another organization that provides interest-free loans.
• Other loan options worth looking into are Home Equity Loans, Lines of Credit, borrowing from family or friends, low-interest credit cards.

Fundraising

A legitimate way to raise money for your adoption is through good ol’ fashioned fundraising. I have heard of families selling baked goods, holding garage sales, etc. My wife and I were given 200 worship CD’s by a friend who has a band that we in turn sold for $10 a piece to friends at church. We sold over 120 CD’s and that paid for a good portion of the home study costs. There are many possibilities here. Check out my post on Adoption Fundraising ideas.

Gifts

Many friends and family, once they realize how much adoption costs, will joyfully give to help out. I recommend being honest with people about how much adoption costs and at the same time honest about your trust in God to provide those finances. We were blessed to receive a number of one-time gifts from individuals whom God stirred to give.

Grants

There are a number of ministries that give grants that are worth looking into, most notably:

• Show Hope
• Caroline’s Promise (North Carolina only)
• God’s Grace Adoption Ministries (matching grants)
• The MICAH Fund (Midwest only)
• International Children’s Adoption Resource Effort
• National Adoption Foundation
• A Child Waits
• Our Creators Hope
• The LYDIA Fund (International Adoptions)
• Katelyn’s Fund
• Orphan Impact
• Cadman Foundation

Employer Adoption Assistance

A number of companies have adoption assistance programs built into their benefits with some providing between $2000 to $8000. For more information visit www.adoptionfriendlyworkplace.org

Church Adoption Assistance Funds

An increasing number of churches are establishing Adoption Funds as part of their budgets. Our current church has such a fund though it is not widely advertised. I recommend asking your pastor whether your church has something set up. If not, ask about starting a fund. This may feel awkward or a conflict of interest but I believe that the long-term benefit to the church will outweigh the benefit you will receive if it is setup right. For information on how the ABBA Fund can help you establish and administrate a Church Matching Grant and Interest-Free Loan Fund for Adoption at your church visit our website here.

More Information About the Cost of Adoption and Financial Assistance Alternatives:

• Download Adoption Costs & Financial Assistance Resources – a PDF from Irving Bible Church.
• Funding Adoption at adoptionblogs.com