It is possible to get all of the money you need for your adoption!

One of the most difficult parts to adoption is working with families to help put together a financial plan for their adoption. There are many resources available and we customize plans to fit the family. Most families we work with whether they are doing an international or domestic adoption, consider a loan to get the cash upfront for expenses so they can get the process moving. Having a handle on the finances helps to move things along smoother and more efficiently.

We like to recommend a more diverse approach to financing an adoption. There is no ‘one size fits all,’ everything we do is completely customized to the family; every family, every adoption has its own characteristics, unique as the child they will bring into their lives. For that reason, it’s important to let them know about all of the resources and encourage the development of a plan. In this tip we’ll provide some basics below about how to consider loans and grants.

Most families we work with whether they are doing an international or domestic adoption consider a loan to get the cash upfront for expenses so they can get the process moving. Even though there are many differences between domestic or international adoption, either way, the cost is still what it is and establishing upfront what is possible can help instill confidence and lower anxiety for the family. Isn’t it a complex enough process, just getting through the home study and all of the paperwork? Having a handle on the finances helps to move things along smoother and more efficiently.

So what are some of the resources that we like that are out there?

Listed below are just some of the companies we recommend when working with our families. As a professional you may find this helpful in guiding a family or sharing with your team.

Loans are typically the first thing that is considered when you are putting together a financial plan. Why? Because in most cases being able to secure a loan helps the family feel more secure about the process.

Start with your home bank.

Where do they have a banking relationship? They have a better chance at refinancing their current mortgage or taking out a home equity loan with the bank that has the existing mortgage.

Research outside lenders.

One of the best is America’s Christian Credit Union.

Website: https://www.americaschristiancu.com/personal/loans/adoption-loans.html

They require you to sign a statement of faith, but as far as available products such as a line of equity on your automobile, adoption visa to travel or home mortgage and equity lines, their team is truly dedicated to helping adoptive families succeed. They have competitive rates and long terms (up to 84 months) which can be helpful for those in a long international adoption process. Caution is required for any lender that wants to charge a high interest rate, usually these are considered predatory lenders and not someone to do business with. They are better off getting a loan from a family member.

Look into zero-interest lenders.

There are a few lenders who are in the nonprofit sector who provide loans with no interest. One of the most popular is Pathways for little feet.

Website: http://www.pathwaysforlittlefeet.org/get-involved/apply/

They offer loans of up to $7,500, they consider credit score, income and financial need. They provide loans at the last minute for travel funds or birth mother fees – releasing funds up to 30 days prior to the adoption date. While they are a religious organization, they do not have any faith requirements or statements that are needed for loan approval.

Consider a combination of a grant and loan.

An excellent example of this is A Child Waits.

Website: http://www.achildwaits.org/grantloan-program.html

They provide grants to adoptive families and can also give  a low to no interest loan in addition to a grant. They have no deadlines for submission, nor do they have any religious affiliation. Loans and grants or a combination cannot exceed $10,000.

Here are other Foundations to consider

HelpUSadopt: http://www.helpusadopt.org/apply

Provides qualified couples and individuals -regardless of race, ethnicity, marital status, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or disability- with grants of up to $15,000 towards their domestic, international, foster, or special needs adoption expenses.

Lifesong for Orphans: http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/adoption-funding/adoption-grants/ 

Innovative “Both Hands” program providing matching fundraising grants. They also have an interest free loan program.

Gift of Adoption: http://giftofadoption.org/apply-for- a-grant/

Average grant size is $3,500. Grants are available for both International and Domestic adoption.

Show Hope: https://showhope.org/our-work/adoption-aid/apply-for-a-grant/

Funding priority will be given, but not limited, to families with the greatest financial need who complete the application process with integrity, establishing that they are equipped to provide a child with a loving home consistent with the founding principles of Show Hope.

Affording Adoption: http://www.affordingadoption.com/

Grant program offering financial assistance to families in the process of adopting. Grants vary in amount, depending upon the current number of applicants, as well as the need of those applicants.

Sparrow Fund: http://sparrow-fund.org/how- we-serve/grants/grant- info

Provides grants specifically to cover the expense of a medical review of a waiting child’s file.

Cade Foundation: http://www.cadefoundation.org/Grants/family-building-grant

Provides up to $10,000 to help with costs of domestic adoption and medical fertility treatment.

Kately’s Fund: http://www.katelynsfund.org/grants

Need based grant for Christian families.

JSC Foundation: http://www.jscfoundation.org/register/

Income based grants up to $20,000 (more for sn or sibling adoptions). Must be a Christian family.

God’s Grace Adoption: https://ggam.org/apply/

Christian based program with grants between $1,000 and $4,000.

The LYDIA Fund: http://lydiafund.org/apply/

Recipients must be married Christian couples adopting children from orphanages.

The ABBA Fund: http://www.abbafund.org/how-we- help/family-adoption-funds/

Christian based financial assistance for adoption related expenses.