Adoption ABC's: General Adoption Funding Resources

State and Federal Adoption Subsidies

The North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC) operates a toll-free help line at 800-470-6665 related to state and federal adoption subsidies. In addition, their web site offers state-by-state information on adoption subsidy programs and specific individuals to contact.

Private Grants

Brittany's Hope Foundation

Brittany's Hope facilitates adoption of children with special needs, older children or sibling groups by providing financial grants to special waiting children.

The Gift of Adoption

The Gift of Adoption fund offers grants ranging from $2,000-5,000 for families adopting children with serious medical issues and for low-income families.

National Adoption Foundation

The National Adoption Foundation has a limited program to provide grants, usually in the $2,500 range, to assist families with adoption costs. Call 203-791-3811 to request an application packet or go to www.NAFAdopt.org.

His Kids Too!

His Kids Too! is a Christian, non-profit international humanitarian aid organization working primarily in Ukraine, Russia and Albania. For parents adopting children internationally, they provide an adoption grant of up to $2,000 for one child and up to $4,000 for two siblings.

Shaohannah's Hope

Shaohannah's Hope seeks to help Christian families reduce the financial burden of adoption by awarding grants to qualified families already in the process of adopting, with the primary determinant being need. With a commitment in faith by the family, they will provide up to $7,000 toward adoption costs.

God's Grace Adoption Ministry

God's Grace Adoption Ministry is dedicated to helping place children all over the world into adoptive families, working in cooperation with the adoption agency to assist the family's financial needs through grants or assistance in adoption fundraising.

Travel Assistance

United Way International provides assistance for costs of travel for children adopted with illnesses needing immediate medical attention. Applications are selectively considered and must be supported with a doctor's statement. For more information call 703-519-0092. In addition, contact airlines to request a reduced rate or waiver of fees to get your child. Finally, ask family members or friends for a donation of frequent flyer mileage points.

Other Resources

The National Endowment for Financial Education offers a comprehensive booklet entitled "How to Make Adoption an Affordable Option".

Adoption Benefits in the Workplace

Benefits offered range from financial assistance to granting employees parental leave.

Employers Providing Benefits
Find out if your employer has adoption benefits by contacting the Human Resources Department or call the National Adoption Center (800-TO-ADOPT), or visit the Adoption and the Workplace web site.

Advocating for Adoption Benefits
If your company does not offer adoption benefits, you might consider proposing them. The Adoption and the Workplace Initiative, sponsored by The National Adoption Center and the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, has developed various materials to help individuals advocate for adoption benefits in the workplace. You can find the guide at www.adoptionfriendlyworkplace.com/.

Military Subsidies
The military will reimburse active-duty personnel for most one-time adoption costs up to $2,000 per child, whether adopting a healthy infant, a waiting child, or a child from abroad. For more information, go to their web site www.nefe.org/adoption/adopt.pgs/helpf.html.

Personal Loans

There are a variety of structured programs, as well as creative individual approaches, to pursuing a personal loan to finance an adoption. The decision on whether to take out a loan to help pay for adoption expenses can be difficult and may have serious consequences for the entire family. It is important as adoptive parents to maintain financial stability for the good of the child.

• The National Council for Adoption and Bank of America have teamed up to offer a line of credit to help with the cost of an adoption.
• A Child Waits Foundation is a financial resource for those seeking low cost loans for international adoption and who do not have other loan options such as home equity available to them.
• The National Adoption Foundation has information specific to unsecured personal loan or home-equity loan programs for adoptive families. For more information call 203-791-3811.
• The Hebrew Free Loan Association offers interest-free loans to Jewish adults who wish to adopt.
• Several local and national banks now offer adoption loans; check with banks in your area.
• Research home-equity loans or refinancing your home.
• Borrow from a 401(k) or retirement account: Consult your tax advisor or financial planner regarding the tax benefits of this loan option and how it will affect your future retirement finances.
• Borrow from a life insurance policy: Cash value life insurance policies often allow you to borrow against the policy. Consult your insurance agent as to whether this option is available to you.
• Ask a family member or friend for a loan.

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