Getting Started

We understand that international adoption is not inexpensive. Our fees are determined based on domestic and overseas expenses, and include certain unavoidable costs such as rent, utilities, telephones, printing, supplies and postage, as well as compensation for our staff. Our fees must cover all operating expenses and provide sufficient reserve to cover months without placements or expenses incurred in connection with children who are ultimately not placed for adoption with our clients. We must also budget for travel expenses to foreign countries to begin new programs or iron out wrinkles in existing ones, as well as for foreign adoption officials to come to the United States to check on the adjustment of their children. Finally, it is important that our fees generate enough income to allow us to assist foreign orphanages with necessities such as food, clothing, medicine, and educational equipment for the many children who wait for families.

The following financing ideas may be helpful for your family:

Helpusadopt.org
Helpusadopt.org is a financial assistance grant program that will provide qualified couples and individuals with grants of up to $15,000 towards their adoption expenses. Grants are awarded twice a year, in June and December. Applicants must have a completed home study prior to applying for the grant. Applicants must be not be pursuing fertility treatments simultaneously with adoption plans, and must demonstrate that while you can provide a stable environment for a child, you are facing significant financial obstacles and need financial assistance with your adoption expenses. Priority will be given to couples/individuals without children. For more information, contact: Helpusadopt.org at P.O. Box 20435 New York, NY 10021 or by phone 917-684-5484 or email at info@helpusadopt.org

One World Adoption Fund
The One World Adoption Fund (OWAF) is a non-profit organization that offers financial assistance to U.S. families who could not otherwise afford the cost of an international adoption. Preference is given to two parent families looking to adopt more than one child, special needs children, and children older than five. More information is available at www.owaf.org

Gift of Adoption Fund
The Gift of Adoption Fund awards grants to qualified U.S. citizens who have a completed homestudy. Applicants are evaluated bases on their financial need. Average grants awarded range between $2000 and $5,000. Applicants must pay a one time $20 application fee. www.giftofadoption.org

China Care
China Care provides grants to American families who are adopting special needs or older children from mainland China. The size of grant is based on family finances and need. Grants usually fall between $1,000 and $4,000. www.chinacare.org

Shaohannah’s Hope
Shaohannah’s Hope awards grants to families in the process of adopting a child domestically or internationally. The size of each grant is determined by the need of the applicants and funds currently available at the foundation. In recent years the average grant awarded was $4,000. Shaohannah’s Hope is not accepting any new applicants at this time, but may in the future. www.shaohannahshope.org

Bright Futures
Bright Futures offers grants. There is a $10 application fee. www.brightfuturesfoundation.net

A Child Waits Foundation
A Child Waits Foundation offers low interest loans up to $10,000 as a last resort for families who have exhausted other financial aid options. Their current rate of interest is 5 percent for a loan of no more than five years. www.achildwaits.org

Subsidies for Military Families
The U.S. Armed Forces offer up to $2,000 in financial assistance to active members of the military who are adopting a child. http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_milita.cfm

Adoption Tax Credit
A federal income tax credit up to $10,000 is allowable over the five years after an adoption is completed for families who meet income guidelines. For detailed information, order Publication 968 from the IRS at 1-800-829-3676 or download it at http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc607.html

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.

Cradle of Hope Special Needs Fund
A source of grants for families adopting special needs children from Russia.

Sergey's Fund
Through the generosity of Cradle of Hope supporters, we are able to offer a limited number of $2,500 to $5,000 grants to moderate income families adopting Russian boys between 2 years and 5 years of age.

National Endowment for Financial Education
Publishes a comprehensive booklet, "How to Make Adoption an Affordable Option" can be downloaded from the Internet at http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/children/adoption/index.html.

God's Grace Adoption Ministries
Gives grants to Christian two-parent families with incomes under $60,000. www.ggam.org