Looking for adoption grants? Check out these grants are great for any type of family.
Domestic and international adoption can be so expensive! Even when you knowingly have the funds raise a child, most of us don’t have $40,000 sitting in our bank accounts.
However, there are grant opportunities available to help families pursing adoption.
Some grants are based on certain qualities of the individuals applying, such as religion.
The grants included below state that they are awarded regardless of race, religion, gender, ethnicity, marital status, or sexual orientation which makes them a great option for anyone
When we started the adoption process, I began applying for grants. Then, we got matched so fast that I didn’t have enough time to finish any!
It was amazing to be matched so early, but we didn’t get the chance to try to get any financial help through grants.
I was able to compile a pretty long list of available opportunities that I am going to share with you all, starting with this post.
And you can find a much longer list in my resource library.
1. Help us Adopt
Help Us Adopt offers grants to individuals or couples who live in the United States. They have four grant cycles a year and you can apply once each time. Applications are accepted online or by mail. This grant can be used for domestic, international, or adoptions from foster care. For more information, check out their website. They have a great FAQ section that answers a ton of questions.
Amount: up to $15,000 paid directly to the agency or lawyer
Website: https://www.helpusadopt.org
Application Fee: None
Requirements: Must have a completed Home Study
Deadlines: Grants are awarded four times a year. Check the website for the most current dates.
2. Gift of adoption
This grant can be used for domestic or international adoption. Applications are accepted by mail. It looks as though this grant gives priority to helping children in high need situations, such as keeping children out of foster care or keeping siblings together.
Amount: up to $10,000
Website: https://giftofadoption.org/apply-for-a-grant/
Application Fee: $50
Requirements: Must have a home study
Deadlines: Grants are awarded monthly. No application deadline, so you can apply at anytime.
3. Dream for Adoption
This grant program offers assistance to families starting the home study process. They run two grant cycles a year and families can apply once per cycle. Every needed to apply can be found on their website. This was one of the only grants that I could find available that will help with home study expenses.
Amount: Up to $1,500 for home study expenses (paid directly to the agency) and up to $500 for post adoption expenses (paid directly to the applicant)
Website: https://dream4adoption.org
Application Fee: $35
Requirements: Must be pre-approved to start the process with an adoption agency or lawyer.
Deadlines: Two cycles a year. One in the spring and one in the fall.
4. A Child Waits
This organization provides grant opportunities only for international adoptions. Any US or Canadian citizen can apply and you must mail in your application. The grant funds will go to the agency first if there is an outstanding balance, then the remaining goes to the family. You can also apply for a loan through them as well, even at the same time you apply for a grant.
Amount: Up to $7,000
Website: https://www.achildwaits.org/
Application Fee: $20
Requirements: Home Study approved, chosen agency, accepted a child’s referral
Deadlines: Ongoing. Apply at any time.
5. National Adoption Foundation
Grants awarded through the National Adoption Foundation can be used for any adoption expense. They accept applications quarterly and you can reapply each quarter if you are not selected. The application is fairly simple and has only a few open ended questions.
Amount: $500 – $2,000
Website: https://www.fundyouradoption.org/adoption-grants/
Application Fee: None
Requirements: In the process of your home study or home study approved
Deadlines: Quarterly throughout the year
6. Buescher Foundation
This foundation provides grants to families adoption domestically. The amount awarded varies based on your situation and is sent directly to your agency or adoption lawyer. This organization also asks for a copy of your adoption profile book.
Amount: Varies case by case
Website: http://www.thebuescherfoundation.org/
Application Fee: None
Requirements: Home study approved and working with an agency
Deadlines: February 1st, May 1st, August 1st, November 1st
In addition to the required information mentioned above for each grant, many of these grants require you to provide proof of your financial status. They ask for pay stubs or your tax returns just to show that you have a financial need. Some also ask for reference letters and short statements or essays.
There are other grant opportunities available, but are restricted to certain families based on religion or marital status. Links to those grants and a few more can be found in my resource library.
Good luck as you begin your grant writing process. If you need help, suggestions, or just want someone to proofread an essay portion of your application, please feel free to email me at hello@mommintakesavillage. I love helping other hopeful adoptive parents!
Also, if you come across a grant opportunity that you would like to share, please e-mail me at hello@mommintakesavillage or comment below so I can add it to the list!
Hello, thank you for including our information in your article regarding grants for adoption. I wanted to let you know that in 2019 we began accepting applications for all adoptions, international and domestic. Prior to 2019 our primary focus was on children in international orphanages. We try hard to keep up with all the changes in adoption and to that end, in 2019 after realizing there was a much larger financial need in domestic adoption, we began our domestic adoption grants program.
Thank you,
Raymona Griffin
Program Director
A Child Waits Foundation
http://www.achildwaits.org