Financing Adoption....

One of the frequent comments I get regarding international adoption is “I hear it’s really expensive,” to which I answer “Our girls are priceless!” Seriously though, unless you’re independently wealthy, which we are not (we’re both teachers), it does take some financial planning. There are many variables in the cost of adoption, with the largest factor being the country you choose. The bulk of the cost comes in the travel, which some countries require two visits, some one, and some the child is brought to you. The length of the visit can be anywhere from five days to three weeks. Some require both parents come, and some one, so you can see where the variances come in. Adoption agency fees vary from agency to agency. Some want the bulk of the money up front, but our agency had a beginning, middle, and final payment. Other fees along the way are such things as US government adoption requirements, notaries, doctor visits, homestudy fees, translation fees, etc. I say all this not to scare you away from adoption, but when you are looking for agencies, find out ahead of time what their fee schedule is and what is included through their agency, and what is paid outside of them, so that you’re not caught off guard by hidden fees.

So how are families able to come up with the money for adoption? The following is a list of ideas of tried and true ways the families on this site have come up with, and some others that we have seen families use. You will be amazed at how supportive the people and communities around you can be:

*garage sales….ask people around you to donate items, and to make things easier on you, don’t price items. Just ask for donations towards the cause. One of the families here raised over $4,000 this way!
*raffles
*bake sales
car wash
*frequent flyer miles….others can donate them to you also
*one year interest free credit card which you can pay off when you get your tax rebate the following year (see list on right regarding the adoption tax credit)
*many grants available, especially for special needs children (again, see list on right)
*send out donation letters
*host a dinner evening featuring food and entertainment based on the country you’re adopting from
*your agency may have a fund set up where friends/family can donate directly to you and have it be tax deductible. AWAA called it the Eternal Family Adoption Assistance Program, but many agencies have a similar program.
*do you or someone you know have a “home party” business? My parents sell jewelry and hosted a party with profits towards our adoption. A photographer offered to host a family photo session day for the same reason.
*Home equity loan

This in no way is an inclusive list. For more ideas, Google “adoption fundraiser” and you will come across many creative ideas. If you think of something to be added to our list, please give us your ideas. Also, if you are in the process of adopting and would like to let our audience know of any fundraiser you are having, let us know too and we will try and get the word out for you.