What about Grants?

Most families who have learned a little about international adoption know that there are grants available for applicants. In case you are not familiar with how most of them work here's the basic idea: Once a family has completed their home study (I have not seen an organization that allows an application without a complete home study) they can apply to a number of organizations for a grant. The grants we saw ranged from $500 to about $5,000 and there were a couple organizations that accepted applications for interest-free loans up to $10,000.

We applied to over 10 different organizations. Some required a small (like $25) 'processing fee'. Some were free to apply. All required a detailed application including a financial disclosure, letters of reference, copy of the home study, and a completed questionnaire among other requested information. Many of the organizations are Christian groups and ask for personal testimonies and questions about the applicant's faith and beliefs. We only had one group require a photo of the prospective adoptive child (which we could not provide and were turned down for).

Because we have a healthy income (which most countries require for elligibility to adopt) and did not show a significant enough financial need (we could have finished our adoption without financial assistance if we had more time) none of the grants approved us. We were expecting this but wanted to show faith and effort by applying so that if God chose to bless our adoption through a grant it could be done. Again, God cannot bless what we do not begin.

The grant application process was long and tedious (especially after having completed home study, dossier, and travel paperwork). But if even one grant had funded, it would have been all worth it. I highly recommend that any adopting family at least apply.

The best recommendation is to go to resources4adoptoin.com and pay the small fee for a comprehensive list of grant listings. They offer other services and can coach you through the application process.

I have also seen this list posted on other blogs of grant resources and have added the organizations we applied to:

Hand in Hand Christian Adoption, Inc

Katelynnsfund.org
Affording Adoption Foundation
The Oath Ministry
International Adoption Resources
Lydia Fund
Gods Grace Adoption Ministry, Inc
Helpusadopt.org
China Care
National Endowment for Financial Education
Our Creator's Hope

Family Builder Fund Grants

Shaohannah's Hope
Gift of Adoption Fund
LifeSong For Orphans
Tomorrow is a Gift
The National Adoption Foundation
Christian Advocates For Adoption
A Child Waits Foundation
The Abba Fund

If I could go back and make the choice again, I would absolutely take the time to apply even though we did not end up being approved. You never know who might say 'yes'.