Financial Resources for Adoption

Concern for finances should not keep a family from considering adoption. There are numerous financial aid options available to assist adoptive families. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the broad range of funds available. The following is a brief overview of some of the financial resources that exist to make adoption an affordable option:

Federal Adoption Tax Credit

Most families qualify for the Federal Adoption Tax Credit, available for up to $11,390 in adoption expenses per child; to be used to pay for agency fees, court costs, medical care and other adoption expenses. Learn more through Adoption Learning Partner’s online e-learning course Understanding the Adoption Tax Credit at www.adoptionlearningpartners.org or go to the IRS web site at www.irs.gov. Contact your tax specialist to determine whether you qualify.

Employee Benefits

Many employers offer benefits for families who adopt, including direct reimbursement for adoption-related expenses. Reimbursements usually range from $2,000 to $10,000. Check with your human resources department for more information.

Military personnel may qualify for a one-time $2,000 reimbursement. For more information call the Adoption Exchange Association at 303-333-0845.

The National Adoption Center publishes the ‘Guide for Employee Benefits’. Contact them at 1-800-TO-ADOPT or www.adopt.org/workplace.

If your employer does not offer adoption benefits, you may be able to advocate for them in your workplace. The National Adoption Center publishes a booklet called Advocating for Adoption Benefits: An Employee’s Guide. For a free copy, call 800-862-3678 or 215-735-9988.

Grants & Loans

National Adoption Foundation assists with loans to adoptive families. It also has a limited program to provide grants. For more information or application packet contact: NAF 100 Mill Plain Road, Danbury, CT, 06811, email at info@nafadopt.org or website at www.nafadopt.org/. For grant information call 203-791-3811.

A Child Waits Foundation is a nonprofit charitable foundation that assists with loans to adoptive families. For more information call 866-999-CHILD(2445) or www.achildwaits.org.

Hebrew Free Loan Association assists Jewish adults who wish to adopt domestically or internationally. Visit the website at www.hflasf.org.

Gift of Adoption Fund assists potential adoptive families by providing cash grants to subsidize a portion of adoption expenses. Visit the website at www.giftofadoption.org.

God’s Grace Adoption Ministry provides grants to qualifying Christian adoptive families. For more information, call 209-572-4539 or visit the website at www.ggam.org.

Bright Futures Foundation provides grants to families adopting internationally. For more information visit the website at www.bfaf.org.

In addition, many financial institutions offer low interest rate loans specifically for adoption purposes. Your local bank may have adoption loans available.

Other Financing Ideas and Options:

• The National Adoption Information Clearinghouse offers resources on all aspects of adoption: www.childwelfare.gov
• Adoption.com has a number of useful links within their website for financing your adoption: www.adoption.com or www.adoptionfinancing.com.