Deciding to build your family through adoption often has been preceded by other challenges such as a struggle to conceive, the expense of infertility treatments, and in some cases, this was your first choice to become a parent. Whatever the situation may be, the reality is that adoption can be costly. However, there are opportunities and resources available to those willing to go through the processes.
Grants Available to Adoptive Parents
- In the state of Wisconsin, if you are adopting through foster care, you can receive some financial assistance. You can learn more about that, if you qualify, and how you would receive funding here.
- If you aren’t adopting through foster care, but are seeking financial support, you should look into Gift of Adoption Wisconsin for aid.
- Helpusadopt.org is a grant program that is widely recognized and one that has been supported by celebrities who are also adoptive parents including Sutton Foster and Nia Vardalos. Becky Fawcett, the Founder and President of Helpusadopt.org notes that they “provide non-religiously affiliated, family equality based adoption grants up to $30,000 to help families overcome the incredibly high cost of adoption so that they can complete their adoptions and bring their children home.” She goes on to note that there is no application fee. “In 2024 alone, we awarded 1.7 million in adoption grants to help build 153 families across the country.
- The Dave Thomas Foundation offers some financial resources to adoptive parents. Show Hope also offers aid, but they are specific about who can search for funding through their site. However, if you are a fit, you can apply here.
- Depending on your financial situation, you may not have planned for your child’s higher education needs. Adoptive parents should help their children look for college scholarships for adoptees. A small list can be found here, but you can also reach out to guidance counselors for further support.
Considering Crowd Sourcing
If you find that you aren’t eligible for financial assistance or if you weren’t awarded a grant, like other couples and individuals, you could consider seeking money through fundraising. Please note that it is important to do your research and speak with an adoption professional to ensure you are doing this legally. Many individuals use social media to share their stories and seek additional funds, while others host garage sales, appeal to their community at events, or sell items, like bracelets, to help offset the costs of their adoption.
However, before you reach out for funding, note that many organizations who offer grants require that a home study be completed. You also will likely need numerous financial documents including bank statements, pay stubs, etc. to prove financial need. Make sure that you are aware of what you will be financially responsible for prior to seeking additional funds and reaching out to supporting organizations for help.