Lending a Financial Hand
We promise to work closely with all adoptive families to help overcome any financial barriers, even putting you in touch with outside parties who can lend a hand. With children in need of loving, supportive homes, letting the matter of fees and funding stand in the way compromises our very mission and values.
We encourage you to contact Hope Cottage by phone or in person for exact figures, but for general purposes, we have compiled a list of facts regarding Hope Cottage adoption costs:
- Domestic Adoption fees are based on a sliding scale assessed at a percentage of average total income over the last three years. Costs range from $17,800 -$35,800.
- Foster-to-Adopt fees will be less than $2,000.
- International Adoption costs generally range from $22,000-$32,000.
Many organizations exist to help fulfill the dreams of adoption-minded families by providing financial assistance. They are listed below.
Financial Resources for Your Adoption
- A Child Waits Foundation
- A nonprofit foundation offering five-year low-interest loans to families adopting internationally. One child loan amount is $7,000; two children, $10,000.
- www.achildwaits.org
- AdoptionFinancing.com
- A network of more than 30 different lenders who can help find the right financing for your adoption.
- www.adoptionfinancing.com
- Advanced Patient Financing
- APF originally financed medical bills and has subsequently branched out into adoption.
- 811-672-8690
- www.advancedpatient.com
- Boatner Family Foundation
- A small foundation providing grants from $1,000-$10,000.
- The Boatner Foundation, P.O. Box 132272, The Woodlands, TX 77393-2272
- Christian Adoption Resources, Inc.
- CAR offers grants for adoption.
- www.christianadoptionresources.org
- Dave Thomas Foundation
- A foundation committed to ensuring that adoption from the foster care system is streamlined, affordable and accessible to any family wanting to adopt.
- 800-275-3832
- www.davethomasfoundationforadoption.org
- Employer Adoption Assistance Benefit
- Many employers have adoption expense programs available. Ask your employer about this benefit or to request a list of employers who provide adoption benefits.
- Adoption Benefits Coordinator, National Adoption Center, 1-800-TO-ADOPT or 215-735-9988
- www.adoptionfriendlyworkplace.org or www.benefitsguides.com
- Federal Adoption Tax Credit
- This tax credit provides the adoptive parents with a $10,000 credit per child for expenses paid to adopt. For incomes below $150,000, the entire credit can be taken. For incomes between $150,000-$180,000, a partial credit can be taken. For detailed information, review IRS Form 8839 and instructions.
- 800-829-3676
- www.irs.gov/instructions/i8839/index.html
- Federal and State Subsidy Programs
- If you adopt a child who has special needs, he/she may be eligible for a federal or state adoption subsidy, designed to help offset the short- and long-term costs associated with adopting children who need special services.
- NACAC's Adoption Subsidy Resource Center at 800-470-6665
- Fore Adoption Foundation
- A nonprofit foundation that helps families overcome some of the initial financial burdens of adoption (home study, legal fees, etc.).
- 480-563-1155
- www.foreadoption.com
- Gift of Adoption Fund
- Offers grants of $2,000-$5,000.
- www.giftofadoption.org
- Gift Money
- Often family members will give loved ones who are adopting a personal loan or monetary gift to assist with adoption costs.
- God's Grace Adoption Ministry
- Nonprofit organization that helps Christian adoptive parents overcome the financial obstacles of adoption. Based on financial need.
- Email info@ggam.org
- Hebrew Free Loan Association
- Offers interest-free loans to Jewish adults who wish to adopt children internationally or domestically. A single person or couple may borrow up to $10,000 toward the expenses incurred for the adoption of a child.
- www.hflasf.org
- Helping Kids Cope
- www.helpingkidscope.com/request-help.htm
- Home Equity Loan
- Interest is usually tax-deductible. Consult your bank or lender for more information.
- International Adoption Assistance Foundation, Inc.
- 334-633-4300
- International Care, Inc.
- Grants up to $10,000 to families adopting international orphans.
- www.intlcare.org
- Jewish Free Loan Association
- Provides interest-free loans for adoption.
- www.jewishla.com/html/freeloan.htm
- JVS Foundation
- Offers grants amounting to $2,000 or more to families adopting.
- 877-905-2367
- Military Subsidies
- The military will reimburse active-duty personnel for most one-time adoption costs up to $2,000 per child.
- www.militaryadoption.com
- National Adoption Foundation
- Families can apply for direct grants from the Foundation, for amounts ranging from $500-$4,000. A one-page application is needed, along with a home study (if one is not already in progress). The Foundation's Board meets once a quarter for grant request reviews.
- www.nafadopt.org
- NAF Loan Program
- The Adoption Assistance Loan is offered to you by NAF in partnership with American General Financial Services. Call 888-627-8767 for an application.
- National Endowment of Financial Education
- Booklet available, titled "How to Make Adoption an Affordable Option." Call 888-878-3256 to order and reference item #508-F.
- www.nefe.org/adoption
- Siblings Adoption Grants
- Offers international adoption grants for qualified families. $2,000 for one child, $4,000 for two children.
- 303-216-9009
- www.siblingsadoption.com
- State Adoption Tax Credit
- Classified state employees are entitled to a State Adoption Employee Benefit allowing them to receive up to $3,000 per adoption.
Disclaimer: This list was updated in January 2006 and compiled by Hope Cottage for research purposes. While Hope Cottage will be happy to assist you in any way, you are responsible for researching and applying for these sources of aid.