Financial Adoption Options
Financial Adoption Options
- Adoption Tax Credit
Website: www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8839.pdf
To find a local tax credit consultant: www.irs.gov/localcontacts/index.html
Tax benefits for adoption #107 (IRS Tax Credit Website)The adoption tax credit will be extended until December 2011, but it has also been increased from $12,170 to $13,170 for adoptions occurring after January 2010. And for the first time, the credit will now be refundable. Families may receive a refund for documented expenses for the adoption of their child.
The best news: This new tax law means that adoptive parents may apply up to $13,170 of their adoption expenses toward their taxes owed, thereby decreasing the amount owed overall by this amount. However, the news gets even better. For the first time, families may be getting cash back from the IRS for their adoption expenses. That’s right; the credit may now be taken as a refund for the first time. In the event that the couple owes less than the tax credit amount stated, they may receive some or all of the balance as a refund on their Federal taxes.
What this mean to adoptive families:
The tax credit is important to both international and domestic adoptive families, but its greatest beneficiaries are the children who will now have permanent families thanks to adoption being more affordable. Many groups and individuals have successfully lobbied to help extend this tax credit beyond its original expiration date of December 2010, and are still seeking to make the tax credit permanent. As we celebrate the extension of the deadline to December 2011, we must also remain vigilant in seeking to make this legislation a lasting gift to the children who wait.
Additional Financial Adoption Aid:
- Resources 4 Adoption
c/o Agenda Enterprises and Consulting, LLC.
PO BOX 519
Eudora, KS 66025-0519
E-mail: info@resources4adoption.com
Website: www.resources4adoption.comResources4adoption provides a free Adoption Financial Resources Chart that contains up-to-date and detailed information for approximately 40 adoption grants. Resources4adoption conducts regular research on adoption financing options and provides you with updates on this information. Resources4adoption is dedicated to helping remove financial barriers to make your adoption dream come true.
Brittany’s Hope Foundation
1160 North Market Street
Elizabethtown, PA 17022
Phone# 717-367-9614
Fax# 717-689-4571
E-mail: info@brittanyshope.org
Website: www.brittanyshope.org
Brittany’s Hope Foundation resolves to facilitate adoptions of international special needs children, by providing financial grants for adoptive families. They are a non-profit 501 (c)3 foundation dedicated to informing families about the necessity of adopting special needs children. The Seedling Gift Program was designed to help reduce financial and medical expenses through grant money.
Grant Programs:
- The Gift of Adoption Fund
P.O. Box 567
2001 Waukegan Road, 5th Floor
Techny, IL 60082
Phone: 877-905-2367
Website: www.giftofadoption.orgGift of Adoption Fund is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization, whose mission is to provide grants to give children a family forever. Grants are awarded on a monthly basis ranging from $1,000 to $7,000, but average about $3,500. Gift of Adoption Fund provides the last bit of assistance that helps to bring a child home. The Fund has no agency or religious affiliations and is willing to assist any qualified U.S. citizen adopting from anywhere in the world. Applicants are required to have an approved home study, and are evaluated on a set criteria which includes financial need; special needs of the adoptive child; and family circumstances. Applicants may apply up to three times.
- Show Hope
PO Box 647
Franklin, TN 37065
Phone: 615-550-5600
Website: www.showhope.orgShow Hope was founded by renowned Christian performer Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth. It exists to care for orphans by engaging the church and helping Christian families reduced the financial burden of adoption through, special grants and fundraising opportunities. Their recently broadened agency requirements have changed to accept families using any non-profit adoption agency.
- A Child Waits Foundation
Cynthia and Ralph Nelson
1136 Barker Road #12
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Phone: 866-999-2445
Fax: 1-518-794-6243
E-mail: cnelson@achildwaits.org
Website: www.achildwaits.orgA Child Waits Foundation gives financial assistance to those who choose to internationally adopt special needs or older children above the age of 5. Their mission is to help save children who would otherwise be living their childhood in orphanages. They determine financial assistance based on child’s eligibility of age or developmental or physical and medical needs, parents financial status, and the availability of funds at A Child Waits Foundation. Grant amounts range, but do not exceed $5,000. The application and process of grants must be completed before the child is brought to the United States.
- Ava’s Hope
PO Box 4305
Cincinnati, OH 45243
Email: grants@avashope.org
Website: www.avashope.orgAva’s Hope is a nonprofit association who supports international adoption among married couples. They provide grants only when they have sufficient funds. Ava’s Hope suggests that interested parents sign up for e-mail alerts, so they may know when to apply.
- The Orphan Foundation
E-mail: info@theorphanfoundation.org
Website: www.theorphanfoundation.orgThe Orphan Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that offers grants to families amounting to $1,250. A considered family must be approved by their board of directors and have a completed home study.
- Help Us Adopt
PO Box 20435
New York, NY 10021
Phone: 917-684-5484
E-mail: info@helpusadopt.org
Website: www.helpusadopt.orgHelp Us Adopt is a non-profit organization that supports individuals or couples with financial grants for domestic, international, foster, or special needs adoption expenses. Grants are given up to $15,000. Applications are due twice a year in June and December.
The Sparrow Fund
124 3rd Ave
Phoenixville, PA 19460
E-mail: info@sparrow-fund.org
Website: http://www.sparrow-fund.org/
The Sparrow Fund is an organization committed to encouraging and supporting families as they prepare for the adventure of adoption. We do this by providing grants to families in financial need to enroll in programs specifically designed to provide counsel and comprehensive medical reviews of their referred child.
Adoptive families can become overwhelmed by the financial costs of adoption. Participating in a program like this is an added expense that is difficult to manage. There are so many unknowns when it comes to adoption, and we believe that preparation plays a significant part in making the unpredictable road of adoption a little more smooth. These programs offer invaluable services to help prepare the adoptive family as well as their child.
The Sparrow Fund was started because we do not want anything to be an obstacle in the adoption process. We are committed to see ONE MORE child with a forever family and ONE LESS orphan in the world.
Perpetual Change
PO Box 20664
Keizer, OR 97307
E-mail: info@theperpetualchange.me
Website: www.theperpetualchange.me
Perpetual Change is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization that exists to inspire change. It does not take much for one to greatly affect the life of another. They provide grants to applicants every 4 to 6 months depending on availability of funds. There is a required $20 application fee for their both grant and fundraising program.
RELIGIOUS BASED PROGRAMS:
- Christian Adoption Resources
P.O. Box 253
Mount Joy, PA 17552
Phone: 717- 492-1868
Website: www.christianadoptionresources.orgChristian Adoption Resources Inc. offers financial and prayer support for home study approved families.
- God’s Grace Adoption Ministry
PO Box 4
Modesto California 95353
Phone: 209-572-4539
E-mail: info@ggam.org
Website: www.ggam.orgGod’s Grace Adoption Ministry is a non-profit Christian organization that works with Christian families. Each grant usually varies between $1,000 and $4,000. Christian families are a must; however the income level must be below $60,000. Families with previous children are welcome. The application is available online. Help is given in the form of a matching grant with an average of $2,500.
- LifeSong for Orphans
PO Box 40
Gridley, IL 61744
Phone: 309-747- 3556
E-mail: info@lifesongfororphans.org
Website: www.lifesongfororphans.orgLifeSong for Orphans provides adopting families with the opportunity for matching grants or interest free loans. They are a Christian based program, who caters to the needs of married Christian couples to help lighten the financial load of adoption. Matching grants usually amount to $2,000-$4,000, while the interest free loans have manageable monthly payments and families may utilize the Federal Adoption Tax Credit.
- Little Flowers Foundation
PO Box 871443
Gaithersburg, MD 20886
E-mail: info@littleflowers.org
Website: www.littleflowers.orgLittle Flowers Foundation provided over $35,000 in grants to Catholic families in 2010! They provide grants to married Catholic parents who need financial help to pursue adoption. Little Flowers Foundation also supports older children, sibling groups, and special needs children as well.
- The LYDIA Fund
PO Box 156
Circle Pines, MN 55014
Phone: 763-784-4578
E-mail: lydiafund@usfamily.net
Website: www.lydiafund.orgThe LYDIA Fund was founded to support married Christian couples with the costs associated with international adoptions. They have provided about 154 grants since their founding. The grant application needs to be completed and admitted three months prior to travel dates to the adoption country. Although they cannot support every adopting family, The LYDIA Fund provides a support community for families as well.
- The Sea of Faces Foundation
19615 W. Top O The Moor Dr.
Monument, CO 80132
Email: director@seaoffaces.org
Website: www.seaoffaces.orgSea of Faces is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which provides financial assistance to Christian families adopting internationally. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 are awarded every calendar quarter pending on available funds. A small donation is requested to download application. Those in need can apply if they meet the following criteria:
1. Are legal residence of the United States
2. Have a referral from a child in a developing country
3. Have a completed home study
4. Have an approved I-171H and I-797C
5. Are a married couple, one man and one woman
6. Both individuals are professing Christians - Katelyn’s Fund
1327 3rd Ave. SE
Sioux Center, IA 51250
E-mail: Sheila@katelynsfund.org
Website: www.katelynsfund.orgKatelyn’s Fund is a support ministry to help adoptive parents looking to add a family member to their household. This foundation provides awareness, support, and financial grants up to $3,000 to assist with the adoption process. The applicants must be married and have a Christian background as well.
- A Brother’s Love
PO Box 2361
Edmond, Oklahoma 73083
E-mail: abrotherslove@gmail.com
Website: www.abrotherslove.orgA Brother’s Love mission is to care for Christian parents and to alleviate some of the pressures of the adoption process, specifically through financial and emotional support. The size of the grant is determined through several factors, but mostly on financial need.
- Southern Baptist Adoption Fund
c/o Pastors’ Conference 2010
7711 Fegenbush Lane
Louisville, KY 40228
E-mail: cevans@highview.org
Website: www.sbcadoption.comSouthern Baptist Adoption Fund is a grant specifically for married Southern Baptist Ministers and Missionaries looking to adopt. Grants and funds vary, depending on availability. Applicants must be serving in or for a Southern Baptist church.
- Golden Dawn Adoption Assistance, Inc.
4304 South El Camino St.
Taylorsville, Utah 84119
Phone: 801-967-0102
E-mail: info@goldendawnaa.org
Website: www.goldendawnaa.orgGolden Dawn Adoption Assistance Inc. is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization who has approved seven grants since 2008, which have totaled $12,600. They provide grants to many religiously active families, including Latter-day Saints.
- The Micah Fund
2112 Broadway St. NE, Suite 100
Minneapolis, MN 55413
Phone: 651-636-5255
Website: http://micahfund.orgThe Minority Infant and Children Adoption Help (MICAH) Fund, was established in 1990. It was born out of a need to facilitate the adoption of minority children whose birthparents desired to voluntarily release them in adoption. The grant program is focused towards Christian families living in Minnesota. They also provide a matching grant, whose application is available through e-mail or phone contact.
- HANDinHAND Christian Adoption Inc.
18524 Juniper St.
Gardner, KS 66030
Phone: 913-248-5015
E-mail: handinhandadopt@gmail.com
Website: http://handinhandadopt.orgHANDinHAND Christian Adoption Inc. is a private operating foundation that was created in 2007. They support adoptive couples and families by providing financial help through matching grants. HANDinHAND provides resources and step by step help to guide parents through the process of raising money for a matching grant. Adoptive parents must submit a copy of their completed homestudy along with the completed application.
LOAN PROGRAMS:
- A Child Waits Foundation
c/o Cynthia and Ralph Nelson
1136 Barker Road #12
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Phone: 866-999-2445
Fax: 1-518-794-6243
E-mail: cnelson@achildwaits.org
Website: www.achildwaits.orgA Child Waits Foundation is a non-profit charitable foundation with a simple goal: to reduce the number of international children who are not adopted because prospective parents do not have the savings (finances) to pay for the total cost of the international adoption. This foundation helps parents with costs by making low interests loans which cover a portion of the adoption fees. Eligibility is based on financial need, with each case being judged individually. The maximum loans given are $10,000 the interest rate set at 5%.
REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAMS:
- Military Adoption Reimbursement Program
Adoption exchange association
Phone: 703-931-6632
Website: www.dfas.mil/militarypay/adoptionreimbursement.htmlWithin this program, the military will reimburse active-duty personnel for most one-time adoption costs up to $2000 per child, whether adopting a healthy infant, a waiting child, or a child from abroad. Travel costs, foreign or domestic, are not covered. There is a maximum of $5000 in a given year, even if both parents are in the military. Reimbursement is made only after the adoption is finalized and only if the adoption was done through a state adoption agency or a non-profit private agency. Fees that can be reimbursed include adoption fees; placement fees, including fees for birth parent counseling: legal fees and court costs. Eligible personnel should complete DD form 2673 (Reimbursement for Adoption Expense). Contact your local Personnel Support Unit for more information.
- State Non-Recurring Subsidy
Phone: 1-800-470-6665
Email: adoption.assistance@nacac.org
Website: www.nacac.org/adoptionsubsidy/adoptionsubsidy.htmlNACAC’s Adoption Subsidy Resource Center. The following states will provide one-time reimbursement for non-recurring subsidy of an internationally adopted child. Amounts vary by state up to $2000 per child, and require that the child meet state criteria for subsidy: AL, AK, GA, HI, ID, IA, KS, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NH, OH, OK, SC, SD, VT. Many states (whether or not they allow for subsidy) offer a state tax credit for adoption. There is often an added benefit program for those who adopt children classified as “special needs” (often considered correctable). Sometimes these subsidies can apply to international children.
OTHER OPTIONS:
- A Mother’s Love Fundraising
3 Blueberry Lane, Andover, NJ 07821
Phone: (908) 850-3599
E-mail: valeriegagnon@amotherslovefundraising.com
Website: www.amotherslovefundraising.comAdoptive mother Valerie Gagnon helps families seeking to adopt organize fundraisers.
- The Ibsen Adoption Network
Marilyn Brisbane
2730 French Road. N.W.
Olympia, WA 98502
Phone: 360-866-7036
Fax: 1-360-866-8917
E-mail: admin@ibsenadoptionnetwork.com
Website: www.ibsenadoptionnetwork.comThis program is for Washington state residents only. Ibsen Adoption Network is a private non-profit organization. Their soul purpose is to create a network and to generate funds that will provide financial assistance, educational and emotional support to families adopting special needs children. The Ibsen group has given over $450,000 in small grants since 1998!
- His Kids Too!
Teresa Fillmon
219 B. Delta Court
Tallahassee, FL 32303
Phone: 850-524-5437
E-mail: director@hiskidstoo.org
Website: www.hiskidstoo.org
His Kids Too!, a 501(c)(3) charity, is a wonderful grant program designed so that your friends and family can assist you financially with adoption costs. Donors make tax-deductible donations to His Kids Too! and adoptive families apply for a grant from the funds generated by donors. The benefit of this program is that you are in control of your fundraising efforts and donors will have complete confidence that donations will go directly towards adoption expenses. - Love Knows No Borders
c/o Vanessa Donaher, 76 Grist Mill Rd, Monroe, CT 06468
Website: www.loveknowsnoborders.orgLove Knows No Borders (LKNB) was founded in 2000 in an effort to assist U.S. families with the costs associated with a domestic or international adoption. LKNB embodies the organization’s belief that financial concerns need not serve as an obstacle to those individuals and couples willing to open their hearts to a child through adoption. The organization’s primary interest is in assisting individuals or couples with the costs associated with domestic or international adoption. It is our goal that anyone wanting to adopt need not abandon their dream because of its cost. To apply, send self-address envelope with two stamps.
- Adoption-Friendly Workplace
Website: www.adoptionfriendlyworkplace.orgThis program provides information about adoption benefits to employers and employees in both the public and private sectors. Funded by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, the project maintains a database of employers with adoption benefits – financial reimbursement, paid and/or unpaid leave time, and resource and referral services. This list is updated regularly and can be found on this site. As a result of this program, nearly 450 employers have implemented or improved adoption benefits, impacting over 2 million employees nationwide.
