While it’s no secret that there are numerous faith-based adoption grantsavailable, there are several organizations that don’t take into account race, religion, gender, ethnicity, marital status or sexual orientation when awarding adoption grants. Not everyone shares the same values and beliefs, but hopefully every adoptive parent agrees that the highest priority in adoption is getting children into permanent, loving families.
This family first approach emphasizes inclusion in a family as the greatest need for a child’s long-term well-being. For individuals and couples in the process of adoption that don’t meet specific religious or marital requirements, here is a list of adoption grants that might be right for you. When applying, be sure to follow all the application guidelines and put forth your best effort to tell your adoption story.
Adoption Grants ForEveryone
1. A Child Waits Foundationdesires to save children from living their entire childhood in orphanages without the warmth and love of a family. Theirgrant program provides financial assistance up to $5,000 to qualified U.S. citizens who are pursuing an international adoption regardless of marital status, race, religion or national origin. Youmust already be in the adoption process working with a 501(c)(3) agency. Grantswill be disbursed for qualified adoption expenses and paid directly to the service provider just prior to travel.
2.Gift of Adoption Fundhas awarded more than 1,100 grants worth over $3.9 million since it was founded in 1996. Grants range from $1,000 up to $7,500 and are awarded each month.Any U.S. citizen who has an approved adoption home study from a Hague or COA accredited agency (if international adoption) or licensed social worker (if domestic adoption) is eligible to apply.Gift of Adoption does not consider an applicant’s marital status, gender, race, creed, national origin, religion, age, or sexual orientation when reviewing applications. There is a $50 application fee, but you can submit your application for review up to three times.
3. Global Orphan Foundationdistributes approximately $75,000 each year to help families meet the costs of adoption. Through Camie’s Hope Adoption Grant, adoption assistance is awarded twice per year for domestic and international adoptions in the form of grants. Awards vary in amount from $500 to $5,000. All U.S. citizens can apply. Qualified applicants will not be judged on marital status, race, religion, sexual orientation or national origin. Applications must be received by June 1 or December 1 to be eligible for the current grant cycle.
4.Helpusadopt.orgis a national non-profit 501(c)(3) financial assistance grant program that exists to overcome the financial obstacles of adoption to build forever families.Helpusadopt.org reduces the financial burden of adoption for families by awarding large, life-changing, problem-solving grantsup to $15,000 toward domestic, international, foster, or special needs adoption expenses. Helpusadopt.org accepts applications from couples and individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, marital status, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. You must be working with a licensed adoption agency or attorney. Apply anytime after your home study has been approved. Helpusadopt.org reviews applications three times per year and grants are awarded by the end of the month for each cycle. Funds are sent directly to your adoption service providers when invoices are due.
5. Kids For Kylais a foundation that awards direct grants of varying amounts to families that are seeking adoption or going through infertility treatments.All U.S. Citizens are welcome to apply, and decisions are not based upon ethnicity or religious affiliation. You must have a completed home study and beworking with a licensed adoption agency or under active care by a licensed infertility specialist. There is no income requirement, but you need to demonstrate financial need and show a commitment to raising the necessary funds to adopt.Priority may be given to applicants who have no children. All grant monies are distributed directly to your agency or service provider. Grants are awarded between two and four times per year.
6. National Adoption Foundationisdedicated to providing financial support for adoptive families in order to assist them in the successful adoption of children. The program is open to all legal adoptions of non-related children, and includes private adoption, agency adoption, international adoption, and special needs adoption. The primary requirement for eligibility is a home study (either completed or in process).The grant program has no exclusions as to race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, family characteristics, or income. The primary requirement for eligibility is a home study. Grants are awarded quarterly and range from $500-$2,000. The deadlines are March 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15. The funds are sent directly to your adoption agency or attorney and can be used for all qualified adoption expenses. In order to be eligible, you need to sign up to donate $25 monthly but you can cancel your recurring donation after the first month if you choose not to continue.
7. Sparrow Fundprovides grants for medical reviews to determinewhat needs the adopted child has and how to best care for him or her and help to prepare you to be the parents to that specific child. They encourage you toseek out a medical organization offering comprehensive support that works with youpre-referral, helps you work through any and all medical info provided when you first receive or are considering a referral, and offers post-placement support. Sparrow Fundonly accepts applications from January through October.
8.The Buescher Foundation was established in 2014 toprovide support and resources to adoptive families. The foundation awards direct grants in varying amounts to families that are adopting domestically and have been approved by an agency or facilitator. There is no income requirement, and anyone can apply for a grant regardless of marital status or religious affiliation. As part of the application process, you will submit your home study, a “look book” that tells the story of your family, and proof that you are working with an agency or facilitator. The Buescher Foundation reviews applications andawards grants at the end of each quarter. Your application must be post marked by the application deadlines to be included in the current cycle: February 1,May 1,August 1, andNovember 1. The funds can be used for all qualified adoption expenses and will be sent directly to your service providers.
9.The Never Alone Foundationinvests in families connected with the international adoption community and helps bridge the financial gap to assist parents in bringing orphaned children home. The Never Alone Foundation offers three grants to consider depending on your situation. Hannah’s Halo is a grant for families seeking the unique and informed post-placement support services needed by children with adoption and attachment challenges. Zoe’s Rainbow is a grant for those who desire to build their family by adding a child through international adoption. Lucy’s Love is a grant for families who have welcomed children with significant medical needs. The grants are awarded in varying amounts and are available to individuals and couples that are adopting internationally. Applications are accepted regardless of race, religion, gender ethnicity, marital status or sexual orientation. You must have a completed home study before applying for a grant.In some instances, applicants may be offered a matching grant and challenged to raise a percentage of their total requested amount and the foundation will match every dollar raised.
10.United Healthcare Children’s Foundationprovides financial assistance, in the form of medical grants, to families with children that have medical needs not covered or not fully covered by their commercial health insurance plan. The Foundation aims to fill the gap between what medical services/items a child needs and what their commercial health benefit plan will cover. Families that adopt are eligible if they meet the application criteria.
