Adoption ::: Financing

Often the greatest roadblock to opening a heart and home to adoption is the cost involved.  It is frustrating to think of the children left to languish in orphanages and foster care because families don't have the financial resources to fund the adoption.  However, it is what it is! Adoption probably is not going to become free anytime soon, (although adopting from foster care can often be very low cost) so instead of bemoaning that fact and letting the opportunity and blessing of parenting a child pass by, it's time to take action.

Everyone has heard the saying, where there's a will there's a way - I firmly believe this.  If God is calling your family toward adoption then He will help with the resources.  Of course He often requires us to take the first step out of the boat and onto the water and trust in Him.

There is nothing like the thought of having to come up with thousands of dollars to make you want to get your finances in order if need be.  Two good resources to help with that project:

Veritas Financial Ministries

Dave Ramsey

To help plan what you are actually going to spend, Adoptive Families has a chart of actual adoption costs.  The results are taken from a survey of families who have completed different types of adoption.

Here is a list of a variety of financial resources:

**Please do your own research on what is going to work for your family.  This is just a list to help you get started.**

Adoption Financing Information - grants, loans, fundraising

Adoption Financing - more info on grants, loans

Dave Thomas Foundation - also includes info on asking an employer to offer adoption benefits.  This is definitely worth the effort, we were able to get an adoption benefit started with one of the company's that Bob worked for.  Granted this is an "after the fact" benefit similar to the tax credit, it's very worthwhile.

Financing Info

Adoption Loans

Yahoo Group for Fundraising Ideas

Of course I realize that there are often situations that are beyond our control such as job loss, extended illness, but if God is calling you down the path of adoption, then I firmly believe He will open doors.  Don't forget the kindness of strangers!  Often people would like to help, they just don't know how or what to do.  Share with others regarding your desire to adopt.  My friend Kimberlie has a chip in box to help offset travel expenses.  She has a post with some more good ideas.  It only takes few people to make a difference!

I don't think that God is calling every person to adopt, but God does call each one of us to help those that are less fortunate.  That includes orphans.  Considering helping to fund an adoption, or help organize a fundraiser for someone you know.

"I tell you, anything you did for the least of my brothers, you did for me, says the Lord" Mt 25:40

Don't forget to enter to win a free adoption book!  Link is on the left sidebar.