Creative Resources to Make your Adoption Affordable

The number one reason otherwise qualified families state for not moving forward in their
adoption is because of funds. They are ready to love a child through adoption, but are unable to adopt the child that they have always wanted due to money concerns. As sad as this is, we faced the same thing 20 years ago and found if there is a will there is a way.

Adoptions can be expensive, running from around $12,000 to $25,000 for home studies, agency fees, legal representation costs, facilitation fees and travel, among other items. What many people don't realize is that there are alternatives for adoption funding.

Most people don't think twice about signing loan papers for a car, but don't want to do the same for an adoption. An adoption will last longer than the car and give more joy over a lifetime. The following information is to help you find a way to get started sooner than later and find a way to adopt no matter what your financial situation is.

Getting creative with funding is the key to financing the adoption you've been dreaming
about. Working toward adding a child to your family may not be easy, but it will be well
worth the effort taken to find these resources. Some families are finding through these suggestions they are able to adopt for free or for less than they had ever expected. Remember you get out what you put in, so the more research you do, the better you will be at finding money for your adoption.

" Employer's adoption benefit - The first thing you want to check into is your employee adoption benefit- this is becoming more popular and more small and medium size companies are offering some type of adoption credit for their employees. For example, Verizon has a $10,000 adoption benefit, and Pepsi has a generous adoption benefit as well. Small companies have found tax benefits to offering these adoption incentives to their benefit package - ask your Human Resource Dept for
details. Or visit Adoption-Friendly Workplace Program. They offer free materials to help
people advocate for adoption benefits in their workplace. Call 877-777-4222 for details.

" The Federal Tax Credit is over $10,000. To learn more about this credit, visit Let's Talk Adoption for an audio interview with a Tax Specialist explaining the details about the adoption tax credit and what you can and can't deduct. Or, visit IRS for forms.

" Savings- sounds simple, but you have to start somewhere and it will help motivate you to add to it. If you have made the decision to adopt, start saving money right away; the sooner the better. Just cutting back on Starbucks lattes can help - at $5 a day you can stash enough to get you started.

" Raising Money With Online Auctions - Go through your garage, attic and house for treasures and unused items that you have stowed away and forgotten about. Ask friends for donations of items they don't want. Run a free ad to ask for donations for funding your adoption. Selling these online through auction can aid you in raising a good amount of money. Try Ebay or Craigs List.

" Have a Yard Sale - Whatever you cannot sell online, you may be able to sell at a yard sale. Ask relatives and friends if they have any old usable items that they can donate toward your "Adoption Yard Sale." Two hopeful adoptive mothers I know created banners to hang over their garage - stating they were funding their adoption and neighbors and other community families donated boxes and also bought at top dollar to
help them. Be sure to keep your signs all looking the same and mentioning Adoption Garage Sale. You might also make up flyers to pass around at church, local schools, and work.

" Adoption Grants - Though you may not be aware of them, there are some grants that perhaps may help with some of the expense of adopting a child. Many of these grants will help cover international adoptions, or adoptions of special needs adoptions. Most grants range from $2,000 - $5,000, but can go much higher if you fit the requirements. Often, these grants are need-based. Some are faith based - a list is
included the book Adopting Online found online or you may request a copy from your library. African American Adoptions offers grants for African
American infant and older child adoptions to qualifying adoptive parents

" Adoption Loans and Lines of Credit - Loan programs geared toward adoption are another alternative many prospective adoptive parents are unaware of. An adoption loan makes it possible to have the money needed to adopt a child now. It also allows you to repay the loan in payments. A line of credit can be even better, as you only borrow when you need it. This is a great idea if you simply do not have a large amount of cash on hand to fund an adoption, and payments would make adoption a great deal more affordable and allow you to get started faster. You might also ask your parents for a loan to help you adopt. Depending on the relationship, this might be the best way to get started and pay your adoption loan back. Visit Adoption Financing Information, they have more than one program and can also help families with less than perfect credit.

" Plan a Fundraiser - some families have successfully planned a Spaghetti Feed at their church. You might ask for donations of food and plan a silent auction from local businesses that want the extra exposure.

" Set up an "adoption walkathon" - ask friends and family to pledge a dollar per mile to help bring your child or baby home through adoption.

For any successful fundraiser, be sure to contact the local press, including radio stations for interviews and to post your event on www.craigslist.com and in flyers at local schools, churches, businesses and remember to let friends and family members know.

There are several ways to raise the money needed for adoption if you are creative. Having a yard sale or raising money through online auctions may not seem like it would bring you a lot of help, but it will. One mother I helped raised over $1,200 on one garage sale and over $2,500 on her online auctions. Two hours per night is all it takes to sell in online auctions. An exceptional amount can be raised if friends and family donate items to your cause. You might be surprised at how the extra items can make a difference.
Any amount helps, and if you still find yourself short of what you need, there are grants
and loans to help you obtain the money you need.

Remember the tax credit and employer benefits - these are the first to investigate.

With a little foresight and planning and the many adoption funding options available today, the average family has a chance to bring the light of love into their home with the adoption of a child. Families are able to adopt for much less than they might have thought. There are so many children out there that need the warm and secure home you have to offer; why not take advantage of every funding alternative available to you?
Completing your family circle with an adoption will soon be more than just a dream!