With the exception of the Adoption Tax Credit link to the IRS, A Love Beyond Borders does not support or endorse the following organizations, nor do we benefit in any way from your application to any of these organizations.

Please research any and all grants and loan programs thoroughly before making your decision as many be less favorable than others. Adoption can cost $15,000 to $30,000 or even more, but credits, reimbursements, and other benefits can make your adoption affordable. 

If you find that one of these organizations is no longer in business, or information listed is incorrect, please notify our agency so we can update the list with the most current information available.

Federal Adoption Expense Tax Credit In 2005, the federal adoption expense tax credit increased to a maximum of $10,630 per adoption, and it may rise slightly in tax year 2006.  Adopting parents whose annual adjusted gross income is $199,450 or less can take advantage of this credit.  Also see “The Adoption Tax Credit,” by Mark McDermott, Adoptive Families, at www.adoptivefamilies.com/clip.php.  For more info:  http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc607.html .

State Tax Credits Several states have tax credits for adoptive families, sometimes restricted to those adopting from that state’s public child welfare system.  Contact your state adoption unit for more information.  If you live in one of the following states you might be able to qualify for $2000 in financial assistance:  Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Utah, Vermont.  For more info:  http://www.nacac.org/subsidyfactsheets/internationaladoption.html

Adoption Subsidies Children with special needs may qualify for a subsidy to help parents pay for ongoing treatments.  The definition for "special needs" can be very broad.  For example, in South Carolina, adoptive parents are receiving a $1,500 subsidy for children simply because there is no information about the birth father.  Contact the State Department of Social Services where you reside. For more information contact North American Council on Adoptable Children, www.nacac.org/adoptionsubsidy.html.

Non-recurring Adoption Expense Reimbursement   Families who adopt from the public system may be eligible for reimbursement of adoption-related expenses, such as homestudy, travel and attorney costs.  For more information contact www.nacac.org/subsidy_stateprofiles.html.

Military Subsidies  Active-duty personnel are reimbursed for one-time adoption costs, whether adopting an infant, a waiting child, or a child from abroad.  Eligible personnel should complete DD form 2673 (Reimbursement for Adoption Expenses).  Find out more through local Personnel Support Units, or at the following websites:  http://www.nmfa.org/adoption.html

Employee Benefits   Many employers are offering adoption benefits for employees, and the over-all dollar amount of these benefits are growing, with the average expense reimbursement now approaching $4,000.  See www.adopt.org/datacenter/faces/emplist.html for a list of such employers.  Several resources are available to help lobby for these benefits available through Adoption and the Workplace at the National Adoption Center (800-862-3678) or online at www.adoptionfriendlyworkplace.org and www.benefitsguides.com.  Also see www.adoptivefamilies.com/clip.php to read “How to Lobby Your Employer for Adoption Benefits”.

Grants and Loans  Some adoption agencies and organizations offer adoption grants and/or low-cost loans. The Gift of Adoption Fund, www.giftofadoption.org and A Child Waits, www.achildwaits.org (for families adopting from Eastern European ) offer grants.

Other Resource Possibilities  Consider cash advances from credit cards, taking out a second mortgage, home equity loans and special adoption loans.  MBNA offers unsecured loans specifically designed for adoptive parents. MBNA may be contacted at (888) 786-1116 – option 1 and specify adoption. Perhaps you can borrow from your life insurance policy, pension plan, or 401(k) plan.  You might even find financial support from friends and family.  Some people take on a second job while waiting for the adoption.

Refer to “How to Make Adoption an Affordable Option,” available from the National Endowment for Financial Education at www.nefe.org/adoption or by calling 888-878-3256 (item #508F).

Following are organizations that have varying resources for adoptive families.  This is only a partial list, and we regret that we are not able to provide further information or endorsements for any of the organizations.  Please feel free to call them or research them on-line to learn whether the assistance they provide may be applicable in your case.

African American Enrichment Program  Program exists to assist in the adoption of African-American newborns, children, and sibling groups.(530) 271-1740  www.africanamericanadoptionsonline.com

A Child Waits Foundation  A non-profit charitable foundation formed in 1998 to reduce the number of children not adopted from international orphanages because prospective parents lack the savings to pay for the cost of adoption. Eligibility to receive a loan is based on financial need and each case is judged individually.  (866) 999-2445 www.achildwaits.org

A Child’s Desire  Grants are made directly to non-profit adoption agencies and a preference exists for supporting older child(ren) adoptions.  (318) 354-1229  grants@achildsdesire.org

Acres of Hope Adoption Assistance  A non-profit charitable foundation providing advocacy services, emotional and parent-to-parent support, financial assistance and a loan program to families withchildren facing physical and emotional challenges.  Support for families adopting special needs children cross-racially and cross-culturally, as well as sponsoring community outreach and acceptance programs. thenest@cheqnet.net

Boatner Foundation Grants from $1,000 to $10,000 for adopting families.  Requirements include: financial statement, formal application, and agency approval.  (318) 354-1229

Bright Futures Foundation  Nonprofit foundation helping internationally orphaned or abandoned children find forever families.  National fundraising efforts to help reduce the fees necessary to adopt waiting children. brightfutures@alltel.net

Caroline’s Promise  Grants of $3,000 to $5,000 to Christian families to help with the cost of international and/or domestic adoption.  Open only to residents of North Carolina as of this writing, but are hoping to expand nationwide.  (336) 993-9046  www.carolinespromise4u.org

China Care Foundation  Financial Aid for families adopting special needs or older children (5+) from China.  Many mildly disabled children can be made healthy through surgery and can lead normal lives in American families, thereby providing satisfaction for the adopting family and saving the child from an institutionalized life.  (203) 227-3655  http://chinacare.org

Christian Adoption Resources, Inc.  Prospective adoptive couples may apply for a grant after they have an approved home study by a licensed adoption agency, and with a letter of recommendation from their adoption agency/attorney.  (717) 492-1868  CariMinistries@aol.com

DOMOI Foundation  The DOMOI Foundation promotes international adoptions, primarily from Russia and Eastern European countries by providing interest-free loans and financial assistance to adults ready and committed to adopt children from orphanages. (650) 969-1980

FORE Adoption Foundation  A non-profit foundation that helps families overcome some of the initial financial burdens of adoption (home study, legal fees, etc.). (480) 563-1155  http://www.foreadoption.com

Gift of Adoption Foundation  The Fund provides financial assistance in the form of grants for adoptive parents.  Provides cash grants to subsidize a portion of the costs of adoption, awarded on a monthly basis with sums from $2000 to $5000. Available to single parents, families with previous children, and prospective adoptive parents who are adopting internationally, independently or through an agency.  (877) 905-2367 or (414) 268-1368 (for application).  www.giftofadoption.org

God’s Grace Adoption Ministry  Nonprofit organization to help provide assistance to Christian, predominately two-parent, families with incomes below $60,000.  Families with previous children welcome to apply.  www.ggam.org,  info@ggam.org

Grants for Adoption  Private foundation awarding grants to adopting parents.  info@grantsforadoption.com

HFLA – Hebrew Free-Loan Association  Interest free loans of up to $10,000 are available to Jewish adults wishing to adopt internationally or domestically.  The payment schedule for up to $5,000 is three years.  The payment period for $5001 to $10,000 is over a five-year period.  http://www.hflasf.org/adopt-loans.html

Home for Good  Focuses on the adoption of older children with special needs and sibling groups who have little or no hope of being adopted without their intervention.  Offer resources, grants, loans and matching funds to encourage more families to adopt.  (541) 479-5926  I2adopt@hfgf.org

International Adoption Assistance Foundation, Inc.  6420 Tokeneak Trail, Mobile, Alabama  36695-2940  Donald L. Parker or Linda J. Bushy - Directors (334) 633-4300

Jacob Free Loan Foundation Provides interest-free loans of up to $5000 to Jewish members of the community to assist with adoption expenses.  (413) 737-2601  www.jfslink.org/freeloan.html

JSW Adoption Foundation   Grants of $2000 or more awarded quarterly on the basis of need.  Preference given to childless couples with an income under $35,000.  One grant awarded quarterly.  Average grant amount is $3000, but can go as high as $5000. (414) 268-1386 for application

Love Knows No Borders  Founded to assist with the costs of domestic and international adoption.  To receive a self-addressed stamped envelope to the above address.  (410) 286-5586  500B Monroe Turnpike, Box 4; Montroe, CT 06468  www.loveknowsnoborder.com

National Adoption Foundation  Offers an Adoption Assistance Loan designed to help adoptive families take care of the finances needed to adopt and raise a child. This includes adoption costs, legal fees, medical services, travel expenses, education costs, home improvements or the everyday cost of raising a family. Grants are only available to families for the actual cost of the adoption.  (203) 791-3811  www.nafadopt.org

Nikita Fund -Downs Syndrome Adoption Grants  Adoption grants of $500 for homes adopting children born with Downs Syndrome.  Prospective parent(s) should send a written request along with a photo of the child and verification of the pending adoption from the adoption agency.  Include also a receipt showing money spent toward the adoption.  marsilio@ptdprolog.net

North American Council on Adoptable Children  The Adoption Subsidy Resource Center provides general information on how each state operates their subsidy program. Families who are adopting children from the foster care system in the United States and Canada should speak with the child’s caseworker or the adoption worker assigned to the case about an adoption subsidy. (800) 470-6665  www.nacac.org

Open Arms Children’s Charities  Awards grants to adoptive families on a quarterly basis:  March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 of each year.  Grants are open to all adoptive parents with an approved home study.  The amount of the award depends upon the number of applications received, as well as donations and fundraisers.  There is a $10 application fee.  (636) 922-7110  www.open-arms.org

Potter’s Hands Foundation  Potter’s Hands provides grants to Christian families to help with adoption costs.  Funds available for domestic and international adoptions whether private or though an agency.  There is a $25 application fee.  www.potters-hands.org

Sea of Faces Foundation  A non-profit organization established in September 2004.  Grants are made available to qualified Christian married couples with a completed home study and accepted referral of a child.  www.seaoffaces.org

Shaohannah’s Hope Financial grants to qualified families already in the process of domestic and international adoption.  www.shaohannahshope.org

United Way International  Provides assistance for covering the costs of travel for adopted children with illness requiring immediate medical attention.  Applications are selectively considered and must be supported by a Doctor’s statement. (703) 519-0092

Wings of Angels  Wings of Angels is a volunteer group whose volunteers will accompany a passenger on a plane trip.  In some countries you do not have to personally travel to meet your child, so some of the volunteers can pick up your child and escort him or her to your home, free of charge. The only ticket you have to buy if you use this service is your child’s.  http://www.wingsforangels.org