Financing Adoption

Here are some Resources that we have compiled to help!

* Home Equity Loan
The interest is generally reasonable and it is not a complicated or costly process. The repayment term can be repaid over many years paying the monthly minimum or caught up sooner as you are able.

* The National Adoption Foundation (N.A.F.)
The country's only non-profit organization dedicated to providing financial support, information and services for adoptive parents. http://www.cwla.org/cwla/adoption/adoptionmoney.html

* Ours By Grace
A funding raising entity for adoption. To learn more depress www.oursbygrace.com

* Love 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, please send self addressed envelope (2 stamps please) to:

Love Knows No Borders
500 B Monroe Turnpike
P.O. Box 350
Monroe, Connecticut 06468

* A Child Waits is a non-profit Charitable foundation which provides loans to parents needing funds to complete their adoptions. http://www.achildwaits.org

*Adoption Grants and Loans

LOANS:
203-791-3811 (grants)
800-626-2760 (unsecured loans)
800-841-1982 (secured loans)
First Union Bank - 888-314-5437

Borrowing Against:

Retirement accounts
Life Insurance Policies
Credit card loans
401 K Accounts
Low -Interest Credit Cards

* The National Endowment for Financial Education
Publishes a comprehensive booklet, "How to Make Adoption an Affordable Option" which can be ordered free of charge by calling 719-948-4000 and asking for item #602-E. This booklet can also be downloaded from the Internet at http://www.nefe.org

* Banks
Some banks have adoption loans. Nations Bank has been one. If your bank does not have a loan entitled "adoption loan" ask them for whatever loan might have the best interest and pay back terms. Also, search around.

* Credit Unions
Often a credit union will offer it's members better terms than Banks. If you belong to a local credit union - check it out. If you don't and find that their terms are excellent then join it. Many times a credit union is interested in their members concerns as their philosophy is geared toward their members in large part as opposed to stock holders.

* Subsidies for Military Families
Military Families
Assistance to active members of the military who are adopting a child. See your base information officer. Also, the I.N.S. standard for "income guidelines" are more relaxed for military families. (civilian familes meeting a criteria of 125% above poverty guidelines and military families - 100%).

* Adoption Tax Credit
A federal income tax credit up to $10,000 (per child adopted) is allowable in the tax year in which an adoption is completed for families who meet income guidelines. For detailed information, order Publication 968 from the IRS at 800-829-3676 or download it from the Internet at http:// www.irs.ustreas.gov

Many employers will help with costs by reimbursing adoption expenses with a cash benefit of up to several thousand dollars. If your employer does not offer this benefit, call Adoption and the Workplace at the National Adoption Center (800-862-3678) for materials to guide you in requesting adoption assistance from your employer.
Also, ask for the complete listing of employers who do offer adoption benefits.

* Donations from Churches and Community Groups
(check around - often others will help)
Some families have received financial help towards their adoption expenses from their church and other civic organizations in their local area.
Many churches have also helped to supply families with donations for families to bring to their adoptive child's orphanage. Don't underestimate the good that others "want" to do.

* Family and Friends:
Sometimes family members will want to help. Ask!

* Agency Payment Plans
- Many agencies allow payments to be made at specific intervals during the adoption process - check this out with any agency in whom you have an interest.

* Fund Raising Ideas
(An effort that worked for an adoptive parent - and can be looked into)
Two companies that offer fund raising to individuals are Tupperware and Partylite. We have several others as well. You earn a solid percent of product sales to help fund your adoption! You are supplied with the fund raising flyers, catalogs and order forms, all at no cost to you. All you have to do is pass the flyer and catalogs around to family, friends, coworkers and neighbors. It's that simple! You will receive a check for 40% of what you sell. This can be used to help defray your adoption costs. For more information or to receive a fund raising package, please e-mail me at Vgagnon9@aol.com. Or I can be reached at (908) 850-8198. You can also view my web site at www.amotherslovefundraising.com

*Garage Sales
For traveling expenses, this can help. Sometimes, we have things lying around that we are not using, even an older vehicle. Turn your "unused" into a resource.

ADDITIONALLY, You Can Utilize...
The Web is a great way to search for information. Try these search engines and type
"international adoption":

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