The Price of Parenthood

Financing Adoption

By Laura Christianson

Those in need of funds to complete an adoption may want to consider an adoption grant. "We most often award grants to people who have already put a great deal of effort into raising funds but need additional help making the adoption happen," says Karen Higgins, executive director of the Gift of Adoption Fund in Port Washington, Wis. Since it was founded in 1996, the foundation has distributed over $575,000 in cash grants, including 36 grants totaling $117,800 so far this year. The fund awards about five grants per month, averaging $3,500 each.

Higgins recommends that families pursue other options for funding adoption before applying for a grant. Because the foundation is inundated with grant applications, funding often doesn't become available until a family applies for the second or third time. "We look at the reasons why they're asking for financial assistance," Higgins says. "Perhaps they've invested a lot into infertility treatment. Perhaps there are health issues in the family. Or perhaps they're attempting to adopt one child, and they learn there's a sibling. They decide to adopt both children, but haven't budgeted for it."

Whatever the reason for the monetary need, families seeking a grant must demonstrate that they are determined to make the adoption happen. Julianna Wiseman of Auburn, Calif., sidestepped the fierce competition for grants by soliciting corporate donations. Wiseman, a single parent of six children from Guatemala and Russia, launched a letter-writing campaign, outlining her story and requesting donations of money or services from corporations and cultural groups.

Want to see more?

• The Price of Parenthood: 4 Steps to Financing Fertility
• Domestic Adoption: Building a Family
• Flying Solo: Single Parent Adoption
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