We truly wish that we could help you to build your family through adoption with no cost to you at all.  The process of assisting you with an adoption involves many expenses and a lot of time. For this reason, adoption agencies must charge fees. Most families who adopt internationally do not have the total amount of money for the costs associated with adoption in the bank! The good news is that adoption from Asia is one of the most affordable adoption programs and most families manage the costs by tapping into a variety of resources and strategies. The following is general information about financial resources that families use to accomplish an adoption. We hope that it is helpful information to you in building your family.  Please click here for more detailed general information about fees and costs associated with international adoption.

La Vida International's fees and costs are staggered over the course of approximately one year, enabling you to plan ahead for costs, but making it unnecessary to have all of the fees in savings. The fees are broken down and collected in increments, with the majority of the costs due at the time of or after child assignment.  In order to assist families with budgeting issues, La Vida can accept payment via Visa or MasterCard credit card for the service fees or costs which are incurred the first 3 to 5 months of the adoption process (up through the submission of the China dossier (aka: country application)).    

Savings

Most families fund their adoption using at least some money which has been saved, either before beginning an adoption or during the process. 

An adoption benefits plan is a company-sponsored program that financially helps or reimburses employees for expenses related to the adoption of a child and/or provides for paid or unpaid leave for the adoptive parent employee. The assistance may include reimbursement for specific costs or a fixed amount of money, regardless of actual expenses (usually between $2,000 and $6,000). Other benefits may include paid and unpaid leave and counseling and support before and after adoption. If your employer does not offer a plan, talk to him or her about it.  You may be able to persuade your employer to recognize the many benefits of offering assistance to families and children. There are many benefits to the employer, as well as the employee, for offering adoption benefit plans. These include: equity and fairness for employees building their family through adoption and for those giving birth; low cost since few workers actually utilize the benefits; good will and giving back to the community; social benefit since children and families are the beneficiaries of the company’s support of adoption; and lastly, keeping pace with other company trends since more and more are offering this benefit. Resources are available for help in lobbying for benefits: http://www.adoptionfriendlyworkplace.org/ and http://www.benefitsguides.com/. Also read "How to Lobby Your Employer for Adoption Benefits" at www.adoptivefamilies.com/clip.php.
 

For full-time military personnel, there is a one-time subsidy program available.  Please check with the appropriate base personnel to determine the current benefits levels.  Click here to learn more.

There are tax benefits available to offset the expenses of adopting a child. The U.S. Congress passed legislation that was signed by President Bush in June of 2001. The bill, H.R. 1836 – the Tax Reconciliation Bill, includes provisions that provide for an adoption tax credit for families adopting children either in the United States or internationally.

Highlights of the Adoption Tax Credit include :

• The maximum tax credit (tax year 2006) is now $10,630.

• Families with adjusted gross incomes up to $159,450 qualify for the full credit. For families with incomes above this amount and up to $199,450 the credit is reduced. 

• The tax credit will be adjusted annually for inflation.

• The maximum tax credit (tax year 2007) is now $11,390.

• Families with adjusted gross incomes up to $170, 820 qualify for the full credit. For families with incomes above this amount and up to $210,820 the credit is reduced. 

• The tax credit will be adjusted annually for inflation.

Fourteen of the 50 states offer some type of tax credit or deduction for adoption. They are AZ, CA, ID, IA, KS, MD, MA, MI, NM, ND, OK, UT, WV, and WI. Please consult your tax advisor for more details and for updated information about credits which might be available in your state.

The Adoption Tax Credit is a reduction in your tax liability for the year that your adoption is completed. The reduction is taken in the form of a direct credit to the amount of tax due on your 1040 return. Please consult your tax advisor for full details of the adoption tax credit.

Loans

Many families take out loans to finance their adoptions. Most banks give home equity loans for adoptions or an Equity line of credit with the interest qualifying for tax deduction.  Please check with your tax accountant to see if you qualify.

Credit unions may also offer a special adoption loan program. You may also be able to borrow from the cash value of your life insurance policy. Some families have borrowed from their own 401K account and repaid the principle and interest to themselves. Call your parents, brothers and sisters. They may have a little extra cash laying around to help you. The pay back will not only be your beautiful new child, but they are gaining a new grandchild, niece or nephew and contributing to your joy! You can pay them back as you are more able later on.

Loan/Grant Resources to Explore   

The following list contains resources which are not endorsed by La Vida, but are provided as a resource for families to explore.

International Children's Adoption Resource Effort is a granting organization.  Their application is available online at http://www.intlcare.org/ICARE.htm

A Child Waits Foundation is a non-profit, charitable foundation that makes low cost loans to families adopting internationally. Eligibility to obtain a loan is based on financial need and each case is judged individually. Information about the foundation and application forms are found on their website, http://www.achildwaits.org. If you do not have web access please call 866-999-2445, fax 518-794-6243 or email AChildWaits@poboxes.com.

Grants for Adoption is a member of the National Heritage Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation.  Founded by the adoptive parent of three incredible children, the Director understands first hand how expensive adoption can be.  Motivated by the faces of all those left behind that truly deserve a family of their own, the idea of a grant program was conceived in order to match all those who can easily afford to raise a family but cannot come up with the funds necessary to pay for an adoption.  We believe that if more grants are available and in larger amounts, many more people will be able to adopt the child of their dreams and provide a permanent home for thousands of deserving children around the world.  http://www.grantsforadoption.com/default.php

National Adoption Foundation
(http://www.nafadopt.org/NAFPrograms.htm) the country's only national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial support, information, and services for adoptive and prospective adoptive families, has recently expanded their programs to include home equity loans, as well as unsecured loans and grants for adoption expenses. There is also a limited grant program. For information, or to request a brochure, call 203-791-3811 or write:

National Adoption Foundation
100 Mill Plain Road
Danbury, CT  06811
Fax: 203-791-3801

The Hebrew Free Loan Association provides interest free loans to Jewish adults wanting to adopt internationally or domestically. A single person, or couple, after demonstrating additional need, may borrow up to $10,000 toward the expenses incurred for the adoption of a child. (Further support may be available in special circumstances.) The repayment schedule for up to $5,000 is over a three year period. The repayment period for $5,001 to $10,000 is over a five year period. They can be reached at 415-546-9902. Also, check with own your religious organization about adoption financial assistance.

The Funds4Families Loan Program through American Home Loans offers a diversity of loan programs such as Debt Consolidation, Home Equity Line of Credit, Home Improvement, and Refinancing. Their email address is help@funds4families.com and their phone number is 1-800-451-3372.

The National Bank of Canada offers international adoption loans from $10,000 to $20,000 are available through the National Bank of Canada.

United Way International provides assistance for costs of travel for children adopted with illness needing immediate medical attention. Applications are selectively considered and must be supported with a Doctor's statement.
United Way International

Attn: Melissa Guerra
701 N. Fairfax St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 519-0092

JSW Adoption Foundation offers Home equity loans, loans from life insurance policies and retirement plans. They may be emailed at jswadopt@aol.com or reached on the web at www.jsw-adoption.org.

Our Chinese Daughters is a non-profit funding agency dedicated to supporting single mothers who have adopted daughters from China. Established in 1995, Our Chinese Daughters Foundation desires to award grants and funds in support of travel loans for single mothers adopting from China. Contact them at P.O. Box 1243, Bloomington, IL 61702-1243.

Christian Adoption Resources is a grant organization based in Mt. Joy, PA. 
Christian Adoption Resources Inc
P.O. Box 253
Mount Joy, PA 17552
Phone: (717) 492-1868
www.christianadoptionresources.org.

Chance For A Child

A Chance for a Child is a not for profit organization created to provide financial assistance to adopting families or to children waiting to be adopted, both domestically and internationally. We realize the high cost of adoption can prevent children from having the forever family they so need and deserve.  We are committed to changing lives by providing a "chance" for adoptive parents to have a child and a "chance" for a child to have a home

Feng LiLi

This organization meets quarterly to review grant applications.
Feng LiLi
180 Laural Ave.
Forest, IL  61145
(847) 482-0500

1^st Steps Project Oz Fund

This fund is administered by 1^st Steps for assistance with special needs adoptions.
(570) 226-4448 or 1-866-kids4us
E-mail: adopt@kids4us.org

International Adoption Assistance Fund

6420 Tokeneak Trail
Mobile, AL  36695
Contact: Donald L. Parker or Linda J Bushy, Directors
Phone: (334) 633-4300

Ours By Grace

Ours By Grace is  new fundraising ministry to help raise money and awareness for the Adoption Community.  We will offer several different fundraising events to raise money to distribute as Grants to families needing financial assistance during their Adoption process.  All grants will be given through the Adoptive Parent's Attorney or Agency.

Acres of Hope

Acres of Hope Adoption Assistance is a non-profit charitable foundation dedicated to providing educational information, emotional support, parent-to-parent support, advocacy services, financial assistance, and a loan program of items helpful to families dealing with children of physical and emotional challenges. In addition, their mission is to promote greater community understanding, acceptance, and support for families involved in adopting special needs children cross-racially and cross-culturally.

Acres of Hope, Inc.
Patty Anglin
Executive Director
Route 1 Box 97
Mason, WI 54856

Phone: (715) 765-4118
Fax: (715) 765-4119
Email:  thenest@cheqnet.net"

China Care Foundation

China Care Foundation
Financial Aid for Adopting Families: Many adopting families cannot afford the $16-20,000 cost of adoption. China Care is trying to alleviate this burden through loans and grants. They are especially interested in helping families who are adopting special needs children. Many mildly disabled children, such as with cleft lip and clubfoot, can be made healthy through surgery and lead completely normal lives in American families.  In order to encourage the adoption and care for orphans from China, the China Care Foundation:
**Provides financial aid in the form of grants or loans for the adoption and/or medical treatment of orphans. Many families can afford to take wonderful care of their children, but cannot afford the one-time cost of adoption.

Contact Information:

Greenwich Ave. Post Office
P.O. Box 142
Greenwich, CT,06807
Tel: 203.861.6395
Fax: 203.618.0470

Gift of Adoption Fund

Gift of Adoption Fund
Applicants must have an approved homestudy, demonstrate financial need, and preference will be given to applicants who are experiencing extraordinary hardship( ie. medical special needs on the part of the child and/or situational hardship on the part of the parents or the child). Grants are awarded regardless of marital status, race, creed, or national origin. Grant amounts vary between $2,000-$5,000 and applicants are reviewed and grants awarded monthly. You are allowed to apply for a grant up to 3x's. A one-time $20 application fee is required.

Telephone: 262-268-1386 or 877-905-ADOP (2367)
FAX: 262-268-1387
Gift of Adoption Fund
101 East Pier Street, 1st Floor
Port Washington, WI 53074
E-mail: info@giftofadoption.org
www.jsw-adoption.org/

God's Grace Adoption Ministry

God's Grace Adoption Ministry is a non-profit organization helping adoptive parents overcome the financial burden of adopting children. It is not an adoption agency, but rather works in cooperation with the agency to assist the family with their financial needs. Depending on the individual family needs, financial assistance is available in the form of grants and interest free loans.

Call (209) 572-4539 or e-mail info@ggam.org for more information
God's Grace Adoption Ministry
P.O. Box 4
Modesto, CA 95353

Ibsen Adoption Network

Ibsen Adoption Network
2730 French Road NW
Olympia, WA 98502
Phone:(360) 866-7036
Fax: (360) 866-7059

IBSEN Adoption Network is a private, Christian, non-profit organization that is dedicated to encouraging the adoption of special needs children through education, support and financial assistance to families living in Washington State. Grants average $1,500 per family.

Adoption Financing.Com

Adoption Financing.Com has developed this form to help expedite the pre-qualification process. By filling out and sending the information requested, you will be under NO obligation and the initial financial review has no fee.

Adoptive Families Association of BC

Adoptive Families Association of BC has international adoption loans from $10,000 to $20,000 available through the National Bank of Canada.The interest rate is consumer prime plus three-quarters percent. You have 15 years to pay off the loan with no penalty for early payment. If you provide all of the required information to the National Bank, the review of your application takes approximately one week to process. You may also contact the bank at 1-888-4-TELNAT or (604) 661-5520 in BC.

Building Families Adoption Loan Program

Families Thru International Adoption and Old National Bank have teamed together to provide to families the Building Families adoption loan program. For more information about this program, please visit your nearest Old National banking center or call Old National Bank at 1-800-731-BANK. This program applies to families living in Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee.

Fifth Third Adoption Financing

“Yesterday you dreamed about adopting a child. Today we can provide the means for you fulfill that dream through the help of Families Thru International Adoption.” For more information about this program, please call 812-471-7235.  This program applies to families living in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, Florida (Naples) and Tennessee (Franklin).

Jewish Free Loan Association

Jewish Free Loan Association provides interest-free loans for adoption and in vitro fertilizaton to Jews and non-Jews alike. You must show proof of need and have two qualified co-signers.
To learn more about JFLA:
Phone: (323) 761-8830 or visit http://www.jfla.org/

U.S. Bank

Adoption Loans
(425) 227-4710

LOOC Foundation
www.looc.org

The mission of The LOOC Foundation is straightforward and simple. We want to provide the financial means to fund as many adoptions of abandoned baby girls as possible from the orphanages of China

We finance the costs associated with the adoptions of these girls. We do this for approved adoptive parents who cannot afford the fees but are supremely qualified to give the babies loving homes. The LOOC Foundation also wants to foster a more general awareness of the adoption process for people interested in adopting baby girls from China.

The ABBA Fund - Interest free loans for adoption - http://www.abbafund.org

Other Benefits

Families may be eligible for reimbursement of up to $2,000 (for non recurring expenses) through their local county child welfare agency.  You can check with your local public children youth and family agency to see if, in your state or county, reimbursement of non-recurring expenses is available for families adopting internationally.

Help From Others

Unlike a mortgage, where money used for your down payment must be carefully documented as being "all yours", it is ok for others to help financially with your adoption plan. Some families receive help from parents or other relatives and in other cases, we have seen families hold some creative fund-raisers. Here are a few ideas: golf-tournaments; garage sales; car wash; newspaper stories; raffles; neighborhood yard sales; school projects; bake sales; collections at local grocery store; collections through job; or newsletter appeal to friends and family.

fundraiser-finder.com is a site which provides many fundraising ideas.  It may help you find a great fundraiser or give you some great ideas for things to do on your own.

La Vida International 
150 S. Warner Rd., Suite 144, King of Prussia, PA 19406
Phone: 610.688.8008 Fax: 610.688.8028
Birth parents may call collect
e-mail: info@lavida.org web: www.lavida.org
© 1998 La Vida International