Financing Options
Although the total cost of an adoption is a significant amount of money, payments are made in stages. To get some ideas, request a copy of the booklet "How to Make Adoption an Affordable Option." Written by the National Endowment for Financial Education, the publication is available by calling (303) 741-6333 or on the web at www.nefe.org/adoption.
Adoption Tax Credit:
Parents earning up to approximately $150,000 can benefit from the full $10,000 + credit (not just a deduction). The amount of the credit decreases as your income approaches $190,000. Consult your tax provider and access IRS information at www.irs.gov. You can find Publication 968 about tax benefits for adoption at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p968.pdf and Form 8839 about qualified adoption expenses at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/8839.pdf.
Credit Cards:
Across The World Adoptions accepts Visa and Mastercard. Speak with us regarding installment billing to your card.
Adoption Loans and Grants:
Low interest loans are available through "A Child Waits Foundation." Contact them at (866) 999-2445 or through their website at www.achildwaits.org. "The Gift of Adoption Fund" provides grants to subsidize a portion of adoption expenses. Their phone number is (262) 268-1386 and their web site is www.giftofadoption.org "Bright Futures Adoption Assistance Foundation" can be accessed at www.homestead.com/brightfutures. Grants and loans are offered through the "National Adoption Foundations" website at www.nafadopt.org. MBNA offers loans. Contact them at 800-448-7061. Other financial institutions may also have loan programs. Check out www.adoptionloans.com. Across The World Adoptions may be able to apply for a grant on behalf of a specific child if you are considering the adoption of an older or special needs child or a sibling group. California families hoping to adopt from Russia, Kazakhstan and Eastern Europe may e-mail "The Domoi Foundation" about possible loans at DomoiFamilies@home.com. Information on state and federal subsidies may be available through the North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC) by calling (800) 470-6665 or through their website: www.nacac.org/adoptionsubsidy.html.
Religious Organizations:
Christian families may receive financial help from shaohannahshope.org or call "Christian Adoption Resources" at (717) 243-8492. The Hebrew Free Loan Association provides interest free adoption loans to Jewish adults residing in N. California. They can be reached at (415) 546-9902 or through their web site at www.hflasf.org. Check within your own religious organization about any adoption financial assistance that might be available to you.
Other Options:
Adoption benefits through your employer (see the National Adoption Center's workplace initiative at www.adopt.org/workplace), subsidies for active military, borrowing against your retirement or life insurance, and checking with your own financial institution are other possibilities. This may also be a good time to ask family members for a loan or a gift.
