Building Blocks Adoption Service (BBAS) understands that the financial aspect of adoption can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to assure you it’s often more manageable than you think. Many of our staff are adoptive parents ourselves and have navigated this journey. We know the sacrifices are temporary and the result—a forever family—is priceless.
You can do it too! By exploring all available financial options, you can make your dream of a family a reality.
Financial Assistance for Adoption
The following organizations and resources can provide financial assistance through loans, grants, and subsidies. You’ll need to have an approved home study to be eligible for most grants and subsidies. If you’re ready, start your application for a home study today!
Loans & Financing
- America’s Christian Credit Union: Offers an Adoption Loan Program with fixed interest rates and terms up to 84 months.
https://americaschristiancu.com/personal/adoption-loans/ - LightStream: Provides low-interest, fixed-rate loans for all adoption-related expenses to applicants with good credit.
https://www.lightstream.com/adoption-financing - Family Forward (Ohio Residents): This Ohio program offers prospective parents an interest rate reduction on loans up to $50,000 for qualified adoption expenses.
https://www.tos.ohio.gov/familyforward/ - Home Equity Loan or Refinancing: Homeowners may be able to use a home equity loan or refinance at a lower rate. The interest on these loans may be tax-deductible.
- Borrow from Retirement: You may be able to withdraw contributions from your IRA without a tax penalty (up to $5,000 per child) or borrow against your 401(k) funds for a qualified birth or adoption distribution.
Tax Credits & Subsidies
- Federal Adoption Tax Credit: For 2026, adoptive parents may be able to claim a tax credit of up to $17,670 for qualified adoption expenses. This credit is available for both domestic and international adoptions.
- Adoption Subsidies (Ohio): Children with special needs may be eligible for an adoption subsidy. These subsidies are negotiated with the placing agency before the adoption is finalized to help with ongoing treatments and care. The Ohio Post Adoption Special Services Subsidy (PASSS) program provides up to $10,000 per year to post-adoptive families of children with special needs.
- Military Subsidies: Active-duty military personnel may be reimbursed for one-time adoption costs up to $2,000 per child.
- Employer Assistance: Many employers offer benefits for adoption, such as reimbursement for expenses or paid leave. Contact your human resources department to see what’s available to you.
Grants & Fundraising
- Gift of Adoption Fund: The largest provider of adoption assistance grants, this organization awards grants of up to $15,000 to help families cover the final costs of adoption. http://www.giftofadoption.org/
- HelpUsAdopt.org: A financial assistance grant program that awards grants of up to $15,000 to qualified couples and individuals twice a year.
HelpUsAdopt.org - Pathways for Little Feet: Provides no-interest loans to families needing financial assistance to adopt. As loans are repaid, the money is used to help other families. http://www.pathwaysforlittlefeet.org/
- Tinina Q. Cade Foundation: Assists couples with the costs of fertility treatments and domestic adoption with grants of up to $10,000.
https://cadefoundation.org/index.php/familygrant - Worth The Wait Charity: A charity specifically for young adult cancer survivors, offering financial support for adoption, fertility treatments, and surrogacy. https://worththewaitcharity.com/
- Church Support: Your church or other faith-based organizations may offer financial assistance or be willing to host fundraisers.
- Creative Fundraising: Consider selling baked goods, crafts, or hosting a benefit dinner. You can also ask for donations in place of birthday or holiday gifts. Services like PayPal or Venmo make it easy to accept contributions.
- Benefit Dinner or Dance: Host an event where all proceeds go directly toward your adoption. Guests will likely be happy to attend a social event that supports a wonderful cause.
- Host a Party Fundraiser: Ask a friend who sells products from companies like Tastefully Simple, Mary Kay, or Pampered Chef to host a party where a portion of the sales is donated to your adoption fund.
- Use Online Donation Platforms: Set up a PayPal or Venmo account specifically for donations. Place the link on your website, social media, and in your email signature. You might be surprised by how many donations you receive!
- In Place of Gifts: For birthdays, holidays, or other special occasions, ask your family and friends to donate to your adoption journey instead of buying you gifts. This is a wonderful way to involve your loved ones in bringing your child home.
Do not limit yourself when it comes to creative financing options. Adopting a child is an incredible act of love. It is a fun and joyous time, and many people will be more than willing to help you with the adoption.