Raising Money for Adoption
There are several ways to raise the money to cover at least some of the expenses of adoption. One option is for one (or both) parents to take a second job, with all of the salary from this job going directly into an account to pay for adoption expenses. Of course, this option is more practical in a household currently without children.
Many families have set up small businesses out of their homes to raise money for the adoption. One family set up a business selling teddy bears wearing “I Support Adoption” T-shirts and raised over $10,000. Another family created and sold a cookbook with all their favorite recipes.
If you aren’t up to creating something, hold a raffle. Go to all the businesses in a town and ask for gift certificates for your raffle. Then, get permission from a local business to sell the raffle tickets outside their store – just make sure you pick a store with lots of customers.
If raffles aren’t your thing, try having a garage sale. A few months before we traveled to bring our son home, we did just that. Over a two-day period, we raised enough money to cover the majority of our travel expenses!
Help from Others
While it may be uncomfortable for you to ask your parents for financial assistance, it might be one of the most viable options available for raising quick cash to offset the expense of adoption. Family members with the means may be willing to offer you a no-interest loan (or to give you the money outright). If you do get a loan from a family member, try to make your arrangements in writing to give both sides some peace of mind. And if you’re not comfortable asking for loans from family, ask relatives for gifts for your “baby fund” in lieu of birthday or holiday gifts.
There are many organizations that will let your friends and relatives make tax-deductible donations to your account at an adoption bank or foundation. Consult a financial advisor about whether or not expenses paid with foundation money are also valid expenses for tax credits for the adoption.
One adoption bank option is available from:
His Kids, Too!
PMB # 180, 3491 Thomasville Rd.
Tallahassee, FL 32309
E-mail: Hiskidstoo2@aol.com
http://www.hiskidstoo.org
If you are active in a church or synagogue, they might want to help out financially by holding fund raisers such as bake sales, car washes, or even bowl-a-thons. Talk to your religious leader about your need and he or she may be able to encourage the youth group or other organizations to volunteer their help.
Additional Resources
© Mary M. Strickert, 2004
