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Domestic Adoption Grant Program

A Child Waits Foundation is committed to reducing financial  barriers to adoption by providing grants to families adopting a baby or child domestically. All children need and deserve a loving and supportive family.  In 2019 we expanded our Adoption Grant Program to include adoptions in the United States and through 2023 we have awarded more than 600 grants to families adopting domestically. 

Eligibility Criteria

We accept applications from anyone adopting internationally, regardless of race, age,
ethnicity, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation or disability. 

United States or Canadian Citizens

Adopting Domestically

Current Gross Income Less Than $150,000*

*See FAQ's for more information. 

Types of Adoptions Funded

  • Private Adoptions of Newborns or Older Children

  • Sibling Groups or Reunification of Siblings

  • Foster Children if Expenses are not Paid by the State

  • Children from an Adoption Disruption/Dissolution

When to Apply

After you have:

  • Completed the Home Study

  • Prior to Finalization

Selection of Applicants

The selection of applicants Is based on a combination of the following factors:

  • ​Cost of the Adoption

  • Families' Financial Situation

  • Availability of Funds at A Child Waits Foundation   

Our Application Procedures

Ongoing Process

Submission
to Board

Adoption Delays

Child's Photo & Medical 

Notification

Our process is ongoing and applications are accepted at any time during the year.  There are no application deadlines to be met.

All applications are presented to the Board of Directors for their review, final decision and grant amount. 

If your adoption is significantly delayed, updated information may be requested.

If the country or agency prohibits sharing the photo and medical of the child you are adopting, you may still apply.

All grant applicants will be notified of the Board's decision whether approved or denied. 

Foundation Process Once Application is Received

Step 1 - Application Submission and Completion

Most families apply while waiting to be chosen by an expectant mother or while waiting for the baby to be born. Families don't have to wait for the baby to be born to apply. Once the infant is born we request that you send us a picture of, and medical information for, the baby, which will then complete your application.

Step 2 - Acknowledgment and Preliminary Assessment of Application

When an application is received, we will contact you to acknowledge receipt of the application and at that time, a preliminary assessment will be done to be sure the adoption meets our general criteria. 

Step 3: Adoption Status and Board Decision

After A Child Waits receives your baby's picture and medical you will be contacted to clarify any remaining questions or changes before your application is submitted to the Board. Our Board will then review your application, make a decision and the family will be notified.

Step 4: Disbursement of Funds

Grant funds will be paid for qualified adoption expenses, including attorney fees, travel and other adoption related expenses. ​Grants are intended for the final adoption costs and in most cases are not released until the termination of parental rights (TRP) has been signed and the revocation period has ended. The funds will be sent to the adoption professional, which may be your agency or attorney. If at that time, all agency fees have been paid, the grant funds can be sent to the family.  

 

Grant amounts are based on several factors, but will usually not exceed $7,500.​​

After You Are Home

A Child Waits Foundation requests a brief summary of your adoption and pictures after your child is home.   If the family gives written consent, A Child Waits Foundation may use your pictures and adoption summary, without last names, on our website or other publications.

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