A Child Waits Foundation
Adoption Grants & Adoption Loans
International and Domestic Adoption
General FAQ's
1. When is the best time to apply to A Child Waits Foundation?
Our process is ongoing and there are no application deadlines to be met. Applications are accepted at any stage of the adoption process but wait to apply until after you have a completed homestudy.
2. If my adoption doesn’t require a homestudy can I still apply for a grant or loan?
Yes, there are some circumstances when we can accept an application without a homestudy. Please contact us for more information.
3. Can I email or fax my application to the Foundation?
No, we only accept mailed applications.
4. If I make more than $150,000 can I apply for a grant?
We only consider families with an income over $150,000 if we have spoken with the family and determined there are extenuating circumstances. Please do not apply without first calling our Foundation.
5. Does A Child Waits Foundation accept applications from United States Citizens that do
not reside in the United States?
Yes, if you are military, clergy, missionaries or other United States citizens not currently residing in the United States, you may still apply. If you are unable to mail the application due to where you are living you can contact us and we may be able to accept your emailed application.
6. Can I contact the Foundation to check on the status of my application?
Yes, we ask families to follow-up with us about 2 weeks after applying to be sure their application is complete. We request updates as you move through your adoption process to help us determine the best time to present your application to the Board for a decision.
7. Who sees the information that is submitted with my grant or loan application packet?
The information submitted as part of your application packet is only viewed by our staff and Board.
8. Do you require letters of recommendation or a Statement of Faith as part of the
application process?
No, we do not require recommendation letters or a statement of faith as part of our application.
9. Does the number of children we already have in our family impact the decision by
A Child Waits Foundation?
No, the number of children in your family has no bearing on your eligibility to receive funding from A Child Waits Foundation.
10. If I am approved for a grant, how much can I receive?
The grants range from $1,000 - $7,500.
11. If I am approved for an international adoption loan, how much can I receive?
Our maximum loan amount is $10,000.
12. If I am adopting internationally, can I apply for both a grant and a loan at the same time?
Yes, the application process is easier and more efficient if you apply for both at the same time. The forms and supporting documents are similar and there is only one application fee.
13. If I apply for both a loan and a grant how much can I receive?
If you are approved for a loan and a grant, the combination of funds will not exceed $10,000. The amount of the loan would be decreased by the amount of the grant award. For example if you were approved for a grant of $2,500, the maximum amount of the loan would be $7,500.
14. Does A Child Waits accept applications for the adoption of a relative?
There are some circumstances when we are able to accept applications for relative adoptions. We encourage families to call us with details of the adoption before applying to be sure we can accept your application.
15. If I am approved for a grant or loan, how will the funds be paid?
Domestic and International Adoption Grants: When possible A Child Waits Foundation will send the grant to an adoption professional such as your adoption agency or attorney. If there isn’t a balance due to an adoption professional we can send the grant funds directly to the family.
International Adoption Loans: Since the applicant is legally responsible for repayment of the loan, we will send the loan funds directly to the family.
16. What is the difference between applying for a loan or a grant?
When applying for a loan there are additional legal documents that need to be completed and a co-signer is required. If approved for a loan, monthly payments are required until the loan is paid in full, but the grant amount does not need to be repaid.
17. Why does A Child Waits Foundation require a co-signer when applying for a loan?
As a 501(c)3 charitable foundation that provides unsecured loans, a co-signer gives us a level of security that the funds will be repaid.
18. If I have excellent credit, do I still need a co-singer?
We do prefer that all applicants have a co-signer when applying for a loan. As a charitable foundation, repayment of these unsecured loans is crucial to the financial health of our Foundation. In some circumstances, we may consider waiving the co-signer requirement for a family with excellent credit. Applicants are welcome to contact A Child Waits, at which time we can do a credit inquiry to determine if the applicants’ credit meets our minimum standards to apply without a co-signer.
19. If I am approved for a grant or loan, how long do I have to use the funds?
If you have been approved for a grant and/or loan and your adoption is delayed, the approval is valid for 6 months. After 6 months, we reserve the right to re-evaluate and update the applicants’ information for grant or loan approval.
20. If my application is denied, can I apply again?
No, all decisions are final, and you may only apply once for the same adoption.
21. If I am adopting again, can I apply for another grant from A Child Waits?
Yes, no matter the outcome of your previous application, we will accept applications for any subsequent adoptions. We do not put a limit on the number of times we will help the same family.
22. How do I pay the application fee and to whom?
You may pay the application fee by check or money order, payable to A Child Waits Foundation.