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We are not accepting loan applications at this time. However, both our domestic and international grant programs are open and accepting applications for 2026.

Eligibility Criteria

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

United States

Citizens

Adopting Internationally

Financial Ability to Make Loan Payments

Credit without Serious Delinquency

Ability to Obtain Qualified Co-Signer

The co-signer requirement may be waived if a family has excellent credit.

When to Apply

After you have: 

  • Chosen an Adoption Agency

  • Completed the Home Study

  • Identified a Co-signer - 

         The co-signer  requirement may be waived if  if a family has excellent credit.

Selection of Applicants

The selection of applicants Is based on the following factors:

  • ​Cost of the Adoption

  • Demonstrated Financial Need

  • Ability to Make Loan Payments

  • Credit Evaluation

Our Application Procedures

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

Ongoing Process

Submission to the Board

All applications are presented to the Board of Directors for their review and final decision.  Loan decisions and amounts are determined by our Board. 

Applications  Can Be Expedited

Under special circumstances, A Child Waits  can expedite the loan review process.  This often occurs when a travel date is received sooner than anticipated or when a medically expedient adoption is approved by the country.  

Adoption Delays

If your adoption is significantly delayed, updated forms and any new or additional information regarding your child will be requested when the adoption is able to proceed.

Notification

All loan applicants will be notified of the Board's decision whether approved or denied.   If the co-signer does not meet our criteria but you are eligible for a loan, we would give you the opportunity to secure a new co-signer.

Steps in the Application Process

Step 1: Preliminary Assessment

When an application is received, there will be a preliminary assessment to be sure that the application is complete, and that the applicants, the co-signer and the adoption meet our general criteria.

Step 2: Applicant and Cosigner Financial Assessment

The applicant's and the cosigner's information will be reviewed to ascertain if they meet the Foundation's financial qualifications to be considered for a loan. 

Step 3: Credit Checks

As part of the loan application process we will run credit reports through TransUnion, LLC to be sure the applicants and cosigner meet our credit requirements.

Step 4: Adoption Process Timeline

Since adoption timelines and each country's travel requirements are different we work with every family to determine the most appropriate time to present the application to the Board for a decision.  

Step 5: Adoption Status Updates

Close to your final travel date you will be contacted to clarify any remaining questions regarding your loan application or any changes that have occurred since application submission.  The Board will then review your application, make a decision and the family will be notified.  

Step 6: Board Decision and Funds Disbursement

Following notification from our Board of loan approval and after a family has a confirmed travel date funds will be disbursed.  

Our Funding Process

Qualified

Adoption Expenses

Loan funds will be disbursed for qualified adoption expenses, including in-country and travel costs associated with bringing your child or children home.

How Loans are Paid

The loan funds will be sent directly to the family.

When Loans are Paid

Loans are sent near the end of the adoption process, when the family is ready to travel to bring their child home.  In some circumstances it may be possible to receive the loan funds sooner in the process.

Loan Amount and Terms

The loan amount is based on a number of factors, but the total help received from A Child Waits Foundation will not exceed $10,000. Our interest rate is fixed at 3% and families have up to 60 months to repay.

Funding Availability

Requests for financial assistance may outweigh resources, and we regret that A Child Waits Foundation may not be able to provide adoption aid to every qualified family.

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. These pictures and stories may help other prospective families through the stressful process of adoption.  

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