How to afford an adoption- Adoption Grants and Loans

One of the most frequent questions we are asked is how much adoption costs?....

One of the most frequent comments we get are "We cannot afford to adopt"

There is no denying that adoption is an expensive and lengthy process. Domestic adoptions through private agencies in the US range anywhere from $16,000-35,000.

I put together a a list of some agencies that have significantly lower costs as well as organizations that offer grants and loans to hopeful adopting families.


LDS Family Services- Open to LDS couples/families, LDS Family Services charges 10% of your annual income. The average wait for a baby is about 18 months (although our caseworker told us we would probably be waiting somewhere between 3-5 years and we were chosen in 9 months!)

Amara -This agency specializes in adoption, foster care and pregnancy counseling. Their placement fees are a sliding scale at 12% of your family total gross adjusted income averaged over the most recent 3 years with a minimum of $9,000 and a maximum of $20,000. The average wait is much less than with LDS family services.

Spence-Chapin- This agency has an amazing special needs ASAP adoption program.. Their fees range from $1,000-6,000 sliding scale based on your income. for example if you make less than $50,000 a year, their fee is $1,000.
They also offer a domestic adoption program with a sliding scale fee at 15% of your family's adjusted gross income ranging from $12,000-$28,000

WACAP- This agency has an African American infant adoption program with a revolving loan fund in place so they can loan you up to $4,500 (and don't quote me but I believe they waive all their other adoption fees..check into it!!)

Here is a list of organizations that offer grants for regular and special needs adoptions:

Dream Adoption.org

Gift of Adoption Fund

For Family Foundation

Open Arms Children's Charities

Promise the Children

Shaohanna's Hope

National Adoption Foundation

I'm sure you will find dozens more if you do a little searching on the web but this is a good place to start!

With a little research into these organizations and agencies you may be able to realize your dream of adopting after all!