Struggling to afford adoption? Nonprofit provides grants to help remove barriers

Imagine having the desire to give a child a loving home, but not having the money to make the dream a reality.

Sadly, wanting to adopt and having the means to adopt are often two completely different things. It’s not cheap to make some dreams come true.

The nonprofit organization Gift of Adoption provides grants to complete the adoptions of children in vulnerable circumstances — giving them permanent families and a chance to thrive.

“We want to say yes to all the families who are qualified to adopt — so that the upfront cost to adoption is not a barrier is our highest priority,” said Adam Pfeil, a Cleburne resident who is president of the Texas Chapter of GOA.

Pfeil noted that, according to the American Attitudes on Adoption Survey conducted in 2022 by the Dave Thomas Foundation on Adoption, nearly 30% of Americans have seriously considered adoption. However, of these, 81% see the high cost of adoption as a primary barrier to completing an adoption.

Cost of adoption

A public adoption to move a child from foster care into a permanent family typically costs $1,000 to $2,500, but it is much more expensive to complete a private domestic or international adoption, Pfeil said. Those normally cost between $25,000 and $45,000, depending on the specifics of the adoption.

Pfeil said the cost of adopting is driven primarily by three major elements:

▪ The home study, conducted by a licensed professional social worker.

▪ The legal aspect of completing the adoption itself.

▪ Often the child being adopted is not living in close proximity with the family who is moving forward with the adoption. The travel can be with short notice and involve hotel stays for weeks.

How Gift of Adoption works

Gift of Adoption, based in Northbrook, Illinois, is the largest provider of adoption assistance grants awarded without regard to race, religion, age, marital status, gender, or sexual orientation, Pfeil notes. Grants of up to $15,000 are awarded to qualified applicants.

“We provide grants to complete both domestic and international adoptions and relative/kinship adoptions,” he said. “While not limited to these categories, Gift of Adoption’s greatest funding priorities encompass foster care diversion, unite biological siblings and/or keep them from being separated and relative, kinship or fictive kin adoptions.”

The process begins with a simple online grant application that can be found on its website at giftofadoption.org/apply-for-a-grant.

Adoption testimonies from families

Lincoln was adopted from Colombia in 2023 by Cedar Park family Marne and Blake.

“We have seen huge transformations already. Lincoln can now communicate with sign language and has learned to walk on his own. He is healthy and has started school — which he loves!” their testimony reads.

Lucy was adopted from the U.S.A. in 2024 by Lubbock family Allison and Chris.

“Lucy faced entering foster care. Her birth mother lovingly chose us to be Lucy’s parents, and we are eternally grateful. Lucy is growing and thriving! Thank you to the Gift of Adoption donors for the part you played in bringing her home,” they shared.

Gift of Adoption receives funding from individuals, corporations, foundations and community organizations.

“A unique part of our funding strategy is that our overhead/operating costs are covered by revenues generated at our annual signature event and through personal donations made by our National and Investor Board members — which means that all donations to GOA Texas are directed to completing adoption assistance to families in their communities,” Pfeil said.

Pfeil said the Texas Chapter of Gift of Adoption hosts many events throughout the year and throughout the state to raise funds. Anyone is invited to attend, and if they cannot attend, they can give online.

The need for help continues to grow, he added.

“Each year gift of adoption is receiving about 30% more applications for adoption assistance grants from qualified families than we can fulfill,” he said.

To learn more, visit giftofadoption.org/texas/.

This story was originally published April 22, 2025 at 3:12 PM.