Posted on September 21, 2021 by Jessica Lynch
Adoption
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Costs associated with adoption can be at the top of the worry-list for many couples. The good news is that there are many sources for funding adoptions. Many Lutheran Family Service adoptive couples have applied for and received thousands of dollars in funding. One of our families applied to multiple funding sources and was able to get their whole adoption fee paid by outside sources.
We encourage you to apply for funding from as many sources as you are able. It is important to note that these and most funding resources will require you have a completed and approved home study before you can apply.
Below are the top five most successful funding sources that we have seen benefit couples in the Lutheran Family Service adoption program. There are additional sources listed as well and are worth a look.
| Show Hope | https://showhope.org/ |
| Lifesong | https://lifesong.org/ |
| JSC Foundation | https://www.jscfoundation.org/ |
| Gift of Adoption Fund | https://giftofadoption.org/ |
| Katelyn’s Fund Orphan Ministry | https://katelynsfund.org/ |
| National Adoption Foundation | https://www.fundyouradoption.org/ |
| Pathways for Little Feet | https://pathwaysforlittlefeet.org/ |
| Abba Fund | https://www.abbafund.org/ |
| God’s Grace Adoption Ministry | https://ggam.org/ |
| His Kids Too! | http://www.hiskidstoo.org/ |
| A Child Waits | https://www.achildwaits.org/ |
| HelpUsAdopt.org | https://www.helpusadopt.org/ |
| Brittany’s Hope Foundation | https://www.brittanyshope.org/ |
| HANDinHAND Christian Adoption | https://www.handinhandadopt.org/ |
In addition to funding sources, there is relief on the other side with tax benefits. Tax benefits for adopting families in some states are two-fold and go a long way in making adoption affordable.
1. The federal tax credit for adoption is up to $14,400. This means that you can deduct up to $14,400 in costs from your taxable income for qualified adoption expenses. Further information regarding federal tax credits can be found at www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc607. Exact information for federal tax credit should be obtained through your tax professional.
2. Your state may also offer a tax credit. For example, in Iowa, as of September 2020, the state tax credit amount is $5,000. This can be carried over into the following years to take advantage of the full $5,000 credit (assuming there is at least that much in expenses). In Illinois, the state credit amount ranges from $1,000 to $5,000. Currently, Nebraska and South Dakota do not have a state tax credit. Exact information for each state can be obtained through your tax professional.
You may also want to check with your church or community to see if any financial support is available or host a fundraising event to involve your congregation and community. Others have set up an online donation site through AdoptionBridge.org, GoFundMe.com or AdoptTogether.org. Oftentimes, as couples wait to be matched, is when they research and apply for grants. We pray that these resources are helpful to you in your adoption journey.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6).
Questions about adopting through Lutheran Family Service? Learn more at: https://lutheranfamilyservice.org/adoption-services/
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