Are you wondering, “How can we afford to adopt?”

Wonder no more.  Where there is a will, there is a way. 

One of the biggest concerns for families considering international adoption is the lack of available funds to cover the costs. But there are some really good news in that there is more financing help available than you may be aware of!! Thanks to the continued efforts of legislators, companies, charities, parents, and churches, more funding is available today which may help make your dream a reality.  Adoption is affordable!  As we become aware of any more help out there on the web, it will be added here under the appropriate category.  Please check often for any updates.

These are some of the resources available:

NEW! The Open Way Adoptions Qualified Family Credits 

1.The Open Way Adoptions Income Credit*

(currently being developed; we expect to have it in place by the end of November 2006)

The Open Way Adoptions' fees are lower than average.  We are very proud of our efforts to maintain affordable adoption costs.  We realize that even so, there may be loving and deserving families who may find themselves worried about coming up with the funds necessary for travel.  For families that qualify under this new program, The Open Way Adoptions will cover the costs of a three night hotel stay, while you visit or pick up your child, at our preferred hotel in Guatemala.  The family will choose when to use it.  This will include lodging in a comfortable and roomy adoption suite, transportation arrangements to and from the airport, as well as a brunch buffet every day of your stay for up to two people.  To qualify, a family's combined adjusted gross income may not exceed $20,000 over the U.S. 2006 poverty guidelines required to qualify for the filing of an I-864. To see if you qualify, please visit:

 http://www.adoptionguides.org/pdf%20files/Poverty%20Guidelines%202006.pdf

If you qualify, please contact us for more information.

2.The Open Way Adoptions Military Families Credit*

We are offering a $300 credit to all military families, applicable to the total adoption costs.  Available immediately.

*For military families that also meet the income requirement, they may apply for both The Open Way Adoptions Credits

~*~Government help~*~

Federal Adoption Tax Credit
The federal government now offers an adoption tax credit to all adoptive families on qualifying expenses paid for a child's adoption. For taxable years beginning in 2007, the credit allowed for an adoption of a child is $11,390. The available adoption credit begins to phase out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income in excess of $170,820 and is completely phased out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income of $210,820 or more.

This tax credit is more valuable than a tax deduction because allowable expenses are subtracted dollar for dollar against your tax liability. Please download IRS Form #8839 - Qualified Adoption Expenses. Or visit:

 http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc607.html

STATE TAX CREDITS/Adoption Subsidies

Many states offer a tax credit or subsidy in addition to the federal tax credit. Ask your tax preparer about possible tax credits and/or tax deductions available to you from the state in which you are residing.

Click this link:  http://www.nacac.org/adoptionsubsidy/stateprofiles.html

You may also check with your state tax office.

Dependency Exemption
Adoptive parents may take the same dependency exemption on their income taxes for their adopted children, as they would for their biological children. The exemption reduces their taxable income. The amount of the dependent exemption is adjusted annually to reflect the cost of living. Families must provide more than half of their children's support to list them as exemptions.

~*~Employer assistance~*~

Adoption Assistance Benefits Program
Many employers will help with costs by reimbursing adoption expenses with a cash benefit of up to $4,000 dollars. If your employer does not offer this benefit, call Adoption and the Workplace at the National Adoption Center (800-862-3678) for materials to guide you in requesting adoption assistance from your employer.

Federal Employees Adoption Benefits
Many non-cash assistance benefits are available to federal employees to make the adoption process easier.  Examples include extended sick and family leaves to be used for travel, court hearings, and other adoption proceedings.

Military Adoption Reimbursement Program
Military non-recurring subsidy program is a one-time subsidy program for full-time military personnel. Adopting couples or singles can receive up to $2,000 reimbursement on adoption expenses for one child or amaximum amount of $5,000 for siblings or two children whether adopting a healthy infant, a waiting child, or a child from abroad. Travel costs, foreign or domestic, are not covered. Reimbursement is made ONLY after the adoption is finalized and only if the adoption was done through a state adoption agency or a non-profit private agency. Eligible personnel should complete DD Form 2673 (Reimbursement For Adoption Expense). Please see Defense Finances and Accounting Service Instruction 1341 for more information. For more information about adoption for military families you may contact the National Military Family Association at www.nmfa.org

ALSO SEE: http://www.adoptionfriendlyworkplace.org/afw/afw_index.asp

~*~Grants~*~

New link! Kingdom KidsAdoption Ministries 

Kingdom Kids Adoption Ministries has a great program where a prospective adoptive family can set up a grant fund through them. Friends and family can contribute to the fund to help out with the adoption of a particular child.  It is an excellent way of having your loved ones show their solidarity to your dream of adoption.

Phone (509) 465-3520 FAX (509) 465-5527

Email ministry@kingdomkidsadoption.org

Website:   http://www.kingdomkidsadoption.org

Love Knows No Borders (LKNB)

LKNB was founded in 2000 in an effort to assist U.S. families with the costs associated with a domestic or international adoption. LKNB embodies the organization's belief that financial concerns need not serve as an obstacle to those individuals and couples willing to open their hearts to a child through adoption. The organization's primary interest is in assisting individuals or couples with the costs associated with domestic or international adoption. It is thei goal that anyone wanting to adopt need not abandon their dream because of its cost. To apply, please send self addressed envelope (2 stamps please) to:

Love Knows No Borders

500 B Monroe Turnpike

P.O. Box 350 Monroe, Connecticut 06468

The National Adoption Foundation

This foundation makes quarterly grants ranging from $500 to $4,000 to adopting parents. They have no income requirements. The only requirement to apply is to have a homestudy completed or in progress. Visit them to download the application here:

http://www.nafadopt.org/how-we-can-help/apply.php

or contact them at (203) 791-3811.

United Way International

United Way International provides assistance for costs of travel for children adopted with illness needing immediate medical attention. Applications are selectively considered and must be supported with a doctor's statement.

Bright Future Adoption Foundation