10 Adoption Grants For Christian Families

When you research about adoption, you quickly notice that there are a lot of adoption grants for Christian families to choose from….in fact, over 50! The Bible repeatedly uses action verbs like “defend,” “help” and “protect” when referring to the fatherless, widows, strangers and other marginalized people. Isaiah 1:17 says, “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”

It is because of this special emphasis on orphaned and vulnerable children and widows that many Christian organizations have a special place dedicated to family preservation, reunification and adoption ministries. Each adoption ministry and grant organization has its own special focus and initiatives that it supports.

In addition to professing faith in Jesus, adoption grants for Christian families come in various shapes and sizes. Some are direct, matching, or fundraising grants, and each one has its own specific guidelines and eligibility requirements. Before you apply for any adoption grants, be sure to review the eligibility criteria and make sure you qualify. However, based on several factors, including the number of grants awarded, the size of the grants, responsiveness, feedback from families that applied and other application criteria, here are a few adoption grants for Christian families that we think you should consider.

10 Adoption Grants For Christian Families

1. Abba Fund Christian Family Adoption Grant Fund is a fundraising grant that can be applied toward both domestic and international adoptions. The award range varies from family to family. There is no maximum household income limit but financial need must be demonstrated. You must be Christian and married to qualify and be working with a licensed 501(c)(3) adoption agency. One of the benefits to this grant is that you can apply immediately and don’t have to wait until your home study is complete. Applications can be submitted on a rolling basis throughout the year so you can apply anytime. The funds awarded can be used for all qualified adoption expenses and are typically sent directly to your service provider. There is no fee to apply. Abba Fund also offers interest-free adoption loans often ranging between $6,000-$8,000 but not more than 1/3 of the overall adoption cost.

2. Ephesians 3:20 Foundation is a direct grant awarded to Christians, married and single, adopting domestically and internationally. Awards range from $1,000-$5,000. There is no fee to apply and you must be working with a licensed adoption agency. For domestic adoptions, apply after receiving a referral. For international adoptions, apply just prior to travel. Grant awards will be sent directly to your agency and can be used toward all qualified adoption expenses. There is an income restriction that affects eligibility depending on current family size. Ephesians 3:20 Foundation accepts applications from June 1 through September 1.

• No children: $65,000
• 1 Child: $70,000
• 2 Children: $75,000
• 3 Children: $80,000
• 4 Children: $85,000

3. Families Outreach is a direct grant awarded for domestic and international adoptions. The award range is $1,000-$4,000. There is no maximum household income limit but financial need must be demonstrated. You must be Christian and married to qualify and be working with a licensed 501(c)(3) adoption agency. Applications are received on a rolling basis throughout the year so you can apply anytime after your home study has been approved. The funds awarded can be used for all qualified adoption expenses. There is no fee to apply.

4. God’s Grace Adoption Ministry awards matching grants in the amount of $2,500 to married Christians couples that are in the process of domestic and international adoption. This means that if the family raises $2,500 from family and friends, God’s Grace Adoption Ministry will send a total of $5,000 to assist with adoption expenses. There is a $20 application fee and the maximum household income is $60,000 or less. Grants are reviewed six times per year and the deadlines are February 29, April 30, June 30, August 31, October 31, and December 31. Once the child has been placed in the adoptive family’s care, funds are sent directly to the family.

5. JSC Foundation is a direct grant awarded for domestic and international adoptions up to $20,000. The maximum household income for a qualifying family is $120,000. You must be Christian, married, and working with a licensed 501(c)(3) adoption agency. You can apply after your home study is approved. JSC Foundation reviews grants five times per year with application deadlines posted at January 31, March 31, June 30, August 31, and October 31. The funds awarded can be used for all qualified adoption expenses and are typically sent to your adoption agency. There is no fee to apply.

6. Lifesong For Orphans provides direct and matching grants to married Christian couples in the process of domestic and international adoptions. The awards range from $1,000-$4,000. There is no maximum household income limit but families must demonstrate a financial need. International adoptions must be facilitated by a COA accredited agency. Applications can be submitted on a rolling basis throughout the year so you can apply anytime after your home study has been approved. All funds awarded can be used for any qualified adoption expenses and can be sent to service providers or to you, with proper documentation and receipts. Lifesong For Orphans also offers interest-free adoption loans and other funding resources.

7. LYDIA Fund is a direct grant for married Christian couples that are adopting internationally. There is no fee to apply and the award range varies by family. You must be working with a licensed adoption agency. The best time to apply is after receiving your referral and 3-12 months before travel. LYDIA Fund receives applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. Funds awarded will be sent to your agency for all qualified adoption expenses.

8. Katelyn’s Fund provides direct grants that are awarded to married Christian couples for domestic and international adoptions. Grant awards range from $1,500-$3,000. The maximum household income is $100,000 and you must be working with a licensed adoption agency. Apply after your home study is approved and either 45 days within placement of a domestic adoption or prior to travel for an international adoption. Grant funds will be sent to your agency and applied toward all qualified adoption expenses. There is no fee to apply.

9. Show Hope is an incredible organization that is led by popular Christian musician Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth. Show Hope provides direct grants for married and single Christians who are adopting domestically and internationally. The average grant size is $5,000. There’s no fee to apply and no income restriction to be eligible. You must be working with a licensed 501(c)(3) adoption agency and have an approved home study. Show Hope reviews grant applications every 2 months, and the deadlines are February 28, April 30, June 30, August 31, October 31, and December 31. Funds are sent directly to your agency and can be applied to all eligible adoption expenses.

10. Sowing Roots provides direct adoption grants to married Christian couples adopting domestically and internationally. Each grant award varies by family and there is no income restriction, although you must demonstrate financial need. You must be working with a licensed adoption agency and have a completed home study.