Adoption in the United States can cost up to $40,000. Grants can help your family.
From the Florida adoption attorneys at Gulf Coast Adoptions, here’s what you need to know about Adoption Grants in Florida.
Understanding Adoption Grants
An adoption grant is money paid to help facilitate adoption. A government agency or a private organization may pay it. Unlike loans, grants don’t have to be paid back. Adoption grants help children find adoptive homes, help adoptive families plan finances, and build their future.
State-Sponsored Adoption Assistance in Florida
Florida offers state-sponsored adoption assistance for qualifying families. To qualify, the child must be part of the child welfare system, a difficult-to-place child, or a child removed through abuse and neglect proceedings.
Assistance may include:
- Monthly maintenance subsidy
- Medical/Medicaid assistance
- Non-recurring expense reimbursement
- Post-secondary tuition waivers
There are qualifying criteria for state adoption grants in Florida. But grants are not competitive – there is no limit to the number of qualified families who may receive them.
Non-recurring expense reimbursement
The State of Florida may reimburse qualified families up to $1,000 in non-recurring adoption expenses, including:
- Travel
- Attorney fees
- Court costs
- Birth certificate fees
- Agency fees
- Physical exams
Private and Nonprofit Adoption Grants Available in Florida
Although not all adoptions qualify for government assistance programs, there are private and nonprofit organizations that award adoption grants. These organizations establish their criteria and priorities.
List of Organizations Offering Adoption Grants
| Organization | Grant | Amount | Criteria | How many awards |
| The Associates Home Loan of Florida Inc. | Associates Home Loan Adoption Grant | $1,000 | First-time parents. Payable to a U.S. adoption agency. | Two/year |
| The Orphan Foundation | The Orphan Foundation grant application | Varies | Family income under $50,000 | Grants are issued when funds are available |
| Help Us Adopt | Helpusadopt.org grant applications | $1,000 to $30,000 | Home study, tax return, personal statement, one+ applicant U.S. citizen, priority to those without children and failed/disrupted adoptions, need-based | $300,000 per grant cycle, grants awarded six times per year |
| A Child Waits Foundation | Domestic Grant Program; International Program | Up to $7,500 | U.S. & Canadian citizens, singles and couples eligible, financial need is a factor | 3,300+ children helped, no application deadline |
| Lifesong for Orphans | Adoption grants and interest-free loans | Varies, church support encouraged | Home study required; financial need, needs of the child are criteria, U.S. citizens | Varies |
| Gift of Adoption | Grant Application Request | Up to $15,000 | May be available for kinship adoption and adoptees ages 18-21. Domestic and international, with priority for special needs and circumstances | No application deadline |
| Tim Tebow Foundation | Orphan Care + Prevention | $7,000-$10,000 per family, on average | Special needs adoptions | Monthly grants, 380+ awarded |
Private adoption grants are created and administered individually. Criteria, priorities, and amounts vary. Award amounts vary. Read the application criteria to determine your eligibility and what organizations may match most closely for your situation.
This list of adoption grants names some organizations that may award adoption assistance in Florida. This list is not complete. Availability and criteria may change.
Employer Benefits
Many employers offer adoption assistance benefits as part of their employee benefits packages. These assistance programs reimburse qualifying expenses, and they may function as an income tax exclusion.
Programs typically reimburse qualifying expenses, including home study fees, agency and placement expenses, court costs, legal fees, travel, visa and passport fees, immigration costs, and other fees.
Employees should follow the documentation and reimbursement process created by their employer, which includes time limits to make requests. Expense receipts are required with documents verifying the adoption and participant eligibility.
Maximum reimbursement amounts vary among employers. Check what your employer offers.
Tax Credits and Benefits
Adoptive families can claim a credit on their U.S. taxes. This credit can lower your tax liability by deducting qualifying expenses. Read more about understanding the adoption tax credit.
Tips for Applying for Adoption Grants
When applying for adoption grants, carefully read the selection criteria. Different organizations have varying requirements and priorities. Determine what agencies may be most likely to make an award for your situation.
To maximize your chances of receiving an adoption grant, follow the application requirements carefully. Tell your personal story, including why you want to adopt and how grant funds will help. Proofread your application.
Additional Financial Resources for Adoptive Families
In addition to adoption grants in Florida, you may benefit from:
- Adoption loans
- Fundraising
- Crowd funding
- Community and faith-based support programs
Grant Help for Adoptive Families
There are a variety of adoption grants and assistance in Florida, including state assistance, grants, loans, employer benefits, and tax programs. Families may benefit from pursuing multiple funding sources.
Contact Us
Contact the team at Gulf Coast Adoptions today to learn more about how we can assist you.