Gift of Adoption Fund

“The gift of adoption is the overwhelming emotion of traveling to another country and balancing the pain of the foster mother with your own joy, and realizing how lucky I am to have this child in my life.”

Lawrence (adopted Saxony in 2007)

Frequently asked questions about The Gift of Adoption Fund. If you do not find the answer to your question here, please email us at: grants@giftofadoption.org

What is The Gift of Adoption’s Mission?
Gift of Adoption Fund is a national 501(c)3 charitable organization that inspires adoption by providing grants to qualified parents – giving children who need families a permanent home and a chance to thrive.

When was the first grant awarded?
Gift of Adoption awarded its first grant in 1997.

What is the history behind The Gift of Adoption Fund?
Gift of Adoption was co-founded in 1996 by adoptive parents Gene and Lucy Wyka.

Realizing how grateful they were to be able to afford the time and cost involved in adopting and understanding the importance of giving their children a family, they began to wonder what they could do to help bring more children home to a loving family.

As a result, they began a foundation in 1996 with a single focus – to help others adopt. Due to the overwhelming demand for grants, Gene and Lucy converted their foundation from a private family foundation to a public charity in 2001.

Are their eligibility requirements in order to receive an adoption grant?
Any U.S. citizen who has an approved adoption home study from a Hague or COA accredited agency (if international adoption) or licensed social worker (if domestic adoption) is eligible to apply.

Financial need must be demonstrated. The number of biological children or adopted children in the home does not impact eligibility. Gift of Adoption does not consider an applicant’s marital status, gender, race, creed, national origin, age, or religion when reviewing applications. See the Apply for a Grant section for more specifics.

How many grants have been awarded to date?
More than 650 grants, representing more than $1,900,000, have been awarded since 1997.

How many applicants does The Gift of Adoption receive?
Gift of Adoption receives more than 50 applications each month. In fiscal year 2009, Gift of Adoption awarded 88 grants in total – an average of 8 each month. Our goal for fiscal year 2010 is to award at least 100 grants overall.

What’s the average grant amount given by The Fund?
The amount varies depending on the specific situation of each applicant. But The Fund awarded $3,426 on average in 2008. Currently, the maximum grant is $7,500.

Where does financial support come from for The Gift of Adoption Fund:
Financial support for the Gift of Adoption Fund comes from individual, corporate, and foundation donors. In addition, more than 500 volunteers and 4 staff are an integral part of The Fund’s success.

How frequently are grants awarded?
The Grant Selection Committee approves grants every month.

What are The Fund’s operating costs?
The Fund’s expense for Fiscal Year 2008 (July 2007-Jun 2008) totaled $621,198 and include the value of in-kind donations. Our program service expense ratio in fiscal year 2009 was 75 percent.