How to Apply for a Show Hope Adoption Aid Grant: 8 Tips + 1 Quick One

September 25, 2026

Show Hope Adoption Aid grant recipient family

Thinking about applying for a Show Hope Adoption Aid grant? We’re glad you are here! Our grants range between $8,000 and $12,000 each, covering 20% to 30% of adoption costs. To date, 10,000 children have been impacted by a Show Hope adoption grant, with more than $52 million awarded.

Before you jump into applying, here are eight tips to help your application process go smoothly.

1. Confirm your adoption is eligible.

Show Hope Adoption Aid grants are available for adoptions through a licensed, 501(c)(3) nonprofit placing agency. The following are not eligible:

Independent adoptions
Foster care adoptions
Embryo adoptions
Adoptions through for-profit agencies

2. Working with an adoption consultant or multiple agencies? Wait to apply.

Hold off on submitting your application until you’re officially matched with your placing agency. (If you’re already matched with a single agency, this doesn’t apply to you—go ahead and submit your application whenever you’re ready.)

3. Review our Statement of Faith.

Take a few minutes to thoroughly review Show Hope’s Statement of Faith before you apply.

4. Gather your documents ahead of time.

Having everything you need before you start will save you time. You’ll need:

Your home study (or your most recent update)
Recent tax information—your 1040 and W2 or 1099 forms
Your annual budget
Your net worth information
Your placing agency’s and caseworker’s details
Your church’s contact information

Quick tip: Black out your social security numbers before uploading your documents.

5. Complete every section thoroughly.

Yes, we may sound like your high school teacher—but trust us, taking your time here will make the rest of the process smoother.

6. Double-check your uploads before submitting.

Make sure all required documents are attached before you hit submit.

7. Tell us if anything changes.

Life happens. Letting us know about changes after you apply helps us keep your file current and serve your family well.

8. Have questions? Check our FAQs.

Visit our FAQ section for answers to common questions.

We are so thankful you have chosen to let Show Hope be a part of your family’s adoption journey—it’s not something we take lightly! This process can feel overwhelming at times—that’s normal—which is why we created HowToAdopt.org to walk with you from pre- to post-adoption.

Ready to begin? Get started at showhope.org/adoptionaid today.