Adoption Aid Grants FAQs
If you are interested in applying for a Show Hope Adoption Aid grant or want to learn more about our grant process, we’ve compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions:
Can you send me a grant application packet?
The grant application is only available online. We are not able to mail hard copies of our application. All details concerning Adoption Aid grants are available here.
Can we start the application process if we do not have an agency yet?
No. Before applying, you must be working with a licensed, child-placing agency that is a 501(c)(3) organization, and you must have a completed, approved, and/or updated home study. Please note that your placing agency may differ from your home study provider.
At what point in the adoption process may an Adoption Aid grant application be submitted?
Prospective adoptive families must have a completed and approved home study or home study update prior to submitting an application for financial assistance. Applications must be submitted prior to adoptive placement.
What types of adoptions qualify for an Adoption Aid grant?
Show Hope considers both domestic and international adoptions. Show Hope has provided grants to families adopting from the U.S. and numerous countries. For international adoptions, you must be pursuing adoption from a country that is party to The Hague Adoption Convention. Please visit this link for additional information on the Convention and countries included.
When are your application deadline dates?
There are four periods in our application cycle each year. The deadline dates of each period are:
- March 31
- June 30
- September 30
- December 31
The full application and supporting documents, including references, must be submitted prior to the deadline to be considered in a period.
How will we know when our application is complete?
Your application is considered complete and eligible for review when Show Hope has received the online application, required supporting documents, and two references. You will receive a confirmation email within two weeks after submission. You may log in to your account to view the status of the reference forms and should contact references directly as needed.
May we have some of our application documents sent directly to Show Hope?
No. All information must be submitted online.
When are grants awarded?
A minimum of 90 days past the deadline for each period is required for the review of Adoption Aid grant applications.
How will we be notified about the outcome of the review process?
Each applicant will receive a letter via postal mail regarding the outcome of the review process, followed by an email. You may also log in to view the status of your application. Please keep in mind your application will be in the review process for a minimum of 90 days after submission.
How do we receive the grant if we are awarded one?
Your placing agency will receive a copy of your award letter and instructions to request disbursement of the funds. The grant check will be mailed directly to your agency on your behalf approximately 20 business days after the request has been made by the agency. For international adoptions, the agency may request funds when you have booked travel arrangements to bring your child(ren) home. For a domestic adoptions, your agency may request the funds at the time of placement of the child.
What if my adoption is completed during the grant review process?
If you travel to pick up your child(ren) during the period your grant is being considered, it will not affect your consideration for a grant. The agency must still request the grant funds from Show Hope and can apply the award to any outstanding funds or reimburse you for previous payments.
If we receive a regrets letter, may we re-apply or be reconsidered?
No. After a decision has been made, you may not re-apply or have an application reconsidered for the same adoption, even in light of new information or circumstances.
Is it possible to apply with Show Hope if you have received a grant in the past?
Yes. Applicants are welcomed to apply for an Adoption Aid grant for subsequent adoptions. A new application must be considered. Please note: If you are adopting two or more children at the same time, one application will suffice.
What is the monetary amount of grants awarded?
Show Hope Adoption Aid grants generally fall within the range of $8,000 and $12,000 each. Show Hope encourages families to seek additional sources of adoption funding, including potential support from your church as well as other grant organizations. Please visit HowToAdopt.org and/or the Christian Alliance for Orphans website for information regarding additional funding opportunities.
Do you award grants based on income?
There is no set limit on income, though financial need is a significant factor in our review process. Many other factors will also be considered.
Do you give grants to non-U.S. citizens?
We are not able to award grants to families unless, at least ,one parent is a U.S. citizen. Please keep in mind that your agency must be a licensed U.S. adoption agency and have a 501(c)(3) certification.
Do you award grants to families adopting independently?
No. Show Hope is unable to assist with adoptions that are not processed through a licensed, child-placing agency. A home study provider does not fulfill this requirement if you are using a different child-placing agency or provider.
May single parents apply for an Adoption Aid grant?
Yes. Grants have been awarded to single parents. All prospective grant recipients must satisfy the same eligibility criteria.
Can you send me information on adoption, or can you answer questions concerning a particular adoption process?
We have developed HowtoAdopt.org as a resource to answer the many questions you might have concerning international, domestic, or adoptions through foster care. It is both a source of information and a guide to help people navigate through the various aspects of adoption. Show Hope is not an adoption agency.
What adoption agencies do you recommend?
While Show Hope does not endorse specific agencies, a list of Christian adoption agencies may be found on the Christian Alliance for Orphans website. We also recommend due diligence in selecting an adoption agency.
Show Hope is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit and is not an adoption agency. Show Hope solely aids in providing financial assistance to help bridge the gap between children and families. If we have not answered your question, please contact us.