Adoption Aid Grants Frequently Asked Questions
Adoption Aid grants remain the cornerstone of Show Hope’s work and the original mission of our Founders, Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman. One of the primary barriers standing between children who have been orphaned and loving families is the cost associated with adoption. Our grants help break down that cost and have been instrumental in more than 7,900 children coming home.
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 at showhope.org/apply. We are not able to mail hard copies of our application.
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 intercountry adoptions. Show Hope has provided grants to families adopting from the United States and numerous countries. For intercountry adoptions, you must be pursuing adoption from a country that is party to The Hague Adoption Convention.
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.
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 after each period deadline 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. 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 adoption, 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 reapply or be reconsidered?
No. After a decision has been made, you may not reapply 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 submitted. *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 fall within the range of $6,000 to $10,000. Because we are not able to award all qualified applicants, Show Hope encourages families to seek additional sources of adoption funding, including potential support from your church as well as other grant organizations.
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 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. If you are working through an adoption consultant, you cannot apply for a grant until you have finalized your placement agency. In addition, consulting fees will not be considered as part of the total adoption cost.
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.
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 at grants@showhope.org.
