Raising Money for Adoption: Where to Start?

Once hopeful adoptive parents find out how much adoption costs, their next question is usually the same: where do I even start raising money for adoption? It’s a fair question. Domestic adoption typically runs $30,000 to $60,000, and staring at that number can feel like the biggest obstacle in your whole adoption journey.

Here’s the good news: almost no family pays for adoption completely out of pocket. Most combine a few different sources, some fundraised, some financed, into a plan that works for their budget and their community. This guide walks you through that plan, step by step, so you know exactly where to start and which of our other resources to turn to next.

How Much Will You Need to Raise?

Before you pick a single fundraising idea, get a real number. Ask your adoption agency for a written breakdown of expected fees, then compare that to what you already have covered through savings, employer benefits, or the adoption tax credit. The gap between those two numbers is your actual fundraising goal, and it’s usually smaller than families expect once you factor in tax credits and benefits.

This article is for general informational purposes only and is not tax or legal advice. Consult a qualified tax professional about your specific adoption tax credit eligibility.

Step 1: Decide How Fundraising Fits Your Bigger Financial Plan

Fundraising works best as one piece of a larger plan, not the whole plan. Before you launch a single campaign, take stock of the other resources available to you:

• Grants and loans from adoption-focused organizations
• Employer adoption benefits, if your company offers them
• The federal adoption tax credit, applied after finalization
• Crowdfunding and community fundraising, which we cover below

For a full breakdown of grants, loans, the tax credit, and employer benefits, see our guide to Financial Assistance for Adoption. If you want a short overview of all your options in one place, our Affordable Adoption overview is a good starting point, too.

Step 2: Choose the Right Mix of Fundraising Methods for You

Not every fundraising idea fits every family. A couple with a big church community might do best with an in-person event; a couple with a large online network might raise more through crowdfunding. The families who raise money fastest usually combine one online method with one or two in-person methods, rather than relying on just one.

Broadly, your options fall into a few categories:

• Online crowdfunding (GoFundMe, AdoptTogether, and similar platforms)
• In-person events (BBQs, taco nights, auctions)
• Sales-based fundraisers (garage sales, t-shirts, bath bombs, bake sales)
• Skills-based fundraising (offering services like photography, babysitting, or event planning)

We’ve helped thousands of families raise real money this way. For the full list of 15+ specific ideas with step-by-step instructions, visit 15+ Adoption Fundraiser Ideas for Raising Funds for Adoption.

Step 3: Tell Your Story

Whichever methods you choose, this is the step that determines how much you actually raise. People don’t give to a generic cause. They give to support your story. When you set up a crowdfunding page or promote an event, be specific: explain why you’re adopting, how far along you are in the process, and exactly what the funds will go toward.

A few things that consistently help:

• Include a short video, even a simple one filmed on your phone. Video updates tend to get shared more than text posts
• Give a specific dollar goal, not a vague one
• Post updates regularly, even small ones, so supporters feel included in the journey
• Say thank you publicly. Donors who feel appreciated often give again

Step 4: Set a Timeline and Stay Consistent

Fundraising for adoption isn’t usually a single event. It’s a few months of steady effort. Set a realistic timeline (many families give themselves three to six months), and space out your efforts, so you’re not asking for support all at once.

A crowdfunding page that runs continuously in the background, paired with one or two in-person events along the way, tends to outperform a single big push.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Fundraising for Adoption

• Waiting until you’re deep in the process to start. The earlier you start, the more time your community has to help.
• Only trying one method. Families who combine two or three approaches typically raise more than those who rely on one.
• Being vague about the goal. Specific numbers and specific stories raise more money than general appeals.
• Not researching platform fees first. Some crowdfunding sites use an all-or-nothing model or charge transaction fees. Read the terms before you commit.
• Forgetting to say thank you. A quick personal note goes a long way toward keeping donors engaged for future asks.

Raising Money for Adoption Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelming

The cost of adoption is real, but so is the generosity of the people around you. When you have a clear plan with a real number to raise, the right mix of methods, and a story worth sharing, raising money for adoption becomes much more manageable than it appears from the outside.

Raising money for adoption may not be easy, but the moment you bring your baby home, you’ll recognize all that fundraising was totally worth it. So stay focused, lean on your community, and don’t give up. You can do this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I start when raising money for adoption?

Start by getting a written cost estimate from your adoption agency and comparing it against savings, employer benefits, and the adoption tax credit. The remaining gap is your real fundraising goal, and it’s usually smaller than families expect.

What’s the fastest way to raise money for adoption?

Online crowdfunding through platforms like GoFundMe or AdoptTogether is typically the fastest method, since it reaches your entire network at once and can be shared widely on social media. Combining it with one or two in-person events tends to raise even more.

How much money do families typically raise through fundraising?

Families who combine multiple fundraising methods have raised anywhere from a few thousand dollars to $20,000 or more, though results vary widely based on community size and effort. Fundraising is usually one piece of a larger financial plan, not the entire adoption budget.

Is money raised through adoption fundraising taxable or tax-deductible?

Generally, personal donations through platforms like GoFundMe are not tax-deductible for the donor and, in most cases, are not considered taxable income for the recipient, but this can vary. Consult a qualified tax professional about your specific situation.

Should I fundraise before or after I’m matched with a birth mother?

Many families start fundraising as soon as they begin the adoption process, rather than waiting for a match, since fundraising and planning both take time to build momentum. Starting early gives your community more time to get involved.

Can I combine fundraising with grants, loans, and the adoption tax credit?

Yes. Most families use a combination of sources rather than relying on just one. See our Financial Assistance for Adoption guide for a full breakdown of grants, loans, employer benefits, and the tax credit.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on February 17, 2015, and has since been updated.