I'm trying to gather my current financial information together so I can submit my application to CHI by Friday. I just want to say right now that I'm terrified about the money. While that is the only part that I'm scared about - it's what has kept me from applying before now anyway. So if you get a post from me saying that I'm going to wait another month because I'm just terrified of the cost or what if I am not elligible for any grants etc etc .... - I know that it's going to take a leap of faith, I just have to take a deep breathe and jump right? I've been praying every single day about this ... please Lord show me the path that I'm suppose to be taking. Thanks for listening folks :)
Does anyone know how I can start a fund for people to donate or for me to put money into as I save for my adoption? Do I need a non profit or a tax id number? Just wondering? Let me know?
MJ
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You can do it. We were approved for a $4000 grant and we make pretty good money we just don't have the money for the adoption. So it's doable. Just apply any where you qualify. I am going to repost my links right now if you need them.
I know some of them do what you're looking for. Life International probably does, they do a matching grant.
MandyJo - you are just the cutest! :-) I've been where you are and I'm still holding my breath and feel like I'm in mid-air! :-) Do you belong to a church? I've noticed a lot of people will do fundraiser through their church. There are also some people that put donation links on their blogs, but I don't know how exactly that works. You can also ask friends/family to donate any skymiles or American Express points, etc... that might help with your hotel room and airfare. It can be a hit or miss on that but it may be worth trying. Keep us posted! Oh, also, MBNA (I think) has an adoption loan. Definitely check out Debbie's blog - she also has TONS of information! Good luck! Becky
The thing that's great about this is that the $$ is needed sporatically. You need a little here and a little there. Also, don't forget you can put all the traveling stuff on credit cards! Try selling some things on eBay too. Good luck, it WILL work out - where there's a will, there's a way. Jane
Mandy Jo,
I just found your blog today. We too are adopting through CHI for a girl 36 months or younger. Our Dossier was sent to St. Louis on August 3rd and we are anxiously awaiting what region we will be adopting our sweet daughter.
Good luck in your search for adoption grants and funds. We too hope to find some grant money to help with the larger travel costs.
Many Blessings,
Norman and Carey
russianfairytale.blogspot.com
MandyJo,
I, too, can appreciate the financial concerns. As a single adoptive parent, that was one of my issues as well. I ended up doing a home equity loan. The advantage is that you have the flexibility to set an amount and can do whatever with the money. True, it means having another set monthly expense (aka: the baby payment), but once you get the little one home, it is all worth it!
I noticed that someone mentioned getting a grant. I found it harder to find grants that would accept a single person. What a shame that so many places think that only married couples want children. We don't live in the 'Leave It to Beaver' world any more. I read an interesting article several months back that reported that less than 50% of all households today are married couples. That means that the pictures of families have changed. If I ever win a big lottery, I will have to consider setting up grant programs for single adoptive parents.
There are ways to cut down on expenses, but not all of them are fun. One option you could consider is meeting with a financial advisor. He or she could recommend some changes that would allow you to have the finances needed for an adoption from Russia.
I cut down on travel expenses by taking a hot pot and food items that only needed water (oatmeal, mashed potatoes, gravy, soup, etc). I even went so far as to take peanut butter and jelly to have sandwiches.
Bottom line: given the current waiting times, I would suggest that you go ahead and get your application in and deal with the immediate up front expenses. Then, during the waiting time, you can focus on the big lump that is need before your second trip. The longer you wait to get started, the longer it will take to get your daughter. Money doesn't bring happiness, but it does help bring some things that make us happy.
So, where in the midwest are you? I am from the midwest (St. Louis area), so I may be able to recommend other pediatricians that are knowledgeble (sp?) about internationally adopted children. It is becoming a more common thing for pediatricians to learn about during their residency programs.
Well, I should get going. Want to get home to my little one! [Get your application in! It is soooo worth it!]
Christy
Mom to Katie
Adopted from Tver, Russia
3.16.07
I just found your blog and can certainly relate to all the thoughts and difficulties you are struggling with. First, I am not far from you I believe - in northern Minnesota so feel free to contact me at blog or email below. Secondly, we have really kicked our fundraising into high gear as my husband was recently laid off. Here are some things I have learned: go to your bank and open an account for the adoption - make sure to let them know this - it is free and then people can write checks to "adoption fund", put a "donate" button on your blog through paypal, join one of the yahoo fundraising chat groups. We got creative and are fundraising by selling jewelry at art and craft fairs all over Minnesota and we took out a home equity loan. I also have a ton of good websites with helpful links and would be happy to email the info. to you. We have no luck with grants (not because we have not tried) - unfortunately we got a lot of "we have no money right now" letters back to us. But do not be discouraged...there is a little girl waiting for you - and that is priceless!! www.rileyadoption.blogspot.com or amymaearnold@yahoo.com
Sooo what have you decided and what is going on???? I am thinking about you
Just checking in to see how you are doing. I know this can all be tough with the money side of the adoption. And I know from experience that many people can tell you no along the way. But don't give up on your dream. If this is what you are supposed to do it's going to happen.
There are some yahoo groups about fundraising for adoptions you can check out for ideas.
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