Fundraising Ideas ??????

June 28, 2005

Hi, dh & I have been ttc 9 years married 10 years, I am 35 he is 30. We decided on adoption 2 years ago but have never been able to save up the money for the adoption. We would like to adopt independently through a lawyer. My dh's younger brother is expecting a baby with his girlfriend (that took a while for me to get over) and my dh's other younger brother is getting married and his parents have offered to pay for the wedding, but can't offer to help with the adoption, (haven't gotten over that yet) and I need to find ways to legally raise the money ourselves.

Thanks

sherry234

leroy234@bellsouth.net

ddhuab

June 28, 2005

you will find lots of ideas on an earlier thread.

Lots of people have raised a few thousand dollars doing ebay and/or garage sales, and some have mentioned holding fundraising events at their church. Others have actually downsized their homes or cars to afford adoption.

Many people have mentioned taking equity line/loans based on the amount of equity in their home.

And almost everyone mentions ways of saving money/spending in everyday life.

Also, have your in-laws REFUSED to offer any money, or have they just not offered? You may want to ask them.

How much are you looking at as adoption costs? I have read that many domestic adoptions are done independently (without an agency -- lots of legwork on your part) for 10,000 - 15,000.

If you have no children at home now, is there any possible way you can do some extra work (weekends or nights) to earn money that you can put totally in an adoption fund? Or commit all bonuses/money gifts/tax refunds, etc. to the adoption fund? And/or a fixed amount of money per month into the fund (like $300/month, as that is what many people say it costs in formula and diapers for a newborn each month).

If your in-laws won't flat out give you any money toward the adoption, (or just can't afford enough to make much of a difference), maybe they could give you enough to get started in some kind of side-selling business (like tupperware, cosmetics, married-people-novelties, etc.).

Of course, many people on here will mention that you could adopt a child for little or no costs by going through the state system. (This involves lots of research, though, because it is not the right course for everyone).

One big turn-off for me was the time/waiting factor, but then, when I think about it, it has taken such a long time to save money for our international adoption that it may not have made much of a difference... it could never hurt to "cover your bets" and get state-certified/homestudy ready and get on a list while you are saving money for another type of adoption. (I think you can specify what kind of child you want, and I am pretty sure you can be "adopt only" or "foster-adopt" only, versus foster -- but you need to talk with your state agency to find out).

Also, really question your agencies/attorney, etc. Often even though things cost big, the costs don't all come at once.

Good luck,