A Child Waits Foundation
Adoption Grants & Adoption Loans
International and Domestic Adoption
A Child Waits Foundation's Adoption Loan Program is designed to help families that require additional funding to complete their adoption. Our goal is to provide financial assistance to families to help bring their children home. We do not believe a child should have to remain in an orphanage or foster care if there is a family who would welcome that child into their home but can't proceed with the adoption due to a lack of funding.
International Adoption Loan Program
Eligibility Criteria
We accept applications from anyone adopting internationally, regardless of race, age,
ethnicity, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation or disability.
Ability to Obtain Qualified Co-Signer
United States
Citizens
Adopting Internationally
Financial Ability to Make Loan Payments
Current Gross Income less than $150,000
Credit without Serious Delinquency
The co-signer requirement may be waived if a family has excellent credit.
When to Apply
After you have:
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Chosen an Adoption Agency
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Completed the Home Study
-
Identified a Co-signer -
The co-signer requirement may be waived if if a family has excellent credit.
Selection of Applicants
The selection of applicants Is based on the following factors:
-
Cost of the Adoption
-
Demonstrated Financial Need
-
Ability to Make Loan Payments
-
Credit Evaluation
Combined Grant and Loan Application
U.S. citizens adopting internationally may apply for both a loan and grant at the same time. This process doesn't require a separate application, application fee or any additional paperwork and will not affect the applicant's ability to receive a grant. When completing the documents for a loan, check the box on the Family and Adoption Information Form and your application will be considered for a grant in addition to a loan.
Qualified families would have the ability to be approved for $10,000 in total funding. For example if you apply for a $10,000 loan but are also awarded a $3000 grant, the maximum loan amount would be $7000.
Our Application Procedures
Our process is ongoing and applications are accepted at any time during the year. There are no application deadlines to be met.
Ongoing Process
Submission to the Board
All applications are presented to the Board of Directors for their review and final decision. Loan decisions and amounts are determined by our Board.
Applications Can Be Expedited
Under special circumstances, A Child Waits can expedite the loan review process. This often occurs when a travel date is received sooner than anticipated or when a medically expedient adoption is approved by the country.
Adoption Delays
If your adoption is significantly delayed, updated forms and any new or additional information regarding your child will be requested when the adoption is able to proceed.
Notification
All loan applicants will be notified of the Board's decision whether approved or denied. If the co-signer does not meet our criteria but you are eligible for a loan, we would give you the opportunity to secure a new co-signer.
Steps in the Application Process
Step 1: Preliminary Assessment
When an application is received, there will be a preliminary assessment to be sure that the application is complete, and that the applicants, the co-signer and the adoption meet our general criteria.
Step 2: Applicant and Cosigner Financial Assessment
The applicant's and the cosigner's information will be reviewed to ascertain if they meet the Foundation's financial qualifications to be considered for a loan.
Step 3: Credit Checks
As part of the loan application process we will run credit reports through TransUnion, LLC to be sure the applicants and cosigner meet our credit requirements.
Step 4: Adoption Process Timeline
Since adoption timelines and each country's travel requirements are different we work with every family to determine the most appropriate time to present the application to the Board for a decision.
Step 5: Adoption Status Updates
Close to your final travel date you will be contacted to clarify any remaining questions regarding your loan application or any changes that have occurred since application submission. The Board will then review your application, make a decision and the family will be notified.
Step 6: Board Decision and Funds Disbursement
Following notification from our Board of loan approval and after a family has a confirmed travel date funds will be disbursed.
Our Funding Process
Qualified
Adoption Expenses
Loan funds will be disbursed for qualified adoption expenses, including in-country and travel costs associated with bringing your child or children home.
How Loans are Paid
The loan funds will be sent directly to the family.
When Loans are Paid
Loans are sent near the end of the adoption process, when the family is ready to travel to bring their child home. In some circumstances it may be possible to receive the loan funds sooner in the process.
Loan Amount and Terms
The loan amount is based on a number of factors, but the total help received from A Child Waits Foundation will not exceed $10,000. Our interest rate is fixed at 3% and families have up to 60 months to repay.
Funding Availability
Requests for financial assistance may outweigh resources, and we regret that A Child Waits Foundation may not be able to provide adoption aid to every qualified family.
Sample Loan Repayment Chart for Comparison Purposes
$10,000 Loan for 5 Years
Funding Source
Interest Rate
Principle Paid
Interest Paid
Monthly Payments
Total Interest
A Child Waits
Home Equity
Low Rate Credit Card
Personal Loan
3%
5%
7%
10%
$154.69
$147.04
$139.68
$129.14
$25.00
$41.67
$58.33
$88.33
$179.69
$188.71
$198.01
$212.47
$781
$1323
$1881
$2748
This chart is for the purpose of interest rate and monthly payment comparison. It does not represent actual numbers from other lenders.
After You Are Home
A Child Waits Foundation requests a brief summary of your adoption and pictures after your child is home. If the family gives written consent, A Child Waits Foundation may use your pictures and adoption summary, without last names, on our website or other publications. These pictures and stories may help other prospective families through the stressful process of adoption.