Resources for Adoption Funds

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Lifesong will need answers to these questions to help administer the fund:

Is your fund for church members only? Will you help believers in your community / state / country? Have you considered our “Outside the Walls Network”?
Are you open to using interest-free loans & grants?
Are you open to assisting couples & singles?
Contact person – Who do we send recommendations to?
Monthly Reports – Who will they be sent to?

As you meet with families, consider:

The adoption story/testimony – Why are they adopting? What are their expectations / motivations?
What support structure / resources are in place for the family?
Has the couple thought about special needs / developmental delays / attachment disorders that they may face as they adopt?
How long has the couple been married? Are there any issues / concerns in the marriage?
Child care intentions after the adoption is completed
Family income / financial guideline

As your ministry grows, please consider a multi-faceted ministry:

Pre-adoption – Check what the agency is doing to prepare the family. Consider leading a “Created to Connect” study. Suggest books to read, conferences, or training opportunities.
Waiting – Consider starting groups for couples / mom’s / dad’s for prayer, fellowship, and fundraising.
Post-adoption – Consider how you can help with training / support / church family.
Tax Credit Info – Suggest someone who can assist families with tax information.
Mentoring – Try to find older adoptive parents / older parents to mentor and encourage.
Create a Resource Library (see below).
Don’t recreate the wheel – Look to link up with other churches that have existing funds.

Be intentional about fundraising – Both Hands, events, sales, community, schools, libraries etc.
Don’t forget training for your team and families – Train the trainer. “Empowered to Connect” is a helpful tool.
Make the most of conferences – Summit, local events, etc.

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