[sak9645]

... especially in this economy, there are likely to be far more applicants that there are available resources, so don't count on finding one. Also, most grants won't be made unless you are already homestudy approved, so if you are afraid to start a homestudy until you know for sure that you will have enough money for the other adoption fees, you may not want to go this route.

Your best bets still seem to be approaches like:

1. Savings.
2. Loans against your tax-sheltered annuity/401K, which can be very low interest.
3. Assistance from friends and family -- gifts or loans.
4. Home equity loans/lines of credit.
5. Second job.
6. Bank loans, though not too many banks offer them specifically for adoption.
7. Downsizing home or vehicle.
8. Small sacrifices, like foregoing DVD rentals or meals out for a year, and putting the money into a savings account for adoption.
9. Agency fee reductions for adopting school age children, children with significant special needs, or sibling groups.
10. Fundraising.

Do remember that the fees are not paid all at once. Many fees don't get paid until you get a referral, or until you travel. Today, with the long time frames of many international adoptions, that means you could be paying your adoption off over two years or more.

Also, do remember that the adoption tax credit is still alive and well. Yes, you have to come up with the money before you adopt, but if you work with a good financial advisor, you'll often be able to get as much as $10,000 back once your child is home. Just remember that the credit is NOT an automatic refund. The amount depends on how much you actually pay in taxes, as well as your general financial picture.

Sharon