Menu
Financial Assistance
We know that the cost of international adoption is a barrier to many families. Our goal at CCAI is to keep our agency costs as low as possible to make adoption available to as many families as possible. In addition to keeping our costs low, we are happy to support your efforts in fundraising for your adoption. Here are some resources and ideas to help you on your fundraising journey:
Please click here for a list of grant organizations our families have had success with in the past. Each organization has unique eligibility guidelines, application requirements, deadlines and documentation requirements. Be sure to research these requirements carefully to make sure you qualify and understand the timelines before applying. Once you apply, you may be asked to provide documentation about your adoption agency and expected expenses. CCAI is happy to provide this information on your behalf, we will just need a signed release form for each organization we share your information with. Please complete the required release and return it to us at the email address listed on the form.
Once you are awarded a grant, CCAI will provide: 1) ongoing communication with grant provider(s) regarding your adoption progress and paid and estimated expenses; 2) tracking and applying your grant funds to the specific adoption fees and travel related expenses; and 3) accounting reconciliation and coordinating with the fund(s) or foundation(s) to determine how best to disburse excess funds if necessary.
If we can be of further assistance please contact us.
There are many ways to raise money for an adoption in addition to applying for grants or low interest loans. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
If you would like to add to our list please contact us. We would love to hear your ideas! We strongly urge families to carefully research any fundraiser to make sure it is appropriate for their situation.
Many companies offer adoption benefits to their employees, which may range from financial assistance to parental leave. Some employers will help with costs by reimbursing adoption expenses with a cash benefit of up to several thousand dollars. Check your employer to see what adoption assistance may be available.
Eligible adoptive families can claim tax credit for their adoption expenses including necessary adoption fees, court costs, attorney fees, and other expenses directly related to the adoption. Currently, qualified families can claim up to $13,400 adoption expenses. The tax credit phases out for taxpayers with high adjusted gross incomes (above $197,880.00). Adoptive families who plan to claim the credit should file form 8839, titled Qualified Adoption Expenses, and attach it to Form 1040. For more information and to download required forms, visit: https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc607.html
Please click https://www.irs.gov/publications/p17/ch38.html to access more information.
Please click http://www.militaryfamily.org/info-resources/adoption.html to access more information.
Please Click here for a list of grant organizations our families have had success with in the past. Each organization has unique eligibility guidelines, application requirements, deadlines and documentation requirements. Be sure to research these requirements carefully to make sure you qualify and understand the timelines before applying. Once you apply, you may be asked to provide documentation about your adoption agency and expected expenses. CCAI is happy to provide this information on your behalf, we will just need a signed release form for each organization we share your information with. Please complete the required release and return it to us at the email address listed on the form.
Once you are awarded a grant, CCAI will provide: 1) ongoing communication with grant provider(s) regarding your adoption progress and paid and estimated expenses; 2) tracking and applying your grant funds to the specific adoption fees and travel related expenses; and 3) accounting reconciliation and coordinating with the fund(s) or foundation(s) to determine how best to disburse excess funds if necessary.
If we can be of further assistance please contact us.
There are many ways to raise money for an adoption in addition to applying for grants or low interest loans. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
https://mystory.lifesongfororphans.org/how-it-works/
If you would like to add to our list please contact us. We would love to hear your ideas! We strongly urge families to carefully research any fundraiser to make sure it is appropriate for their situation.
Many companies offer adoption benefits to their employees, which may range from financial assistance to parental leave. Some employers will help with costs by reimbursing adoption expenses with a cash benefit of up to several thousand dollars. Check your employer to see what adoption assistance may be available.
Eligible adoptive families can claim tax credit for their adoption expenses including necessary adoption fees, court costs, attorney fees, and other expenses directly related to the adoption. Currently, qualified families can claim up to $13,400 adoption expenses. The tax credit phases out for taxpayers with high adjusted gross incomes (above $197,880.00). Adoptive families who plan to claim the credit should file form 8839, titled Qualified Adoption Expenses, and attach it to Form 1040. For more information and to download required forms, visit: https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc607.html
Please click https://www.irs.gov/publications/p17/ch38.html to access more information.
Please click http://www.militaryfamily.org/info-resources/adoption.html to access more information.
Typically families can start applying for grants and loans as soon as their home study is complete (there are some agencies that will allow you to begin sooner, be sure to check the eligibility guidelines for each grant foundation).
Most granting organizations will request a letter on letterhead from your agency showing what your anticipated adoption expenses are, what has been paid, and what fees are still outstanding. In order to complete the grant letter and share your confidential information with the grant foundation, we will need a signed release. Please allow at least 48 hours for the completion of the letter.
You can either download CCAI’s Release of Information form here or request the form via email: application@ccaifamily.org. Once the release has been completed and signed by each adoptive parent please return it to the email address listed on the form (an original signature is not required).
Due to our Confidentiality policy, we are required to have a Release form for each foundation we share your information with. The release form is also how you tell us where to send the information which is different for each grant foundation.
We are happy to support you in your grant and fundraising efforts but it is up to the family to carefully research each grant to make sure it is appropriate for their individual circumstance and to apply accordingly. Each granting agency has different timelines, eligibility requirements, and application fees; so we encourage you to do your research before applying.
Your friends and family can send CCAI money to be applied to your adoption expenses however; they will not receive a tax deduction receipt. This is because they are paying for services on your behalf, and therefore is considered a payment for adoption services and not a donation. If they want to be able to claim their contribution as a tax deduction, then they will need to donate through a fund-raising entity or another third party not for profit entity such as a church or grant agency such as Life Song for Orphans, The Abba Fund, Reece’s Rainbow, etc. The grant foundation or church will provide them with a tax deductible donation receipt and forward the funds to CCAI as a “grant” in your family’s name.
The granting organization will notify CCAI and or send the funds to our accounting department. Once the granted funds are received the accounting department will let you know how the funds are being applied and will continue to track and apply these funds to your fees as they become due.
We will apply the funds to fees already paid by you and refund the excess money to you after you have completed your adoption if allowed by the grant foundation.
Yes there are restrictions. CCAI’s only restriction is that the Post Adoption Deposit is paid in full by the family. Because it is a “deposit” it is not considered an adoption expense and the deposit will be refunded to you after all of your post adoption requirements have been met. Many grant foundations also have restrictions, such as the funds can only be used for travel purposes, and/ or only for Adoption Agency fees. Therefore, your research at the beginning of your grant and fundraising journey is most important and we will gladly guide you along the way.
No, the IRS only allows a family to claim those services that were paid for by your family directly for your adoption process. CCAI will provide you with your true cost letter for tax purposes once you have returned from China with your child/children, this will reflect the fees you paid.
Typically families can start applying for grants and loans as soon as their home study is complete (there are some agencies that will allow you to begin sooner, be sure to check the eligibility guidelines for each grant foundation).
Most granting organizations will request a letter on letterhead from your agency showing what your anticipated adoption expenses are, what has been paid, and what fees are still outstanding. In order to complete the grant letter and share your confidential information with the grant foundation, we will need a signed release. Please allow at least 48 hours for the completion of the letter.
You can either download CCAI’s Release of Information form here or request the form via email: application@ccaifamily.org. Once the release has been completed and signed by each adoptive parent please return it to the email address listed on the form (an original signature is not required).
Due to our Confidentiality policy, we are required to have a Release form for each foundation we share your information with. The release form is also how you tell us where to send the information which is different for each grant foundation.
We are happy to support you in your grant and fundraising efforts but it is up to the family to carefully research each grant to make sure it is appropriate for their individual circumstance and to apply accordingly. Each granting agency has different timelines, eligibility requirements, and application fees; so we encourage you to do your research before applying.
Your friends and family can send CCAI money to be applied to your adoption expenses however; they will not receive a tax deduction receipt. This is because they are paying for services on your behalf, and therefore is considered a payment for adoption services and not a donation. If they want to be able to claim their contribution as a tax deduction, then they will need to donate through a fund-raising entity or another third party not for profit entity such as a church or grant agency such as Life Song for Orphans, The Abba Fund, Reece’s Rainbow, etc. The grant foundation or church will provide them with a tax deductible donation receipt and forward the funds to CCAI as a “grant” in your family’s name.
The granting organization will notify CCAI and/or send the funds to our accounting department. Once the granted funds are received the accounting department will let you know how the funds are being applied and will continue to track and apply these funds to your fees as they become due.
We will apply the funds to fees already paid by you and refund the excess money to you after you have completed your adoption if allowed by the grant foundation.
Yes there are restrictions. CCAI’s only restriction is that the post-adoption deposit is paid in full by the family. Because it is a “deposit” it is not considered an adoption expense and the deposit will be refunded to you after all of your post adoption requirements have been met. Many grant foundations also have restrictions, such as the funds can only be used for travel purposes, and only for Adoption Agency fees.
Therefore, your research at the beginning of your grant and fundraising journey is most important and we will gladly guide you along the way.
No, the IRS only allows a family to claim those services that were paid for by your family directly for your adoption process. CCAI will provide you with your true cost letter for tax purposes once you have returned from China with your child/children, this will reflect the fees you paid.
| Expense | Amount | Pmt Method | Pay To | Due |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $250 | Check/ACH Withdrawal | CCAI | Application submission |
| Child Abuse Record Search | $35/Family | Check | CO Dept of Human Service | Application submission |
| IAAME Monitoring & Oversight Fee | $500 | Check/ACH Withdrawal | CCAI (Sent to IAAME) | After App Approval |
| First Program Fee (Includes Home Study) | $5,700 | Check/ACH Withdrawal | CCAI | After App Approval |
| CBI/FBI Fingerprint Search | $39.50 per person | Money Order | Colorado Bureau of Investigation | After App Approval |
| USCIS Filing & Fingerprinting | $775 plus $85/adult | Check/Money Order | US Dept. of Homeland Security | Upon I-800A submission |
| Dossier Preparation | Approx. $450-$900 | Check/Money Order | Secretary of State(s), Chinese Consulate(s) | As preparing Dossier |
| Second Program Fee | $5,050 | Check/ACH Withdrawal | CCAI | Dossier Submission |
| CCCWA Fee | $1,270 | Check/ACH Withdrawal | CCCWA via CCAI | Dossier Submission |
| Third Program Fee | $5,500 | Check/ACH Withdrawal | CCAI | Prior to receiving child match acceptance letter |
| CCCWA Post Adoption Translation Fee | $300 | Check/ACH Withdrawal | CCCWA via CCAI | Prior to receiving child match acceptance letter |
| Court Validation Deposit | $200 | Check | CCAI | Prior to receiving child match acceptance letter |
| Post Adoption Deposit (Refundable) | $450 | Check/ACH Withdrawal | CCAI | Prior to receiving child match acceptance letter |
| Visa to enter China | $140 (plus courier fee) | Check/Credit Card | Chinese Consulate via a courier/travel agency | Approximately one month before travel to China |
| US Domestic & International Airfare | $1,000 – $2,000 per traveler (adopted child over 2 requires full ticket) | Credit Card | A travel agency/airline of your choice | Approximately 7-10 days prior to China departure |
| In China Travel & Accommodations | Approx. $4,000-$4,400 for two adults | ACH Withdrawal | CCAI (wired to China) | Approximately 7-10 days prior to China departure |
| Adoption Registration and Notarization | $800 – $1,000 | Cash | Local government in China | In China |
| Orphanage Donation | (Voluntary) | Cash or Wire | Orphanage | In China |
| Child’s Passport | $100-$150 | Cash | Local passport agency | In China |
| Food | $700 – $800 per couple | Cash/Credit Card | Hotel(s), restaurant(s) | In China |
| Child Physical & Photo | $130-$150 | Cash | Clinic | In Guangzhou, China |
| Child U.S. Entry Visa | $325 | Cash or Check | U.S. Consulate | In China |
| Court Validation Fee | $167 | Check | County Court | After U.S. Return |
| Child’s Colorado Birth Certificate | $37.75 | Check | Colorado Vital Statistics Office | After U.S. Return |
| Lutheran Family Services | $250 | Check | Lutheran Family Services via CCAI | When Home Study is approved by CCAI |
