Vision:
The Gift of Adoption Fund is a national 501(c) 3 organization that inspires adoptions by giving grants that put adoption in reach: in reach for the 140 million children worldwide in need of families, for qualified parents yearning to adopt, and for those of us who want to do something concrete to move a child from a dire situation into a life of hope and promise.

The First Gift:
Gift of Adoption awarded its first grant in 1997.

National History:
Gift of Adoption was co-founded in 1996 by adoptive parents Gene and Lucy Wyka. Realizing how grateful they were to be able to afford the time and cost involved in adopting and understanding the importance of giving their children a family, they began to wonder what they could do to help bring more children home to a loving family. They began a foundation in 1996 with a single focus – to help others adopt. Due to the overwhelming demand for grants, Gene and Lucy converted their foundation from a Private Family Foundation to a Public Charity in 2001.

Eligibility:
Any U.S. citizen adopting from anywhere in the world (domestic or international) who has an approved home study from a licensed agency or social worker is eligible to apply. Financial need must be demonstrated. The number of biological children or adopted children in the home does not impact eligibility. Gift of Adoption does not consider an applicant’s marital status, gender, race, creed, national origin, or religion when reviewing applications.

Number of Grants:
More than 450 grants, representing more than $1,600,000, have been awarded since 1997.

Number of Applicants:
Gift of Adoption receives more than 50 applications each month. Current funding allows an average of only 8 grants to be awarded each month.

Grant Size:
The amount varies depending on the specific situation of each applicant. The average award given in 2006 was $3,500. Currently, the maximum grant is $7,500.

Support:
Financial support for the Gift of Adoption Fund comes from individual, corporate, and foundation donors. In addition, more than 100 volunteers and 5 staff are an integral part of the Fund’s success.

Grant Frequency:
The Grant Selection Committee approves Grants every month.

Operating Cost:
The Fund’s expense for Fiscal Year 2007 (July.’06 - Jun.’07) totaled $509,815. Expenses include the value of in-kind donations. Our program service expense ratio in fiscal year 2007 was 77 percent.