Adoption can be a long, drawn-out process -- and an expensive one, many prospective parents, couples or singles, find out. Funding an adoption and paying thousands of dollars for lawyers, adoption fees, travel and room and board (in the event the adoption is international and requires parents to travel to the child's country) can place a heavy financial burden on an individual or couple. Figuring out ways to raise money to help pay adoption fees may help expectant parents meet those needs and even help pay for overseas travel and accommodations. Additional funds may also help purchase necessary child care supplies that will be needed once the adopted child is brought home.
Step 1
Set up a raffle among family members and friends, or even at your workplace. Enlist friends, business acquaintances or family members to donate prizes so that you don't end up spending the money gained from raffle ticket sales to pay for prizes. You may offer prizes such as dinner and a movie, or a free weekend stay at your cabin in the mountains. Get creative. Prizes for raffles can range from money to services to window treatments to free car washes or spa treatments.
Step 2
Bake away! Bake sales are a traditional and effective way to earn extra funds for scouts, church organizations and school clubs. Explain to your pastor or local business leaders about your endeavor to adopt a child and that you are trying to find ways to help with funding. Ask if you can set up a bake sale table in front of their building. Friends and family can help by donating baked goods, earning you a tidy profit.
Step 3
Make and sell crafts created by yourself and other family members. Items sold may range from teddy bears to knit skull caps to lap robes and mittens. Dolls, Christmas ornaments or other holiday decorations are always good sellers, so ask family and friends to get creative and donate some time and inexpensive supplies for your adoption efforts. Items made can be sold at craft fairs, by word-of-mouth or on online auction websites like eBay.
Step 4
Place empty baby bottles around your town, asking for donations. Attach a small index card or note to the bottle, stating what you are doing and why. Request permission from local business owners to place the bottles in their places of business and then collect the bottles once a week.
Step 5
Hold a garage sale. Ask your friends and neighbors to contribute items for sale. All monies earned at the garage sale can be placed in the adoption fund. To pack more of a punch, ask several neighbors if they would like to help with your efforts to raise adoption funds and hold a garage sale block party, which will be fun for bargain-hunters and help your efforts at the same time.
Things You'll Need
- Baby bottles (optional)
