In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan sits down with Brian Murphy and Shaneetra Gross from the Gift of Adoption Fund to tackle one of the biggest questions hopeful adoptive parents ask: “Can we afford to adopt?”
They walk us through how the nonprofit has awarded over $20 million in adoption grants since 1996—supporting over 640 families each year—and explain how these grants are making adoption more accessible for all.
Together, they discuss who qualifies for financial assistance, what makes an application stand out, and how to navigate the adoption process without draining your savings or delaying your dreams. They also break down the myths surrounding adoption costs and share insider tips on what your grant application really needs to include.
Whether you’re adopting privately, internationally, or through foster care, this conversation is packed with practical advice and encouragement to help you move forward.
Throughout the episode, Brian and Shaneetra’s compassion, transparency, and decades of experience shine through, making it clear: money shouldn’t be the reason a child goes without a home.
🎧 Important Links:
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⏰ Chapters
00:00 Intro: PodcastThon + Gift of Adoption
01:41 What Adoption Grants Actually Cover
04:30 Rising Costs in Domestic Adoption
07:15 Birth Mother Expenses & Legal Fees
08:58 Who Is Eligible (And Who Isn’t)?
11:17 What Grant Committees Are Looking For
13:42 Can You Get a Second Grant?
17:08 How the Application Process Works
19:25 Emergency Funding for Stork Drops
22:34 How Funds Are Paid Out
26:46 New Pilot Programs: 18+ Adoptions & Relative Licensing
33:57 Real-Life Success Stories
36:25 Can You Reapply for Additional Help Mid-Process?
38:14 Advice for Hopeful Adoptive Parents
40:07 Debunking the “Income Cutoff” Myth
43:12 Grant Goals for 2025
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For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email support@rgadoptionconsulting.com
