About the AAF
Since 2015, the fund has helped eight Anglican families involved in international, domestic, and foster care adoptions and granted over $15,000 in financial support. In August 2021, however, the jurisdictional authority of the fund was passed to AFL, which complements our position as the go-to Life-Affirming ministry of the Anglican Communion. AFL created a fund review board in September 2021, which will review grant applications of potential adoptive families and send out funds accordingly.
We are so grateful for the generous grant and support we received from the Anglican Adoption Fund. Our adoption process started several years ago and after many months of waiting, we were blessed with the arrival of our baby girl. In the whirlwind of a recent military move, adoption fees, and a long hospital stay required out of state to be with our little girl after her birth, we were touched by the kindness of the Anglicans For Life staff and beyond thankful for the blessing of financial assistance towards our adoption expenses.
-Tae, Chris, Ella, Asher, and Brynn
Grant FAQs
The Church needs to make sure that its response to unwed mothers or teenagers facing an unplanned pregnancy is not condemnation; the sin committed is that of sex outside of marriage, not being pregnant. By creating an environment where unplanned motherhood is seen as the worst offense, the Church inadvertently pressure women into choosing abortion. We need to honor women who give life to their children and help teenage mothers care for their child, no matter how he or she was conceived.
What types of adoptions qualify for the grant?
Domestic Adoption
A domestic adoption is an adoption of a child (most often a newborn infant) in which the birth parent (or parents) voluntary surrender parental rights and place the child with an adoptive couple whom she (or they) has (or have) chosen. These adoptions are most often facilitated by an adoption agency or adoption attorney.
For a domestic adoption, grant funds will be disbursed when the child is placed in the adoptive parents’ arms.
International Adoption
An international adoption is an adoption of a child who lives in another country. The adoption is subject to the laws of the country in which the child lives, as well as those of the United States.
For an international adoption, grant funds will be disbursed when the adoptive parents return to the United States with the child.
Adoption from Foster Care
Adoption from foster care involves the legal adoption of a child from the foster care system whose biological parents’ rights have been terminated by a court of law. Though the costs associated with such an adoption are generally minimal compared to other types of adoption, the adoptive parents may incur expenses, such as the cost of making modifications to their home in order to pass the home study.
For an adoption from foster care, grant funds will be disbursed when the adoption is finalized in court.
Embryo Adoption
In the United States, human embryos are not legally considered persons. They are classified as property—either property of the parents who commissioned their creation or the fertility clinic if they have been abandoned. So, when it comes to how embryo adoption is governed, the FDA regulates the transfer of embryos between parties not as a child placement, but as a form of tissue donation—the same regulatory category as a blood transfusion or an organ donation.
This means that when a fertility clinic facilitates embryo donation, they are, in the eyes of the law, transferring biological material from one party to another. There is no home study. No matching process designed with a child’s wellbeing or best interest in mind. No requirement for counseling. In practice, many clinics handle embryo donation as a straightforward medical transaction rather than the adoption of one human life to another family. This means that among fertility clinics, essentially anyone who has the financial means can adopt and implant abandoned human embryos.
This is why it is important for families approaching embryo adoption from a Christian or broadly pro-life perspective to work with a licensed embryo adoption agency rather than a fertility clinic. An embryo adoption agency, unlike a fertility clinic, functions like a children’s adoption agency with case workers, background checks, home visits, and a focus on protecting the best interest of the child. Many of these agencies also prioritize married families with a mother and father to ensure children receive the support and love that they need from both parents to thrive. Churches or organizations that offer a stipend for adoption should include embryo adoption, but specify that the adoption is done through a legitimate agency and not just a fertility clinic.
For an embryo adoption, grant funds will be disbursed when the baby is placed in the parents’ arms at birth.
What are the requirements to submit an application?
All applicants must be in a traditional, heterosexual marriage and baptized Christians. Families must be active members of an Anglican church in the United States. In addition, applicants must submit:
How do I apply?
To apply for a grant through the Anglican Adoption Fund (AAF), you must meet the requirements listed on the application and submit a complete application to the review board. Reach out to Adoption@AnglicansForLife.org to express your interest or ask any questions about adoptions. Submit the required forms listed below to Bookkeeper@AnglicansForLife.org.
Do you have to be Anglican?
Yes! All grantees must be active members of an Anglican Church in the United States.
When will I know if I was selected?
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. All applications will receive a letter regarding the outcome of their application.
Where do the grant funds come from?
Grant funds come from donors. To make a contribution click here. All contributions are tax deductible. When filling out the digital donation form, please select "Adoption Fund" from the dropdown menu.
I received a grant, what happens next?
Applicants who are awarded grants will receive instructions on how and when funds will be dispersed.
Are the grants taxable?
No, the grants are not taxable.
Can I receive more than one grant?
Only one grant per each adoption is available, however, we recognize there may be additional circumstances to consider. The AAF reserves the right to make exceptions. If you have any questions please reach out to Georgette.
How do I share my family's success story?
If you were selected for a grant and would like to share your story, please reach out to our Director of Marketing and Communications, Kristen Nagy. We love to hear how God's grace helped make your dreams come true!
Ready to Start the Grant
Application Process?
There are three parts to the grant application.
Click each form above to download and share as applicable. Each form should be electronically filled out and submitted via email to Bookkeeper@AnglicansForLife.org.
Why Donate?
The goal of the fund is to assist Anglican families during the adoption process by reimbursing adoption expenses (such as home studies or placement fees). All donations are tax-deductible, and go towards the grants gifted to adopting couples. Donating is a wonderful way to take action for life.
Private Agency Fees
Working with a private agency to adopt a healthy, newborn baby or to adopt from another country can cost between $5,000 and $40,000.
Home Study Fees
Home study fees alone, can run between $1,500 and $4,000.
Adoption costs add up...
Your generous donation can help offset the cost.