Although adoption through LDSFS is much more affordable than adoption through other private agencies, it is still not cheap. A great way to help meet your financial obligations regarding your adoption is to have a fundraiser. An adoption fundraiser accomplishes three important tasks: 1. You raise the money required for your adoption.
2. You spread the word about your adoption.3. You stay busy and are proactive during your adoption process.
For our first adoption, my husband and I had a yard sale. We asked our family and ward members to donate items to sell. The fundraiser quickly took on a life of its own. We had so many donations that we had to extend the yard sale to a second weekend and still had several items remaining that we donated to a local church. Knowing that the funds were going toward our adoption, people were less prone to haggle and some paid more than the asking price.
Moreover, by the end of the fundraiser, our ward family, and many members of our community knew that we were adopting. The fundraiser was a financial and networking success.
For our second, and current adoption, we had a craft/bake sale. We asked for donations through mass e-mail, our community blog, Craigslist, and Relief Society newsletter. People donated homemade jewelry, aprons, hats, scarves, hair bows, ornaments, blankets, burp cloths, pottery, photo books, magnets, wall decor, cookies, breads, jam, etc. We set up shop on a Saturday afternoon outside a local Albertson's grocery store (with their permission.)
Once again the ward, our family, and community rallied around us and the fundraiser was a success. We earned needed funds and everyone learned that we were adopting again.
As before, we still had several items remaining after the fundraiser so we continue to sell them via our personal blog and Craigslist.
We also had a tab on our blog in which people could donate to our adoption fund via PayPal.
I know of another couple that had a donation link on their website, and a chart showing how much more money they needed to reach their goal. They asked everyone they knew to donate one dollar to their adoption fund.
The Internet is filled with great ideas for adoption fundraisers. If you have participated in an adoption fundraiser or have any ideas, please post a comment.
When people learn that you are in the process of adopting they are eager to help, but don't know how. An adoption fundraiser allows your family and friends to participate in, and learn more about the adoption process, helps you meet your financial obligations, and allows you to be an active participant in your own adoption.
