Fundraisers – Adoptive couples have hosted events such as vendor fairs with an adoption theme, spa days for women, bake sales, raffles, garage sales, product sales (i.e. teddy bears with ribbons/tags explaining your cause, baby bottles to fill with donations, etc.). Host a fundraising dinner and theme the event using food and cultural aspects of the country from where you are adopting. Any fundraising idea that exists out there can take on a “baby theme” and help you raise money toward your adoption. The possibilities are endless! Don’t be afraid to simply ask family and friends for help (people love to feel that they helped toward the ultimate goal). Maybe they can help you make calls, stuff envelopes for advertisement mailings, who knows?
Vendor Discounts – Some vendors may offer discounts for adoptive families when purchasing items such as children’s furniture, travel, etc. If a vendor offers an adoption discount, you’ll be glad that you asked. Even if a smaller vendor or family-owned company does not have such policies in place, the vendor may be moved by your request and be inclined to offer a discount.
Remember to talk about your adoption plans with whomever you feel comfortable…you never know where the next creative idea will come from to help finance your adoption.