9 Ways to Fundraise for Your Adoption

Our first picture as a family of four. 11.23.09.

“So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up — one on one side, one on the other — so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword. Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it …’” 

{Exodus 17:10-14}

We all need people to come along side us to be successful – and those who are involved in our victories need to be remembered. Moses needed Aaron and Hur. You’ll need your friends and family throughout your adoption process – or, well, anything you’re going through in life.

Raising money for adoption – like anything – can be overwhelming. You may become weary. You’ll need the prayers of others. Hopefully some friends will take some of the responsibility from you and encourage you take time to refresh yourself.

Wherever you are in the fundraising process, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Let people into your family’s story.

Now, for some ideas for adoption fundraisers ...

1. Yard sale – We had people donate items that we sold. In a few hours on one Saturday morning, we raised more than $500. Be sure to tell you people why you’re raising money.

2. Prom event – A friend of ours organized a prom and we all wore dresses that we had from weddings or found at Goodwill. Each couple paid admission. We all had fun together – and, yes, we reminisced about our actual proms.

3. Spaghetti dinner – I’ve seen this done for a mission fundraiser. Spaghetti doesn’t cost much and goes a long way. Get some salad, bread and dessert and you can provide a nice meal that people will be happy to pay for. You could also incorporate a silent auction with donated items.

4. Crafts, Etsy shops, cookies – Put your talents to work! A friend of mine sold Cookies in a Jar – dry ingredients for a delicious cookie in a cute jar. I like the recipe and idea so much, I’ve used it to make gifts. There are many Etsy shops selling T-shirts, jewelry, prints and other crafts to benefit people’s adoptions. You can custom design T-shirts at Tee Spring. Mudlove.com also has bracelets people can use for fund-raisers to benefit their own projects while helping fund clean water in Africa.

Here are a few of my favorites :: Jen Ruble's Adopting Nations shop has cute, handmade pillowcases, blankets, and other fabric goods. Megan Negrete is raising money for her family's adoption by selling beaded jewelry in her Slowly by Slowly shop. Lisa Larson sells beautiful prints and T-shirts at The Copper Anchor shop.

Another fund-raising note: Lisa is my friend whose family was featured at Raising Up One, which helps one family a month with creative fundraising through auctions and sharing their story.

5. Skills – Lisa Larson also can be hired for graphic design projects {She did my blog redesign!} that directly benefit her family’s adoption fund. Katie Reid is a singer who recorded a CD that she sells.

6. Letters – Send letters directly to people who may want to be involved in your adoption with prayer or financial support.

7. Grants – There are local and national ministries that offer adoption grants. Hope That Binds does that as does my church, Christian Community Church. Nationally, Steven Curtis Chapman’s Show Hope does.

8. Puzzles – People can buy a puzzle piece that will be part of a whole puzzle the child can have. Usually, each piece has the person’s name and maybe other information on the back. It’s a lovely symbol of people coming together for one child.

9. Direct sales parties – Work with a consultant for a direct sales company like Thirty-One, Vibella Jewelry, Trades of Hope, Pampered Chef to organize a fundraising party.

I know several families in various stages of their adoption processes. I’m sure they’d love more fund-raising ideas so feel free to share yours in the comments! AND if you're in the midst of a specific adoption fundraiser, share that too so people can support you. 
________________
After I drafted this post earlier this week, I read this encouraging article :: 4 Simple Steps to Successful Adoption Fundraising.

Want more insights? "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox."