Below you will find answers to our most frequently asked questions. If you don’t find the answer to your question below, please feel free to contact us for any addition questions that you should have.
updated:9-27-17
HOW TO APPLY FOR A GRANT?
A. GGAM applications for financial assistance can be completed on our website by clicking on the “apply” tab or by visiting the link below.
HOW DOES THE MATCHING GRANT WORK?
A. GGAM uses matching grants to help families meet adoption expenses. The matching grant is a commitment of funds by GGAM that is available to the family to the extent that the funds are matched by the family’s community. Example: GGAM sends a family a letter of commitment for a $1000 matching grant – the family then invites their friends, family, or church community to help match GGAM’s commitment – the family’s community responds with $1000 in matching donations – the family then receives $2000 in assistance towards adoption expenses. If the family raises more then the matching grant amount they will still receive those funds GGAM just won’t match the additional amount.
Example:
Family Raises- $3000
GGAM Matches- $1000
Grant Check Total $4000.
GGAM is only able to fund the grant in its entirety ONE time. Once the funds have been distributed GGAM is no longer able to accept donations specifically for that family.
WHO QUALIFIES FOR A GRANT?
Christian Families – GGAM believes that the most important benefit of adoption to orphaned children is to be raised in an atmosphere that cultivates and encourages their personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Two Parent Families – GGAM offers financial assistance for two parent (Male and Female) families. (see “CAN SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES QUALIFY FOR A GRANT?”)
Annual Household Income – Adoption expenses will challenge almost every family’s finances, but GGAM does not have a set limit on income. However, financial need is a significant factor in our review process.
GGAM receives far more qualified applicants than funds we have available. Financial Assistance is awarded based on the following:
- Prayer- leading of the Holy Spirt
- Husband and Wife Spiritual Information
- The Financial Need of the adoptive family
- The Need of the Child (Age, Special Needs, Sibling Groups)
- References
WHAT KINDS OF ADOPTIONS QUALIFY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE?
A. Most types of adoption (i.e.: International, Domestic, Private, etc.) that have significant associated expenses. GGAM does not offer grants for Embryo Adoptions, Relative Adoptions, Finalized Adoptions or Post-Placement Expenses after an adoption.
WHEN AND HOW ARE THE GRANT FUNDS PAID?
A. The grant commitment is paid once the child (or children) has been placed in the adoptive family’s care. The family submits documentation of placement and GGAM will send funds directly to the adoptive family.
WHEN AND HOW OFTEN CAN OUR FAMILY APPLY?
A. Families can apply at any stage of the adoption process (the home-study does not have to be completed), but will need to have committed to an Adoption Agency. A detailed list of paid and anticipated adoption expenses will be needed for the application.
B. Familes can re-apply for a grant after being notified that they have not been selected to receive funds (2 applications per year).
C. Familes who receive grant funds are more then welcome to re-apply if they are going through the adoption process again.
HOW MUCH IS A TYPICAL MATCHING GRANT?
A. A typical matching grant amount is $1000. A set number of families are selected from each review period through out the year, but can vary depending upon resources available and the number of families applying
WHAT IS THE APPLICATION FEE FOR?
A. The team at GGAM consists of ALL volunteers. GGAM requires an application to fee in order to cover overhead. This allows 100% of gifts given by ministry supporters to go towards grants. Our current application fee is $25.00.
CAN SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES QUALIFY FOR A GRANT?
A. While recognizing the blessing that single parent families can provide to an orphan child, GGAM is currently giving preference to two parent families (Father and Mother).
HOW CAN I SUPPORT GOD’S GRACE ADOPTION MINISTRY?
PRAYER SUPPORT – We ask for your prayers that God will bless this effort, that He will make clear His direction for this ministry, and that He will guide us as we direct financial support to adoptive families.
VOLUNTEERS – We are an all volunteer organization, so we need and value individuals that have a heart to give of their time and talents in this effort. If you are interested in partnering with God’s Grace Adoption Ministry in our efforts you may contact us at: info@ggam.org.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT – We are committed to utilizing your financial gift to forever impact a child’s life. The leadership for GGAM is provided completely by volunteers and all operational expenses are funded by the board. This allows 100% of your gifts to be given to families answering the call to adopt.
https://ggam.org/support/
OR
God’s Grace Adoption Ministry
PO Box 4
Modesto, CA 95353
INTEREST FREE LOANS
A. GGAM does not offer interest free loans or loans of any kind. GGAM does offer financial assistance in the form of a grant.
APPLICATION DEADLINES AND DECISION NOTIFICATIONS
A. GGAM is unable to expedite any grant applications
B. In order for an application to be “complete” by the application deadline, we must have the processing fee payment, the application, a family picture, and 3 completed GGAM Reference Forms.
Reference Form Link– ggam.org/applicant-references/
2017-18 Application Dates
August 31, 2017– Application Deadline, notification of GGAM’s decision mailed on October 15, 2017
December 31, 2017– Application Deadline, notification of GGAM’s decision mailed on February 15, 2018
April 30, 2018- Application Deadline, with notification of GGAM’s decision mailed on June 15, 2018
August 31, 2018- Application Deadline, with notification of GGAM’s decision mailed on October 15, 2018
December 31, 2018- Application Deadline, with notification of GGAM’s decision mailed on February 15, 2019