Adoption Fundraising Ideas

One of the challenging aspects of pursuing adoption is the cost. While it can be an expensive process, many people find the resources they need through crowdfunding, social media, and fundraising events. Ideally, you’ll not only raise the funds you need, but you’ll also help family and friends become part of your story. One of the best ways to raise funds for adoption is through a fundraising event. Events are also a powerful way to create community and bring your adoption story to life.

Start an adoption fundraiser

adoption photo

Start by setting up your adoption fundraising page

Whether yours is a domestic or international adoption, the crowdfunding process is essentially the same. You’ll start by setting up a GoFundMe, where you post your story with images and video. Share it first with your inner circle of family and close friends. Then, once you’ve received some donations to start the momentum, share it with your wider social circle via social media, email, and more. As your fundraiser moves forward, posting updates are essential, because it keeps people engaged with your story. Updates can inspire donors to share your fundraiser again or even make another donation.

  • UNICEF reports that around the world, approximately 140 million orphans are on the streets or in orphanages.
  • Child Trends found that approximately 2% of the total child population in the world is adopted.

Six great fundraising ideas for adoption

community picnic

1. Host an adoption party or picnic 


Start the adoption process off with a party or picnic that doubles as a fundraiser.

  • Attendees can donate using their own mobile devices, a tablet or computer you have set up for that purpose.
  • At some point in the festivities, ask if anyone wants to volunteer to be on your fundraising team (one of our first recommendations to anyone running a fundraiser of any kind is to gather a team, with each member focusing on different areas of the fundraiser, from posting updates to writing thank-you notes).
  • Ask guests to share your fundraiser link on their social media. 



2. Hold a benefit concert
 or performance

Know a musician? Or two or three? Invite them to perform live at your home or any other venue where you have free or affordable access. You’ll get to enjoy live music and socialize while spreading the word about your adoption fundraiser.

  • Invite friends and family. Advertise the event in your neighborhood or community center.
  • Charge an entry fee in the form of a donation to your fundraiser. You can take donations in cash or have a tablet set up with your fundraising page loaded onto it. People can also show that they’ve already made a donation.
  • Consider creating a hashtag and a Facebook page beforehand, so people can stay connected to your fundraiser in ways that will help sustain it.
woman with sewing machine

3. Use your skills to raise money



Everyone has some skill they can teach to others. Are you a talented cook? Hold a themed culinary class (in people’s homes or at a kitchen that works for this purpose). Participants can pay by making a donation to your fundraiser. Gifted artist? Offer a drawing or painting class. Know a foreign language? Raise money by teaching classes or tutoring privately. Use your skills to your advantage.



couple adopting

4. Organize a raffle



Raffles are a great way to encourage people to support your adoption fundraiser. The trick is coming up with the prizes. They can take the form of an activity, an invitation to a high-end dinner, a class you teach (see above), or something else entirely.

  • Approach local businesses, especially those with child-themed products or services, and see if they’re willing to donate an item, activity, or gift certificate to your fundraiser.
  • Host a raffle reception and offer last-minute tickets in exchange for donations to your online fundraiser.
  • Give people a takeaway that reminds them of your fundraiser, and how they can help you make your family a reality.
  • Make it easy for participants to connect to you on social media so they can receive your updates and stay involved in your story.
new family adoption photo

5. Offer a themed lawn-mowing

If you have older children, nieces and nephews, or other family members and friends who are willing to contribute time to your cause, ask them to mow lawns to raise money. This is a great way to engage family members in the process and let them feel included in your fundraising efforts. This can be a concrete way for children to prepare for the arrival of a new sibling or cousin. On your fundraiser, offer the services as “gifts” for donations of a certain amount. Donors who contribute $50, for example, might receive five hours of babysitting.

couple with adoption sign

6. Hold a yard sale

Hosting a yard sale is a great way to get face time with neighbors, community members, and friends to promote your adoption fundraiser.

  • Gather old clothes, furniture, and anything else that’s gathering dust in your attic and host a yard sale. Ask friends and neighbors to donate their own items.
  • Consider asking a local faith community or other gathering places if you can leave a box for people to donate items for the sale.
  • Advertise your adoption fundraiser yard sale throughout your neighborhood and on your fundraiser.
  • On the day of the event, offer free lemonade and other goodies.
  • Promote your cause with a sign saying “We’re Adopting” and further information about your online fundraiser.
  • Set up a donation station with a laptop for anyone who would like to contribute more to your fundraiser. 


Make your adoption a reality with crowdfunding

While the expenses associated with adoption can be steep, crowdfunding gives you a way to make it happen—and when you combine crowdfunding with events, it can really bring people together and create positive momentum. Like so many others who’ve used our platform for this purpose, you can cross the threshold into joy using these adoption fundraising ideas. If you haven’t already started your fundraiser, launch your adoption fundraiser today.

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