Creative Ideas: One or two lines – not too much! (not required) Catchy phrase or a quote that you live by that would be meaningful to the reader A child’s quote An adoption quote
Introduction Paragraph: Who are you? (start with, “We are Jacob and Anna Smith…”) Are you married (how long), single parent? Do you have children (introduce them - first names and ages)? Talk about how you envisioned growing your family. Why are you adopting? Remember you want to get to the essence of why you’ve chosen this path and describe that feeling when you’ll all be together as a family.
Second Paragraph: If infertility has been a factor in your decision to adopt, take a moment to share your story, including any significant time and financial commitments. Any connections to adoption (friends or families who have adopted or who were adopted)? Tell about a tradition or activity you hope to share with your child. How long have you been waiting? Where are you in the process? If you are matched with a birth mom, share the importance of the adoption plan for the child (i.e., any details about the birth mom’s situation, possibility of foster care with the adoption, etc.). If adopting internationally, talk about any connections to the country, etc. If adopting internationally and you have received your referral, talk about the child and their needs, etc.
Third Paragraph: This is your financial summary paragraph and where you will articulate your plan. “We believe the adoption will cost us $x; we have already spent $x; we have $x for the adoption, we are saving $x each month, our parents are gifting/loaning us $x…..Our hope is that we will receive grants for the final 1/3 of what we need, etc.” What do you want? How much money? What does receiving a grant mean to you? If you had an initial quote, tie it back. Thank the foundation.
