Adoption FAQ
Please take a moment to review some of our most frequently asked questions about adoption and Sacred Selections’ role as a funding organization. We hope this helps to provide some clarity, but you are always welcome to contact us for additional information. Each adoption is subject to the terms and process outlined by the involved agencies and state laws of the adoptive family.Â
What is Sacred Selections?
Sacred Selections is a Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides funding to directly pay legal and agency fees associated with adoption for qualifying couples. See our home page for the Sacred Selections mission statement.
What are the Sacred Selections grant criteria?
The core mission of the organization is to provide the financial means for adoption to couples who:
- Are members in good standing with their local conservative, non-institutional, non-instrumental church of Christ,
- Are legally able to adopt (meet the requirements for a home study in their state), and
- Need financial assistance with the cost of the adoption process.
The specifics of the application process can be found here – How to Apply.
 In general terms, the following items will be considered when determining eligibility for a grant from Sacred Selections:
- References from church leadership, family, and friends
- Completed home study along with state and federal background checks
- Financial statements regarding income, assets, liabilities, and regular expenses
- Status of any adoption process (current or past)
- Availability of sufficient funds
Does a couple need to be a member of a Church of Christ to be considered for a grant?
Yes. The foundations official mission statement filed with the Tennessee Secretary of State specifies the funding of couples that are members of a local, non-institutional, non-instrumental, conservative Church of Christ.
How much does adoption cost?
A domestic adoption typically costs between $40,000 and $55,000. International adoptions can cost $55,000 to $70,000. These estimations do not include any needed travel an adoptive family may encounter.
How much of the cost are we responsible for?
The cost of the home study, associated background checks, post-placement visits, and any travel associated with the adoption are the responsibility of the adoptive family. We have been blessed by generous donors to currently be able to cover associated costs that can include agency fees, allowable financial support for expectant parents, attorney fees, inter-state legal fees, and finalization costs.
Donation FAQ
We hope this helps to provide the answers to any questions you have about Sacred Selections, but should you have additional questions, please contact us.
Who runs the organization?
Sacred Selections has board of directors consisting of fourteen members. These members serve voluntarily and are not compensated for their time, energy or other participation to oversee the activities of the organization.Â
The Board of Directors meets every four months to oversee and provide guidance to the organization’s Director and the team.
Committees within the board meet more frequently to review the organization’s effectiveness and adherence to its mission to financially support Christian families on their journey to adopt.
Your calls or emails are welcome.Â
How will my monetary donation be used?
It is an incredible blessing that all administrative costs are currently covered by generous donations from our corporate sponsors, a portion of donations received as part of the Future 500 campaign, and by gifts earmarked by the donor as intended to cover administrative expenses.
This allows all private donations and net proceeds from fundraisers to go directly to adoption expenses that include payments sent directly to the adoption professionals who assist families with their adoptive placement (i.e., agencies, attorneys, etc).
Who will receive a grant from the money I donate?
Sacred Selections provides grants to couples who are active members in good standing of a conservative, non-instrumental, and non-institutional church of Christ. This is specified in the organization’s filing with the state of Tennessee as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and in the articles of incorporation.
Is my donation tax deductible?
YES! All financial and in-kind donations are tax deductible. Sacred Selections is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.Â
Contact us if you are looking for documentation for a donation made to the organization.
How can I donate to Sacred Selections?
Thank you for seeking out a way to support families as they grow through adoption! Here are some ways that you can be part of removing the financial barrier to adopt:
- Use our online portal to make a one-time or recurring donation in an amount to be used for adoption expenses.
- Donate to a specific campaign such as the Stars & Sand Endowment Campaign or become a member of the Future 500.
- Attend a local fundraising event, organized and hosted by local volunteers.
- Reach out about options for including Sacred Selections in your legacy planning.
- Become a corporate sponsor to support ongoing administrative expenses.
Or you can mail a check to the following address…
Sacred Selections • 723 W University Ave #265 • Georgetown, TX 78626
Can I donate to help a specific family?
We encourage donations in support of an adopting couple and we document these intentions. We are not allowed by the IRS to exclusively allocate funds for specific families. Your donations will go into a general adoption fund but we make every effort not to over promise what we have financial resources to fulfill.
Can I donate “In Memorium” to a friend or family member who has passed?
Yes, we receive many generous donations in honor and in memory of loved ones that have passed. Click here for more instructions.
How does SS cover its administrative and operating costs?
We have several corporate donors who generously give to help us and give us permission to use their donations to cover the costs of running the foundation. Their generosity and their wisdom is what allows Sacred Selections to ensure that 100% of private donations go only to adoption. Learn more about becoming a corporate donor.
How does Sacred Selections distribute the money to or for the adopting families?
We only send money directly to the adoption agencies, attorneys or parties directly related to the adoption process. We DO NOT send funds to the adopting family. This model prevents any temptation to misuse funds, it allows us to track every expense and helps us build long term and trusted relationships with many adoption agencies and attorneys.
Still have questions?
We welcome your questions, whether you want to learn more about grants from Sacred Selections, adoption, or the running of the organization.
Ready to participate?
Your donation signifies your support of families in their desire to adopt and open their home to a child of God. It also indicates your trust in the careful stewardship of your generosity. Thank you for mindfully choosing to uphold the work of bringing families together through adoption.
Charitable Status
Sacred Selections, Inc. is incorporated in Tennessee as a 501(c)3 charitable organization, EIN 20-0244936.