Grants and Other Financing Options Available for Intended Parents Pursuing Surrogacy
Embarking on the journey to parenthood through surrogacy is a beautiful and life-changing experience. Bright Futures Families strives to be transparent about the potential costs involved in a surrogacy journey. That said, it can come with significant financial challenges. If you’re like most people and don’t have an extra $150k on hand, you’re likely looking for ways to afford your journey. Fortunately, many intended parents (IPs) have found creative ways to finance surrogacy, such as:
Asking their parents (the future grandparents) for financial assistance
Crowdsourcing funds
Borrowing from a 401k
Taking out a home equity line of credit
Selling stocks/bonds or other valuables
Applying for a personal loan
Finding a clinic that offers a "money back guarantee option"
Applying for grants or "scholarships" (more information below)
A Word of Caution
While we don’t recommend it, some IPs try to complete the surrogacy process on their own by "going independent" without the assistance of a surrogacy agency. Remember, when you’re considering taking the surrogacy process into your own hands, don’t cut corners on the places that really matter, like the reproductive law attorney or escrow agent. A great surrogacy agency, although adding to the financial cost, can reduce your stress and the overwhelming feeling of being responsible for your surrogate and all the details that go with an endeavor of this magnitude. Some IPs hire a consultant or partial agency services in order to keep costs down. In both of these cases, there is a lot of work involved for all parties. Finding supporting professionals like lawyers, escrow agents, and mental health professionals can be overwhelming.
There are other ways to cut down the cost of surrogacy which include having someone, like a family member or friend, volunteer to be your surrogate for low to no compensation. However, this comes with its own emotional cost, can strain relationships, and the medical and legal commitments stay the same.
Grants and Programs for Intended Parents
Fortunately, there are grants and financial assistance programs designed to support intended parents, helping to ease the burden of fertility treatments and surrogacy costs. Below is a list of compassionate organizations offering hope and financial support for those dreaming of building their family.
The Samantha and Kyle Busch Bundle of Joy Fund
Founded by NASCAR driver Kyle Busch and his wife Samantha, this fund provides financial grants to couples facing infertility. Their mission is to help cover the costs of IVF treatments, giving families the boost they need to take the next step in their parenthood journey.
Gift of Parenthood Grant
The Gift of Parenthood Grant helps individuals and couples achieve their dream of becoming parents by providing financial assistance for fertility treatments such as IVF, egg donation, and surrogacy. This program is open to a diverse range of applicants, offering hope to those facing reproductive challenges. It also has a fundraising platform similar to “Go Fund Me” specifically to raise funds for a surrogacy journey.
Baby Quest Foundation
Baby Quest Foundation awards grants to individuals and couples across the U.S. to help offset the high costs of fertility treatments, including IVF, egg donation, and gestational surrogacy. Their goal is to make parenthood a reality for those who might not otherwise afford the necessary medical procedures.
CADE Foundation
The Tinina Q. Cade Foundation offers grants to couples needing financial support for fertility treatments or adoption. Their Family Building Grant provides up to $10,000 to help intended parents cover costs associated with creating or expanding their family.
Hope for Fertility Foundation
The Hope for Fertility Foundation offers grants to married couples facing infertility, helping to ease the financial strain of treatments like IVF. Their mission is to bring couples closer to parenthood by offering the financial support they need.
Jewish Fertility Foundation
For Jewish intended parents, the Jewish Fertility Foundation provides financial assistance, emotional support, and educational resources to those experiencing infertility. Their goal is to break down financial barriers and provide a supportive community during the family-building process.
Chick Mission
The Chick Mission is dedicated to helping women preserve their fertility after a cancer diagnosis. While their primary focus is on fertility preservation, their work indirectly supports intended parents by ensuring women have the opportunity to pursue parenthood when they are ready.
Ferring Pharmaceuticals
There is a range of fertility programs through Walgreens and Ferring Pharmaceuticals. To determine eligibility, view their website.
Heart Tomorrow - Electing to freeze eggs
Heart for Heroes - Veterans & spouses seeking IVF treatment
Heart Beat - Fertility preservation prior to cancer treatment
Heartfelt - Cycles canceled due to COVID-19 or a natural disaster
Polite Tumor
Polite Tumor offers financial assistance and fertility preservation resources for women diagnosed with breast cancer. By supporting fertility preservation, they empower women to plan for the future, ensuring they have options for parenthood down the road.
Starfish Infertility Foundation
The Starfish Infertility Foundation provides grants to help intended parents afford IVF and other fertility treatments. Their mission is to spread hope and offer tangible support for those on the challenging path to parenthood.
What to know before applying for a grant
These grants and programs remind us that no one should have to face the emotional and financial struggles of infertility alone. If you're an intended parent considering surrogacy, exploring these resources could bring you one step closer to realizing your dream of having a child.
Each organization here is listed as a resource, but we do not have specifics on their current availability for grants. Please remember their program can change at any time, so research the organization from the links provided. Of course, there is no guarantee that you will be awarded the grant(s) you apply for, but many of the organizations will allow you to reapply if you are unsuccessful. If you complete another application, you just have to check with each organization directly to get their rules and regulations regarding applications.
If you have questions about surrogacy or how to navigate these financial options, the Bright Futures Families team is here to guide you on every step of the way. Another great resource for those seeking information about scholarships and grants is Resolve: The National Infertility Association.