Funding for Ohio Adoption Grants Will Be Available in State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2025, which begins on July 1, 2024

Apply as soon as possible after finalization

According to a reliable source at the state, the Ohio Adoption Grant program “has additional funding from the budget for SFY25 that starts on July 1, 2024.” I don’t know yet how much funding has been appropriated, but this news should encourage Ohio families who adopt Ohio children in calendar 2024 to submit an application for a grant right after finalization.

A June 29, 2023 post entitled, “The $20,000 Ohio Adoption Grant, Some Comments and Questions,” provides some discussion about the two largest grants.

• Adoptions by Foster Caregivers ($15,000) and,

• Special Needs Adoptions ($20,000)

All other adoptions may qualify for a grant of $10,000.

My impression since the post was first written is that qualifying for the $20,000 Special Needs Adoption grant is not as difficult as it first appeared. I would urge anyone who adopts a special needs child with a medical, developmental, emotional or related special needs condition to apply for the $20,000 grant. Click on AdoptionGrant.ohio.gov for guidance. The state staff managing the grant program appears quite willing to work with applicants, so don’t hesitate to reach out with questions.

Ohio Administrative Code rule OAC 5101:2-44-15 addresses the Ohio Adoption Grant program.