When you begin researching adoption, it's likely that price is one of the first things you look into. Adoption is notoriously expensive, to the point that the numbers discourage many from trying to adopt in the first place. However, if you want to add a member to your family through adoption, there are quite a few fundraising options you might consider.

Yard Sales

This option is so common it's almost cliche, but it's common for a reason: it works. Go through your belongings and decide what you don't truly need. Buy or make some signs, place some ads online, and have a yard sale. Yard sales, garage sales, rummage sales -- all the same idea, and all a great way to make some money. If you don't live in an area that gets enough traffic to make a yard sale profitable, consider renting a table at a nearby flea market.

Of course, the problem with a yard sale is that you only have so many things that you can sell. However, friends and family are often more than willing to help. Work together to organize a group yard sale, with friends and family donating items (and perhaps their time for organization and assistance the day of the sale), with proceeds going to your adoption fund.

Crowdfunding

As we mentioned above, your friends and family want to help! Crowdfunding is a great way to take advantage of their desire to contribute directly. Ask friends and family to share your campaign as well as donating, as there are often a surprising number of strangers willing to donate to a good cause as well. If you decide to have a crowdfunding element to your fundraising, be sure to do some research into the available online crowdfunding platforms to find the best fit for you.

Merchandise Sales

Another way of fundraising that has become popular is merchandise sales. Many fundraising websites offer items like tshirts or coffee mugs that can be personalized for your fundraising campaign. For example, you might work with someone you know who is good with graphic design to create a tshirt that says something along the lines of "Smith Adoption in Progress" or "Team Smith" with an attractive design. In most cases, the site facilitates the product sales and printing, while you simply provide the design, promote the fundraiser, and collect the funds at the end. These are a great way to reach more people who would like to contribute while getting something for them in return.

Merchandise sales also offer a great way to combine tactics. For example, a tshirt with a cute saying might be a reward for high donations on your crowdfunding, or you might consider getting some preprinted to sell at a yard sale. Get creative and build your adoption fund!