About Beyond the match
At Beyond the Match Foundation, we provide financial assistance to those who have experienced a disrupted adoption and are navigating the emotional and financial aftermath. A disruption can leave families grieving, overwhelmed, and financially strained. Our goal is to help stabilize families so they can heal and continue their adoption journey. We proudly serve all types of families — including single parents, same-sex couples, and heterosexual couples — because we believe every family pursuing adoption deserves support and access to resources during one of the most vulnerable seasons of their lives.
What we consider:
We understand that no two adoption stories are the same. While financial need is important, we look at the whole picture, including your story, circumstances, and future plans.
Our review process considers:
- Household income
- Amount of financial loss due to disruption
- Details of the adoption journey
- Whether the family was formally matched or had an immediate placement situation
- Whether funds remain tied up with an agency or provider
- The family’s plan moving forward
We do not make decisions based solely on income. The heart of your story matters.
grant award amounts
Grant amounts vary based on:
- Documented financial loss
- Available funding
- Overall financial need
- Whether the family plans to continue pursuing adoption
Awards are paid directly to adoption providers when possible.
donate
Your support helps Beyond the Match provide resources, guidance, and hope to families facing adoption disruptions. Thank you for believing in this mission, for helping us make a difference and ensure that no family walks this journey alone.
How to apply:
To apply, please complete our online application using the link below. The application allows you to share your story, outline your financial need, and provide supporting documentation for consideration.
Grant applications are reviewed on a quarterly basis. In special or urgent circumstances, applications may be reviewed outside of the quarterly cycle.
REVIEW PROCESS
Our review process considers financial need, circumstances surrounding the disruption or therapy request, and the overall impact the grant would have on your family. Beyond the Match Foundation is committed to being a non-discriminatory organization. We consider applications from families of all backgrounds, structures, races, religions, marital statuses, sexual orientations, and geographic locations. Every application is reviewed with care and compassion.
If you have questions before applying, please contact us at valerie@astepaheadadoption.com
You are not alone and we are honored to walk alongside you.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
To ensure fairness and responsible stewardship of donor funds, applicants must provide:
- Completed and signed grant application
- Most recent federal tax return
- Two most recent months of pay stubs (if applicable)
- Copy of home study or confirmation letter from licensed provider
- Documentation of financial loss related to the disruption
- Documentation of how the adoption was originally funded
- Personal Statement
- Agency form
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed until all required documentation is received.
CONFIDENTIALITY
All information submitted is kept confidential and reviewed only by the grant committee.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- Submission of an application does not guarantee funding.
- Funds are limited and awarded based on availability.
- Families may apply once per disruption event.
- If you apply before being matched again, we will hold the application until we are notified of a new match.
Therapy Assistance Option
In addition to financial recovery grants for disrupted adoptions, Beyond the Match Foundation may provide limited financial assistance to families seeking support from an adoption-competent therapist when insurance does not cover the cost. We recognize that the emotional impact of a disrupted adoption can be profound. Access to specialized, adoption-informed mental health care is often essential for healing.
Therapy assistance may be considered when:
- Insurance does not cover services
- The therapist is adoption-competent
- The family demonstrates financial need
Therapy grants may be:
- A one-time stipend
- Short-term session support (ex: 6–10 sessions)
- Paid directly to the therapist whenever possible
Funding availability varies.
What are families saying?
When Adoption plans change.
Watch real stories of Adoption disruption.
Our mission is to support families affected by disrupted adoptions through financial grants and to also provide meaningful post-placement education, ensuring families have the resources and guidance they need beyond the match.
board of directors
- Valerie Marble, Founder / President
- Isaac Etter, Vice President
- Emily McDonald, Treasurer
- Lisa Cox, Secretary
- Clay Whittaker
- Whitney O’Connell