NEW! Updated for 2026
One of the first things you might wonder when considering surrogacy is, Can we afford it? With the average journey costing $200,000 or more in the United States, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed. Between agency fees, surrogate compensation, fertility treatments, legal work, and insurance, the numbers can add up quickly.
The good news is—there are grants that can help. These programs are designed to support hopeful parents just like you. With a little time and planning, you may be able to reduce your out-of-pocket costs and move forward with more peace of mind.
What Is a Surrogacy Grant?
Surrogacy grants are financial awards that do not need to be repaid. Unlike loans, grants are often awarded based on financial need and are meant to make fertility and surrogacy treatment more accessible. Some grants can be used for IVF or egg donation, while others are open to full surrogacy journeys.
Most applications involve a combination of financial information, personal essays, and documentation from your fertility clinic. They can take time to complete, but the potential reward is well worth the effort.
Download and Track Your Grant Applications with Ease
We’ve compiled a detailed spreadsheet with everything you need to know about surrogacy and fertility grants, including eligibility requirements, deadlines, and links to apply. This downloadable tool is perfect for keeping track of which grants you’ve applied for, upcoming due dates, and your overall funding progress.
Click below to make your own editable copy and start organizing your grant applications.
👉 Make a Copy of the Spreadsheet in Google Sheets [2026]
National Surrogacy Grants You Should Know About
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AGC Scholarship Foundation: Offers financial assistance to individuals and couples pursuing IVF, surrogacy, or adoption, with a focus on inclusivity and financial need.
https://agcscholarshipfoundation.org/apply -
BabyQuest Foundation: Provides grants to individuals and couples for infertility treatments including IVF, egg donation, embryo freezing, and gestational surrogacy.
https://babyquestfoundation.org -
Bob Woodruff Foundation – VIVA: Offers fertility-related support and grants for veterans and service members impacted by service-connected injuries or conditions.
https://bobwoodrufffoundation.org -
Broken Brown Egg – AHA Grant: Supports BIPOC individuals and couples seeking fertility treatment or adoption, with financial aid and fertility coaching.
https://thebrokenbrownegg.org/aha-grant -
Family Formation Charitable Trust: Offers small grants to individuals and families pursuing adoption or assisted reproduction, including surrogacy.
https://adoptionart.org/charitable-trust -
Fertility Dreams Foundation: Partners with Shady Grove Fertility to provide grants to couples pursuing IVF through the Shared Risk program.
https://fertilitydreamsfoundation.com -
Fertility Friends Foundation: Canadian-based foundation that awards financial assistance for IVF, egg/sperm donation, and surrogacy services.
https://fertilityfriendsfoundation.com -
Footprints of Angels – Fertility Hope Grant: Provides support and grants to women of color who have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss or infertility.
https://footprintsofangels.org -
Footsteps for Fertility Foundation: Offers grants and in-kind services (like free IVF cycles) to individuals and couples experiencing infertility.
https://footstepsforfertility.org -
Gift of Parenthood: Quarterly national grant awarding up to $10,000 to individuals and couples undergoing IVF, surrogacy, or adoption.
https://giftofparenthood.org -
Hasidah / JFCS Fertility Fund: Provides grants and interest-free loans to Jewish individuals and couples for IVF and other fertility treatments.
https://hasidah.org/financial-aid/apply -
HelpCureHD: Assists families affected by Huntington’s Disease in preventing transmission to children through IVF with PGD, sometimes involving surrogacy.
https://helpcurehd.org -
Hope for Fertility National Grant: Awards grants of up to $10,000 to couples facing infertility for use toward IVF, adoption, or surrogacy.
https://hopeforfertility.org/grant -
INCIID IVF Scholarship: Connects infertility patients with donated IVF cycles from participating clinics, awarded monthly.
https://inciid.org/programs/scholarships -
Journey to Parenthood: Offers grants to U.S. residents undergoing IVF, using egg donors, surrogacy, or pursuing adoption.
https://journeytoparenthood.org -
LIVESTRONG Fertility: Helps cancer patients preserve fertility through discounted sperm/egg banking and IVF.
https://livestrong.org/fertility -
Men Having Babies – GPAP: Offers financial assistance and free services to gay men pursuing surrogacy through their Gay Parenting Assistance Program.
https://menhavingbabies.org/gpap -
Pay It Forward Fertility Foundation: Awards grants to individuals and couples without insurance coverage for IVF, egg donation, or surrogacy.
https://payitforwardfertility.org -
SAMFund Family Building Grant: Supports young adult cancer survivors with grants for IVF, surrogacy, or fertility preservation.
https://thesamfund.org -
Starfish Fertility Foundation: Offers IVF grants up to $5,000 to individuals and couples who lack fertility insurance coverage.
https://starfishinfertilityfoundation.org -
Team Maggie’s Dream: Provides fertility preservation grants to young adults facing cancer treatment that may affect fertility.
https://teammaggiesdream.org -
Tinina Q. Cade Foundation: Offers Family Building Grants up to $10,000 for IVF or domestic adoption to U.S. residents with infertility.
https://cadefoundation.org - *NEW in 2026* The Surrogacy Foundation: Two of the nation’s largest surrogacy grants. National Grant up to $100K; Hatch Sponsored Grant covers nearly the entire surrogacy journey.
https://thesurrogacyfoundation.org -
Worth the Wait Charity: Offers small grants to young adult cancer survivors pursuing parenthood through surrogacy, adoption, or embryo transfer.
https://worththewaitcharity.com
Don’t Overlook Local and Clinic-Based Grants
Some fertility clinics offer internal grant programs or participate in partnerships with nonprofit organizations. These may be limited to their patients or residents of specific states, making them less competitive and a great option to explore.
Ask your fertility clinic or agency if they know of any local options. You might be surprised by what’s available in your area.
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Angels of Hope – Creating Miracles Grant: Offers financial assistance to couples in Illinois pursuing fertility treatments such as IVF or surrogacy.
https://angelsofhopeinc.org/creating-miracles-grant -
BIVF Foundation: Supports residents in ME, MA, NH, and RI with grants for IVF, donor gametes, surrogacy, or adoption.
https://bivffoundation.org/grants -
Chicago Coalition LIFE Grants (Kevin J. Lederer Life Foundation): Provides up to $10,000 to residents of IL, IN, IA, MO, and WI for third-party reproduction, including surrogacy.
https://coalitionforfamilybuilding.org -
Chick Mission (Hope Grant Program): Offers funding for egg freezing for women recently diagnosed with cancer, through partner fertility clinics.
https://thechickmission.org/hope-grants -
CNY Fertility Family Building Grant: Awards one free IVF cycle monthly to a patient under CNY Fertility care; some months are themed (e.g., veterans).
https://cnyfertility.com/grant-application -
Fertility Foundation of Texas: Offers grants for IVF and related fertility treatments to residents of Texas.
https://fertilityfoundationoftexas.org -
Jewish Fertility Foundation: Provides need-based financial assistance for IVF to Jewish individuals and couples in select U.S. metro areas.
https://jewishfertilityfoundation.org -
Kevin J. Lederer Life Foundation (Chicago Coalition): See “Chicago Coalition LIFE Grants” above.
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Nest Egg Foundation: Provides grants up to $20,000 to residents of CT and NY for IVF and related treatments at select clinics.
https://nesteggfoundation.org/apply -
Parental Hope – Family Building Grant: Offers grants covering IVF or FET procedures to U.S. residents who demonstrate infertility and financial need.
https://parentalhope.org/parental-hope-family-grant-2/ -
Samantha & Kyle Busch “Bundle of Joy” Fund: Awards grants to patients undergoing fertility treatment at REACH Clinic in North Carolina.
https://bundleofjoyfund.org -
Sarah’s Laughter – Baby Steps Grant: Provides a $10,000 grant to one couple each year for fertility treatment, including IVF or embryo adoption.
https://sarahs-laughter.com -
Stardust Fertility Foundation: Offers national grants of up to $2,000 for fertility treatment and fertility-related costs for LGBTQ+ and single applicants.
https://stardustfoundation.org -
Starfish IV Foundation (via regional clinics): Grants of up to $5,000 for IVF or donor/surrogacy support in Texas and Louisiana through partner clinics.
https://starfishinfertilityfoundation.org/apply-for-ivf-grant -
Tree of Life Grant: Provides financial assistance to Central Texas families seeking fertility treatment, including IVF and third-party reproduction.
https://fertilityfoundationoftexas.org/tree-of-life-grant/
How to Create a Strong Grant Application
Applying for fertility grants takes time and attention to detail—but a well-prepared application can make all the difference. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:
1. Tell Your Story Clearly and Authentically
Most grant programs ask for a personal letter or essay. This is your chance to help reviewers understand your journey. Share what led you to surrogacy, any struggles you’ve faced, and why becoming a parent means so much to you. Write from the heart, but keep it organized and focused.
2. Follow Every Instruction Carefully
Each grant has its own set of requirements. These may include file formats, word counts, document types, or application steps. Missing one small detail—like an outdated financial form or unsigned consent—could disqualify your application. Double-check everything before submitting.
3. Gather Supporting Documents in Advance
Most applications ask for:
- Proof of income or tax returns
- A diagnosis of infertility from your doctor
- A letter from your clinic outlining your treatment plan
- A recent photo of you (and your partner, if applicable)
Prepare these ahead of time to avoid rushing at the last minute.
4. Be Honest About Your Finances
It can feel vulnerable to share your financial picture, but transparency is key. These grants exist to help those who truly need it, and reviewers want to see that you’ve thought carefully about your budget.
5. Apply to More Than One
Many grants are competitive. Increase your chances by applying to several. Customize each application—don’t reuse the same essay word-for-word unless the guidelines allow it.
6. Stay Organized
As mentioned above, our downloadable spreadsheet is a great tool to help you stay on top of your applications. Create a folder for each grant, label your documents clearly, and use the spreadsheet to track deadlines, requirements, and your progress. Staying organized will save you time, reduce stress, and make the entire process more manageable.
Your Journey to Parenthood Starts Here
Surrogacy is a beautiful way to grow your family—but it’s also a significant financial investment. Grants can play an important role in making it all possible. With research, preparation, and guidance, the dream of parenthood can feel within reach.
Shining Light Baby is here to support you every step of the way, from your first questions to the moment you bring your baby home. Reach out today for personalized guidance throughout your journey. We’re here to light your way.