Hi! I am Elisha! I am a wife of 18 years and a mom to a 13-year-old little girl whom we adopted through foster care in 2017. I am also the author behind this internationally known blog, Waiting for Baby Bird. My husband and I have been going through 12 years of infertility with one miscarriage. We know the pain, heartache, and devastation it can bring, and chances are you know someone also going through this same dream-shattering and life-altering experience. Perhaps it is even you. With that said, I don’t believe finances should ever stand in the way of someone who wants to love a child of their own. This is why, in September 2019, I had a crazy, God-sized dream born within my heart to gift another couple with $10,000, but I didn’t have $10,000 to Give Away. So, I rummaged through my brain to figure out how I could raise the money. Sell t-shirts? Lemonade stands? Yard sales? All of it seemed too big for me to manage. Feeling defeated, I began to tuck that dream away…that is until I heard God whisper, “But you didn’t ask me.” And so, I did. After all, if He put this idea in my heart, it must be in His heart, too; if it’s in His heart, then He would help me fulfill it. As they say, where God guides, He provides, and friends provided, He did! Within a few short months, I raised the money without stressing or striving. And guess what? The recipient who received the $10K GIFTaway in 2020 has welcomed their first child after years of disappointment. But guess what? The GIFTing didn’t stop there! In 2021, this ministry gifted $10K to another couple who is also experiencing the joys of parenthood. But that’s not all! The Rochfords, who applied for the third time in 2023, finally heard their names called as recipients, and they are now experiencing the joy of being pregnant with not one, but two miracles! Yes, that’s right! Twins!
If you would like to apply to be our next $10K Family Building GIFTaway recipient, you can find the application form and frequently asked questions below. If your question is not mentioned, please email me at waitingforbabybird@gmail.com. It would be my honor to help you.
Applications are open until October 14th, 2024, at 11:59 pm CST.
–Elisha, Author and Founder of Waiting for Baby Bird Ministries
What is the $10K Family Building GIFTaway?
Waiting for Baby Bird Ministries is a faith-based nonprofit organization that encourages women experiencing infertility and pregnancy loss. The $10K Family Building GIFTaway aims to help couples fulfill their desires by financially gifting them with a monetary donation to ease the financial burdens associated with fertility treatments, testing, fertility-enhancing surgery, holistic approaches, and adoption costs.
How long is the application process open?
The application process begins on September 1, 2024, and ends at 11:59 p.m. CST on October 14, 2024.
How and when will the recipient be notified?
The recipient will be announced live on November 3rd at 3 pm CST. A link to register will be provided after you complete the application, or you can email waitingforbabybird@gmail.com.
If the recipient is unable to watch, they will be notified via a personal phone call or email. If the recipient does not contact Waiting for Baby Bird Ministries within two weeks, the GIFTaway will be given to another applicant.
Who is eligible for the financial gift?
It’s simple. You must be at least 18 years old to apply. That’s it. There are no other hoops.
Can I apply on behalf of a friend or family member?
It is strongly encouraged that the person(s) needing the financial gift apply themselves. However, it is not forbidden to apply on someone else’s behalf. I ask that if you choose to do this, you please get their permission first.
What if I already have a child, but I am struggling to have another (secondary infertility)? Can I still apply?
Absolutely! You want to continue building your family, and this GIFTaway also wants to help you.
What does the financial gift cover?
The financial gift can be used to cover any expenses associated with adoption or assisted reproduction, such as IUI, IVF, egg and sperm donation, egg freezing, embryo adoption, and surrogacy. The money can also be applied toward holistic approaches (i.e., holistic doctors, chiropractors, supplements, acupuncture, etc.), fertility testing, and surgery needed to enhance fertility. This GIFTaway is not limited to just treatment options and adoption. If you have a specific question regarding what this financial donation would cover regarding your individual needs and plan of action toward building your family, please email waitingforbabybird@gmail.com
*Payments can be made to a clinic/physician outside of the United States of America*
Where will the financial gift be sent?
To ensure the financial gift is used appropriately, funds will be sent directly to the fertility clinic or adoption agency in your name. To protect the generous donations we’ve received, we are unable to issue checks directly to recipients or offer reimbursements—including credit card payments—unless pre-approved. However, financial assistance can be applied toward outstanding balances with your current or previous providers.
If you have questions about your specific needs—such as whether this gift can be used for supplements, chiropractic care, or other natural fertility expenses—please reach out to us at waitingforbabybird@gmail.com.
Can the financial gift be used outside of the United States of America?
Yes, payments can be made to a clinic or physician outside the United States of America.
What if I don’t currently have a clinic or adoption agency? Can I still apply as I plan to pursue one or choose one in the future?
You don’t need to be affiliated with a specific clinic or adoption agency to apply currently.
How soon do I need to use the financial gift if I am chosen?
Once notified, the chosen recipient will have 12 months to begin using their financial gift. However, due to circumstances that may be beyond the recipient’s control (e.g., clinic closure, testing delay), the 12-month timeframe can be reconsidered and extended. After all, I often preach that a delay doesn’t mean a denial… and that same belief I hold in life still holds with this GIFTaway. A delay in treatments, testing, or adoption proceedings will not be a denial of funds.
What if, during the 12 months, the chosen recipient no longer needs the financial gift (i.e., becomes pregnant naturally or decides to pursue treatments/adoption/holistic methods no longer)?
If the recipient of the $10,000 Family Building GIFTaway no longer needs the financial gift or is unable to spend the full amount, the money will be returned to the Waiting for Baby Bird’s Ministries allocated “Family Building GIFTaway” fund for future GIFTaways.
If I were to be chosen, could I give it to someone else?
If the chosen recipient does not use the $10,000, the financial donation must be returned to Waiting for Baby Bird Ministries, and a new recipient will be chosen either through a new application process or from among the previous applicants.
Who chooses the financial gift recipient?
Elisha and Dan (founders) will read and pray over each application. Once each application is read, they will reread it before narrowing it down to 25. Once they have selected the top 25, a committee composed of the Waiting for Baby Bird Ministries Board of Directors, volunteers, and members of the infertility and loss community will provide their input. Once Elisha and Dan have gathered everyone’s thoughts on each applicant, they will pray, fast, and seek the Lord’s guidance regarding who should be selected.
Do I need to send another application if I applied for the $10K Family Building GIFTaway in 2020, 2021, or 2023?
Yes, you will need to complete another application and pay the $35 application fee.
Can I send in pictures or videos to help supplement my application?
Yes, sending pictures and videos is strongly encouraged. Honestly, it does help to put a face with the name and story. Once your application is submitted, you can send it to waitingforbabybird@gmail.com. Please understand that this is to supplement your application, not replace it.
What if I’m not a good writer? Or my story isn’t as long as that of someone else?
Please don’t worry or compare your writing or story with someone else’s. So, don’t feel the pressure. Simply write what God puts on your heart, knowing that as we read your application, we are praying and leaning in to listen to Him on your behalf.
Is there an application fee, and if so, what is its amount?
Yes, a non-refundable application fee of $35 applies. The fee is intended for two reasons: 1. To help Waiting for Baby Bird Ministries know who is serious about receiving this financial gift. 2.) To not only help provide more Family Building GIFTaway funds to be allocated in the future, but also continue to provide and send (for free) our “Forget Me Not” care packages to those going through a miscarriage/pregnancy loss within the Online Waiting for Baby Bird Support Group. Each box costs the ministry $35 to create and send, which is why we chose this amount for the application fee. In addition, Waiting for Baby Bird Ministries uses donations and funds provided through this GIFTaway to assist couples who have experienced a miscarriage or stillbirth to pay their hospital bills. There is such a unique pain that comes from needing to pay for services in which you were unable to bring your child home, and Waiting for Baby Bird would like to help alleviate this pain in some way; ultimately, the application fee will help do just that…even if it is just a little bit. We also provide free conferences, worship nights, and in-person support groups. Additionally, we help cover the cost of mental health counseling when needed for those who can’t afford it. As you can see, your $35 will be well spent and never wasted.
*Please note: An application will not be considered until payment is received.*
THREE WAYS TO PAY:
- Via PayPal: send payment to waitingforbabybird@gmail.com
- Via Venmo: send payment to @waitingforbabybird
- Via Check/Cash: Waiting for Baby Bird Ministries—203 Jennifer Avenue; Carmi, Illinois 62821
Where can I find the application form?
