Surrogacy is a life-affirming experience that transforms lives. While the emotional rewards are priceless, the financial burden associated with surrogacy and fertility treatments can often feel overwhelming. One of the most common questions asked is: Is there financial aid for surrogacy?
The answer is yes. In 2025, there are more financial assistance programs, fertility grants, and discounted services than ever before. Whether pursuing gestational surrogacy, IVF treatment, or related fertility services, individuals and families can seek financial assistance that eases the cost of advanced reproductive medicine.
This guide explores the various types of surrogacy grants, financial assistance options, fertility foundations, and cost-saving resources now available across the U.S.
Why the Financial Burden of Gestational Surrogacy Can Be So High
Surrogacy today typically involves gestational surrogacy, where the person carrying the child has no biological connection to the baby. The embryo is created through in vitro fertilization using the sperm and an egg donor, then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus.
Modern surrogacy arrangements rely on sophisticated medical, legal, and logistical coordination, and those services come at a cost. Surrogacy costs can exceed $100,000 and often include the following:
- Agency fees: Coordination, screening, legal service providers, and case management can range from $20,000 to $45,000.
- Surrogate compensation: Reimbursement and base pay often range between $30,000 and $65,000 depending on experience and location.
- IVF treatment and medical care: This includes embryo creation, medications, and clinic visits. Costs may range from $50,000 to $65,000 for a full IVF treatment cycle.
- Legal, escrow, and travel: Legal contracts, travel reimbursement, and escrow management can add another $10,000 to $20,000.
For those who face significant financial obstacles, navigating these expenses may require a combination of grant funding, strategic planning, and use of multiple financial resources.
Surrogacy Grants and Fertility Foundation Support in 2025
Many families in the U.S. face an infertility diagnosis or medical circumstances requiring a surrogate. Fortunately, a growing number of organizations provide surrogacy grants and fertility grants to help ease the burden and offer substantial financial assistance.
Baby Quest Foundation
Baby Quest is a leading nonprofit offering fertility grants for IVF, gestational surrogacy, egg donation, and other fertility treatments. Awards range from $2,000 to $16,000. The application includes medical history, demonstration of financial need, and a personal story. Applicants must also show adequate living arrangements to qualify.
Cade Foundation Family Building Grant
The Cade Foundation offers the Family Building Grant, up to $10,000 for individuals undergoing infertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization, egg donation, surrogacy expenses, or domestic adoption. Recipients must be U.S. citizens and meet medical and financial eligibility criteria.
Family Formation Charitable Trust (AAARTA)
This trust offers surrogacy grants between $500 and $2,000, which can be used toward legal fees, medical services, lab testing, travel, and other related fertility services. Recipients must be legally able to enter into gestational surrogacy agreements.
Hope for Fertility Foundation
The Hope for Fertility Foundation provides grants ranging from $250 to $5,000 to those facing infertility. This fertility foundation offers grants annually and requires applicants to provide financial documentation and a compelling narrative.
The SAMFund for Young Adult Cancer Survivors
For young adult cancer survivors, The SAMFund provides grants of up to $4,000 to support fertility preservation, IVF, egg donation, and surrogacy-related costs. Cancer treatment often compromises fertility, making this support critical for post-treatment family-building.
Footsteps for Fertility
This program provides surrogacy grants through fundraising events and lotteries. Awards are typically around $5,000, and applicants must demonstrate medical need and the inability to afford fertility treatments or cover full treatment costs on their own.
Other Grant Programs
There are several other options offering financial assistance to those pursuing surrogacy and IVF:
- Gift of Parenthood
- Hasidah
- Journey to Parenthood Grant
- Baby Quest
- Gay Parenting Assistance Program (GPAP) – offering financial aid for gay men pursuing surrogacy
Each of these programs typically requires applicants to demonstrate financial and medical need.
Fertility Financing and Loan Options
In cases where grants do not cover all surrogacy costs, many turn to fertility financing. A number of lenders specialize in offering affordable loans tailored to fertility treatments, IVF cycles, and surrogacy-related expenses.
Personal Loans and Fertility Financing
- SoFi: Offers personal loans up to $100,000 with competitive interest rates.
- CapexMD: Works with fertility clinics nationwide to offer customized fertility loans.
- LightStream: Offers unsecured loans for medical treatments, including IVF and related care.
These services typically do not require collateral, and repayment terms are flexible. Many applicants must have strong credit or a co-signer. It is important to review repayment options carefully and consult with a financial advisor if needed.
Employer Benefits and Financial Support
A growing number of companies now offer fertility coverage through insurance resource services. Some provide reimbursement for fertility preservation, egg donation, IVF treatment, or even gestational surrogacy coordination.
If employed, check with HR departments or benefit coordinators. Basic health insurance often excludes surrogate-related pregnancy expenses, but IVF, medications, and egg retrieval may be partially covered.
Some employers offer fertility stipends between $5,000 and $25,000 as part of comprehensive family-building benefits.
Clinic-Based Payment Plans and Bundled Services
Many fertility clinics and surrogacy agencies now offer discounted and free services, payment plans, or package pricing. These options can dramatically reduce costs for individuals dealing with an infertility diagnosis.
Examples of savings include:
- Bundled IVF and surrogacy services through a clinic or agency partnership
- Monthly payment plans with no-interest promotions
- Sliding-scale pricing based on income and financial need
- Donated complementary services from egg donation agencies, labs, or legal professionals
When speaking with a fertility clinic or egg donation agency, always ask about financial support options and whether the organization participates in grant-matching programs.
Exploring Crowdfunding and Community Support
Crowdfunding is increasingly used as a tool to gather financial and emotional support from friends, family, and broader online communities. Platforms like GoFundMe, GiveForward, and Fundly allow users to share their surrogacy journey, document progress, and raise funds to cover treatment or agency fees.
Crafting a compelling campaign story, including photos or videos, and sharing regular updates can improve visibility and trust. In addition to financial help, community-based fundraising often creates emotional connection and solidarity.
Alternatives and Strategies to Reduce Surrogacy Expenses
While every family-building journey is unique, there are options that can reduce total expenses and expand access to advanced reproductive services:
- Embryo donation or egg donation can be more affordable than fresh IVF cycles, depending on clinic pricing.
- Sperm donation may help those seeking conception through alternative methods.
- Fertility preservation through embryo or egg freezing can be an investment that helps reduce future IVF costs.
- Coordinating all services through one surrogacy agency may offer savings through bundled pricing.
- Discuss options with your reproductive endocrinology practice to explore what is most medically and financially suitable.
Planning Financially and Emotionally for the Surrogacy Process
For those facing the complexities of surrogacy costs, creating a clear financial roadmap is essential. Here are steps to consider:
- Track expenses carefully, including agency fees, IVF treatment, medications, travel, legal work, and escrow.
- Research and apply for as many financial assistance programs and fertility grants as possible.
- Explore free services donated by nonprofits, clinics, and professionals who support fertility causes.
- Consider attending educational and recreational events related to fertility to discover grant opportunities.
- If applicable, explore peer support groups or professionally led support groups for shared financial resources and fundraising strategies.
- Build a realistic timeline that reflects personal savings, grant cycles, and clinic schedules.
How the Right Support Makes a Difference
Partnering with a wonderful surrogacy agency or working closely with a trusted fertility clinic can make a significant difference in financial planning. Compassionate professionals can help interpret eligibility for grants, refer you to trusted lenders, and even help write grant applications. They can also ensure all financial decisions are aligned with ethical and legal standards.
Navigating the surrogacy process doesn’t have to be done alone. Accessing quality, digestible surrogacy resources and compassionate experts is part of what transforms stress into empowerment.
Frequently Asked Financial Aid for Surrogacy Questions
Is there financial aid for surrogacy?
Yes. There are numerous financial assistance options including surrogacy grants, fertility grants, loans, employer reimbursement, discounted services, and nonprofit support programs.
What organizations offer fertility grants?
Top options include Baby Quest Foundation, Cade Foundation, AAARTA, Hope for Fertility, and The SAMFund for young adult cancer survivors.
Can you get fertility grants if you’ve had cancer?
Yes. Several programs are designed specifically for those who underwent cancer treatment, offering support for fertility preservation, IVF, and surrogacy coordination.
Do fertility clinics offer payment plans?
Many clinics now offer monthly payment plans, sliding scale pricing, or bundled service discounts. Ask directly about financial programs or partnerships with lenders.
Are there options for gay prospective parents?
Yes. The Gay Parenting Assistance Program (GPAP) offers funding support specifically for gay men pursuing surrogacy. Many clinics and agencies also offer inclusive care and financial aid.
Final Thoughts
Surrogacy is a powerful and transformative journey. While the financial burden can feel significant, it is no longer an insurmountable obstacle. Through surrogacy grants, fertility grants, loan programs, clinic payment plans, and emotional community support, it is entirely possible to build a financially realistic and hopeful path forward.
If you or someone you know is exploring this journey, don’t be afraid to seek financial assistance. The path to parenthood, no matter how it looks, deserves to be supported with both substantial financial assistance and emotional support every step of the way.
