Grants, Benefits, and Other Ways to Afford Surrogacy Costs

If surrogacy feels financially out of reach, you're not alone—and you're not out of options. Many intended parents feel stuck between the desire to start a family and the overwhelming cost of doing so.

But here's the truth: you don’t have to face this journey alone, and there are resources available to help. From nonprofit grants for IVF and surrogacy to employer benefits and tax strategies, there are resources available to help make surrogacy affordable.

American Surrogacy has helped many families navigate these challenges—and we’re here to help you, too.

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Options for Affording Surrogacy

Surrogacy costs can be daunting—often totaling $100,000 or more—but they don’t have to be a roadblock. The good news? Many families piece together financial strategies using a mix of grants, benefits, and savings tools. If loans aren’t ideal (or even possible), here are some pathways that could ease the burden:

Grants from nonprofit organizations
Employer-sponsored fertility benefits
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
Tax deductions for fertility-related costs
Crowdfunding

Fertility Grants for Surrogacy

Many nonprofit organizations understand how vital family-building is—and offer surrogacy grants to make that possible. Below are some of the biggest grant organizations for family building.

Grant Options

1. BabyQuest Foundation
Helps with fertility treatment and surrogacy.
Amount: Up to $15,000
How to Apply: Online application; two cycles per year
Eligibility: U.S. residents with documented medical infertility or LGBTQ+ family planning needs
Learn more

2. Journey to Parenthood Grant
Designed for couples seeking fertility treatment or surrogacy.
Amount: Typically $10,000
Application Deadline: Annual; varies by year
Eligibility: Demonstrated need, commitment to parenthood
More details

3. Gift of Parenthood
Monthly and quarterly grants for IVF, egg donation, and surrogacy.
Amount: Varies; often between $5,000–$16,000
Apply at: giftofparenthood.org

Application Tips

Apply early—deadlines and funding cycles vary.
Write a compelling story—many grants consider your emotional journey.
Be honest and thorough—missing documents can disqualify you.

Employer Fertility Benefits: What’s Covered and How to Ask

More companies now offer surrogacy and fertility benefits as part of comprehensive employee wellness programs.

What Might Be Covered?

Agency fees
IVF treatments
Egg donation or embryo transfers
Legal costs related to parentage

Asking Your HR Team

Start by asking:

“Does our benefits package include fertility coverage—specifically surrogacy-related expenses?”

If not, consider submitting a request through HR. Provide examples of companies that do (like Starbucks, Apple, Google) and explain how this support can make a life-changing difference.

FSAs, HSAs, and Tax-Smart Ways to Offset Costs

Yes—you can use tax-advantaged accounts to help cover some surrogacy-related costs.

FSA and HSA Use

While not all surrogacy-related expenses are eligible, FSAs/HSAs can typically be used for:

IVF medications and procedures
Egg retrieval
Doctor appointments and co-pays
Mental health services for egg donors or intended parents

Check with your plan administrator and IRS guidance for specifics.

Are Surrogacy Costs Tax Deductible?

This depends on what you’re paying for. Some fertility-related expenses are deductible—but not all. Here’s what you should know:

Gestational carrier compensation is not currently tax-deductible
Medical costs related to IVF may be
Keep detailed receipts and consult a tax professional

Dive deeper into the nuances with this blog on surrogacy and IVF tax write-offs.

How to Combine Grants, Loans, Benefits and Savings

Many families build an affordability plan using multiple tools. Here’s how to approach it:

Step-by-Step Plan:

Research and apply for multiple surrogacy grants
Explore fertility benefits through your job
Use FSA/HSA funds for covered medical expenses
Consult a tax advisor on deductions
Evaluate low-interest loans or financing

When you combine resources, the path becomes clearer—and more possible.

Need a starting place? Read this case study on how one couple afforded surrogacy.

Our Affordable Surrogacy Programs

At American Surrogacy, we understand that no two families—or budgets—are the same. That’s why we offer surrogacy programs that you can choose from based on your unique needs.

Whether you're still exploring options or ready to start today, we can help you create a plan that works..

Explore our Surrogacy Programs

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