About

Our mission is to build a fund so ALL international adoptees have the opportunity to visit their birth country and explore their beginnings accompanied by family who loves them and supported in a way that is emotionally healthy.

The Gift of Identity Fund, Ltd. provides funding to international adoptees visiting their birth country with the goal of helping them understand their identity, heritage, and culture while traveling via The Ties Program, a family-based heritage program. The Ties Program has traditionally offered family programs called Signature and Lite.  More recently, with the ages of adoptees increasing, Ties has added 21+ programs created especially for adult adoptees and those who love them.

Many organizations have provided funding to families who would like to adopt a child, but cannot afford the expense. GIFT was born from the idea that regardless of a family’s financial situation, nearly all international adoptees need to connect with their birth country for many, many reasons. Some can simply not afford it. 

You can make a huge impact in the life of an adoptee. You can give the gift of identity.

Meet the Board

In Memoriam: Celebrating the life and legacy of Becca Piper*

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Becca Piper, the beloved founder of The Ties Program. Becca was not only a visionary leader but also a kind and compassionate person who left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. The Ties Program would not be what it is without Becca.

Becca Piper, 65, of Sedona, AZ died on November 21, 2024 as a result of complications of antibiotic toxicity. She was preceded in death by her beloved son Michael and her parents Reg and Maydean Nash. She is survived by her dear husband of almost 40 years, Ken Piper, along with her children Joe, Michael, Selena and Larry, granddaughter Maelyn and Becca’s siblings David and Janet. She is also survived by extraordinary friends, extended family and much loved colleagues.

Being a mother was especially important to Becca. She and Ken adopted all of their 4 children. Becca’s life was filled with many wonderful experiences including raising her family. Recently she was reflecting and expressed how grateful and satisfied that she was able to meet so many wonderful people while visiting so many places.

Becca was originally from Whitewater, Wisconsin. She graduated from UW-Madison, then went on to open Adoptive Family Travel Heritage Journeys. For nearly 30 years Becca and her dear friend and colleague, Bea Evans and an exceptional staff helped international adoptees visit their birth countries with their adoptive families to explore their heritage, culture, meet caregivers and often birth family. Becca had a deep love of travel, adventure, culture, nature, hiking, her dogs, yoga and dancing. You could often find her on trails totally immersed in the beauty. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to the Gift of Identity Fund. www.gift-of-identity.org helping international adoptees visit their place of birth.”

*Picture and post from Becca’s family.