Frequently Asked Questions

The Nanchang Project (NCPT) is a nonprofit organization founded in February 2018 by two adoptive mothers, Erin Valentino and Faith Winstead. Erin and Faith initially began our charity to help their children from Nanchang, Jiangxi, find their first families. Soon their assistance extended to all of Jiangxi province and later to the rest of China. Today, Nanchang Project is proud to serve international adoptees and birth families from all regions of China. We have assisted in over 60 reunions and provided free DNA kits to 350+ birth families.

As of 2024, we are the only search organization focused on reconnecting international Chinese adoptees with their birth families that is also co-led by both adoptees and adoptive parents. We are also on track to become the first of its kind to be entirely adoptee-led. You can view our active team here!

Yes, we are registered in the United States at state and federal levels. The IRS has awarded us with 501(c)(3) status, so your financial contributions are tax-deductible. Our EIN number is 832340778.

No! Nanchang Project is honored to assist adoptees and birth families from all regions in China. While our name may have Nanchang in it, that is just an ode to our early beginnings.

We are continuously striving to make birth family searching more accessible and affordable. While we have lots of exciting plans we hope to implement in the future, these are our current offerings:

• Free DNA tests for potential birth relatives in any part of China

• Assistance for adoptees to register with the National Reunion Database

• Search Partner referrals for your birth family search (searcher travels on your behalf or accompanies you in-person)

• Support for searching Chinese adoptees and birth families

• Limited trips to China for media coverage, searching outreach, and community networking. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic and as finances allowed, we brought a few adult adoptees with us as representatives of Nanchang Project and to provide them the opportunity to search for their own roots in person.

Nanchang Project has facilitated 65+ confirmed matches and sponsored over 400 DNA tests for birth relatives in China. All of our matches have and always will be free for adoptees who match one of our families at the parent, sibling, aunt/uncle, grandparent, and first cousin level. We will never require a set fee for our matches to obtain contact information—though we do ask for matched adoptees to "pay it forward" with a donation in any amount they are able to give.

Because we are community-funded, we ask for and appreciate donations in any amount to help us offset the costs invested into the programming, services, initiatives, and free DNA tests provided to birth families that led to these matches.

We are primarily supported by the generosity and support of our very own Chinese adoption community! We receive direct funds from adoptive parents, adoptees, and other supporters.

Our team is made up of all volunteers, which allows for 100% of your donation to go towards purchasing DNA kits, funding our programs (i.e. Origins Searches), travel expenses for our visits to China, and basic administrative costs related to maintaining the nonprofit (website fees, search flyers, etc.). Every DNA test costs approximately $130 USD, so any amount we receive tremendously helps ours efforts.

We have 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in the United States. Our EIN number is 832340778.

We kindly accept donations through the options listed below:

• Zelle - Send to hello@nanchangproject.com (Zelle does not charge us any fees to receive your donation)

• Venmo - Send to @NanchangProject (Venmo charges us the lowest fees after Zelle)

• PayPal - paypal.me/nanchangproject

• Our Facebook page "The Nanchang Project" - Click the “Donate” button when signed in to your account

• Our Instagram page @nanchangproject - Click the “Support us” button at the top of our public profile when signed in to your account

• Check - Please email us at hello@nanchangproject.com for the mailing address to send a paper check

While it is illegal to abandon a child, China’s statute of limitations for prosecution is interpreted to be 5 years from the abandonment date. We are not aware of any documented cases that involve legal consequences for a birth family who searched for or reunited with a lost child.

However, some families are afraid to “lose face” in their communities. Admitting to child abandonment could result in shame for not just the parents, but also the whole family. This causes some birth families to not proceed with a search for their lost child, or to be more cautious and private. Furthermore, some families will not come forward out of guilt to the child they did not raise. In Chinese society, many domestic adoptees hold strong and negative feelings towards their birth parents.

DNA is a must for confirming any biological relationships and there have been quite a few surprise matches for some Chinese adoptees who have done various DNA tests. First, we recommend you take a 23andMe DNA test (this database has the most Chinese adoptees) and then upload the raw data file to all other databases you can—priority #1 being GEDmatch, which has over 1200 birth families in there. If you can afford it, order an AncestryDNA test since there have been some sibling matches through their database. For more information about DNA testing, read here.

There are many other steps you can take to conduct a birth family search, such as creating a search poster, connecting with others, and hiring a professional searcher. Please refer to our Searching Guide for further details.

This is a recommended first step because some adoptees have found “hidden” information (i.e. finder’s name) in the Chinese copies. If you do not read Chinese, what you can do is this: use the Google Translate mobile app to take pictures of the original documents and translate on there. Google Translate is pretty accurate. If anything seems off to you or confusing when comparing the software translation to your original paper copies of the translated version, then we suggest asking a native speaker for clarification.

Not at all! This is a common misconception. Many of our tested birth families have told us they or someone else brought their relinquished child directly to welfare homes (orphanages). We have made several matches where the finding spot being a welfare home was accurate. Unless you have convincing information that would indicate otherwise, we suggest targeting your initial search efforts in the county/district you were found and possibly the surrounding areas. Of course, nobody will know for certain where you were truly “found” unless you locate your birth family.

You can take some steps to conceal your identity, but a birth family search will require you to put your information out into the world at some degree. Search flyers typically contain information that could be identifiable to people who knew you in China—info such as your Chinese name, area “found,” area adopted from, approximate birthdate, etc, along with various photos. The same can be said if you participate in any videos, interviews, or social media posts.

As it pertains to DNA testing, we understand some people have concerns about their identities being linked to their DNA. You can register your accounts with an anonymized email address made specifically for search-related activities or for doing DNA tests. You can also use a full alias, initials, or a nickname when adding a name to your DNA accounts. Some adoptees use their Chinese name from before they were adopted. If date of birth is asked, you can use a fake one. Some people prefer to keep their full names in their profiles so that their matches can connect with them outside of the database on social media platforms.

It is up to you to do what you most feel comfortable with. Either way, a DNA test is a must to confirm biological relationships.

There are two types of genetic tests used for finding biological relatives: Autosomal (SNP) test and Paternity (STR) test. In short, autosomal tests can identify relationships as close as parent-child and as distant as cousins, but it is less popular in China. On the other hand, paternity tests are most popular in China but can only accurately confirm parent-child relationships.

Autosomal (SNP) tests include 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, FamilyTreeDNA, 23mofang, and WeGene.

The two paternity (STR) databases we recommend are Help For Family Reunion (HFFR) and China’s National Police database.

See our DNA Testing page for all the details on DNA tests and databases for Chinese adoptees to use.

23andMe is the commercial DNA database that has the most Chinese adoptees, so we recommend you start with this one. You might find an adopted sibling or close cousin! Once you have your results, download your raw DNA file to other autosomal (SNP) databases—with GEDmatch being your first priority (it has over 1,200 Chinese birth families). If finances allow, order an AncestryDNA kit so you can enter their database. Read all about the DNA testing and database options here.

If you have a paternity (STR) lab report (from a lab like LabCorp), you can upload it for free to Help For Family Reunion (HFFR)’s database. If you are ever in China, we suggest considering giving your blood at a police database so you can enter their National database. Further details can be found here.

In early 2022, Nanchang Project successfully tested the accuracy of matching families in GEDmatch.com using 23mofang (for birth relatives) and 23andMe and AncestryDNA (for adoptees). Since then, we have exclusively been testing birth families with a compatible autosomal (SNP) testing company. We are able to send a DNA kit to birth relatives in any part of China and upload the results to GEDmatch. All adoptees need to do is upload their DNA file from 23andMe/AncestryDNA/MyHeritage to GEDmatch.

Prior to switching over to an autosomal (SNP) test for all new registered families, Nanchang Project had used MyTaproot, a paternity (STR) database. Unfortunately, this database closed in May 2022. We have offered those families to be retested (for upload to GEDmatch) and registered all of the MyTaproot families we have data for with Help For Family Reunion (HFFR)’s database so that adoptees can still match with them. You can see our list of tested families here and read more about DNA testing here.

We do not accept raw data files from adoptees. We encourage all adoptees (or their adoptive parent(s)) to manage their own DNA accounts so they will have full control. Once you have taken a 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, or FamilyTreeDNA test, you should upload the DNA file to GEDmatch.com at the minimum. For a comprehensive list of where else you can upload your results, see our DNA Testing page.

GEDmatch is a free, universal database that accepts raw data uploads from autosomal (SNP) testing companies, such as 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, FamilyTreeDNA, 23mofang, and WeGene. You should add your DNA file there because it gives you a greater chance of finding biological relatives! All major Chinese search organizations use GEDmatch and, collectively, there are over 1,200 birth families already registered. Additionally, two sisters who were adopted separately from China matched in GEDmatch in May 2023. One had used MyHeritage and the other used 23andMe—without GEDmatch, if their DNA only remained in the one testing database, then they would not have found one another. Nanchang Project’s families are tested with a compatible autosomal (SNP) DNA test and uploaded to GEDmatch, so you must enter GEDmatch to be compared with our birth relatives.

You can find directions for downloading your raw data file and our GEDmatch Mini Guide on our Resources page. We are also working on some content to make GEDmatch easier to understand.

DNA testing is a must to confirm a biological relationship. There have been many times where a birth family or private searcher thought an adoptee would be a match, based simply on similar appearances and details, but genetic testing proved otherwise. Adoptees and birth relatives both need to take a compatible DNA test to know for sure.

Absolutely! We highly recommend adoptees pursue as many testing options as possible, to increase their odds for a random match. You just never know what databases you could have close family members waiting. To date, we are aware of random matches occurring for Chinese adoptees in:

• China’s police database (STR), also called National Reunion Database - matches were made only for adoptees who gave their blood in person

• Help For Family Reunion (STR) - it has reunited over 700 families in China and even some international adoptees

• MyTaproot (STR) - no longer available

• 23andMe (SNP)

• AncestryDNA (SNP)

• 23mofang (SNP) - Chinese database

• GEDmatch (SNP) universal platform

Info about these databases can be found here and you can register for the National Reunion Database through our program here.

No, this is a misconception circulating in the Chinese adoption community. In our experience DNA testing over 400 families—many of whom had their DNA processed by a private lab or police station in China—we have not encountered a single birth relative who was worried about using Chinese tests. In fact, potential birth families in China we’ve communicated with were more likely to have concerns about using foreign tests/databases than Chinese ones. Some families, for example, were hesitant to test out of fear the test results would not be accurate if sent abroad or if the official DNA relationship report was in English, but not Chinese.

In China, the most successful database for reuniting children who were trafficked is the National Police Database, which citizens enter by giving their blood for free at police stations. This is a well known database. There is a good chance during your search that an average citizen in China will recommend giving your blood at the police station! There have also been several DNA matches in this database between adoptees who entered it while on a visit in China and their birth families who either came forward with the intention to match the specific adoptee or just by random in hopes of a match someday. Some matches have been made for adoptees who mailed in their blood using our National Reunion Database program.

Nanchang Project uses autosomal (SNP) DNA kits to test birth families. With the assistance of our in-China helpers, we are able to mail kits to any region in China. Once the sample finishes processing at the lab, we upload the DNA file to GEDmatch, a free and universal autosomal (SNP) database used by users all around the world. Adoptees just need to upload their DNA to GEDmatch from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or MyHeritage.

All of our matches have and always will be free for adoptees who match one of our families at the parent, sibling, aunt/uncle, grandparent, and first cousin level. We will never require a set fee for our matches to obtain contact information—though we do ask for matched adoptees to "pay it forward" by making a donation in any amount they are able to.

Because we are community-funded, we ask for and appreciate donations in any amount to help us offset the costs invested into the programming, services, initiatives, and free DNA tests provided to birth families that led to these matches.

Nanchang Project uses autosomal (SNP) DNA kits. With the assistance of our in-China helpers, we are able to mail kits to any region in China. Once the lab processes the samples, we upload the DNA file to GEDmatch, a free and universal autosomal (SNP) database used by users all around the world. Adoptees simply need to add their DNA file from their own testing company (i.e. 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage) for free, for a chance to match our registered birth families.

If you would like our help providing a free DNA test to a potential birth family, please email us: hello@nanchangproject.com

Historically, many searchers report about a 10% success rate. This number is also in line with our personal experience when comparing the total number of birth parent samples we have assisted with compared with the number of matches we have made.

On an individual level, it is nearly impossible to estimate an adoptee’s chance of successfully finding their birth family—unless they had their biological parent’s name. Some factors may indicate a greater likelihood of locating birth family. Those could include being found in a rural area that is not much more developed today, having very specific and accurate information, and having support of the local government or welfare home staff to search for birth parents.

That's hard to say. There are many ways in which you could locate your birth family: a random DNA match, having your search publicized via local news stations, sharing the information on Chinese social media, or having someone visit your finding area and following up on your clues with the locals. It is important to understand that most matches do not just randomly happen. When you hire a searcher, they are working for you. Their priority is to follow any clues from your personalized information that may lead them to your birth family. If you decide to a hire a searcher on your own, we really recommend you get all of your questions asked beforehand, ask the searcher to explain their search plan, speak with others who have hired the searcher before to get their experience, and (very important!!!) clarify with the searcher how they anticipate DNA testing any birth families who may come forward from your search. What DNA test will be used? Who will pay for the test and manage the DNA if there is no match to you? It is vital that these topics are all discussed before sending the searcher any money. Regarding DNA, Nanchang Project is available to sponsor DNA kits for any birth families and manage them longterm—please contact us if you would like our assistance.

Because each adoptee has different information and searching can be a game of luck, keep in mind that no two searches will be the exact same.

If you want a searcher recommendation, please complete our Search Partner Referral Form.

The cost for hiring a searcher can vary greatly, depending on:

• the searcher’s amount of experience

• duration of the search

• distance to travel from the searcher’s home to the location for search

• public transit, taxis, use of private vehicles

• hotel and meals for searcher

• quality and number of flyers

• daily rate for the searcher’s time

We have seen some of the more well-known searchers charge $390-800+ USD for an individual search on an adoptee’s behalf. Typically, DNA tests are not included for any birth families that they find (though Nanchang Project is always happy to sponsor their DNA tests, just email us if you would like our help).

If you plan to visit China yourself to conduct a birth family search in person, hiring a searcher or guide may incur higher fees than the range given above.

If you want a searcher recommendation, please complete our Search Partner Referral Form.

• Spread the word. We can always use your support to spread the word about our work—both to Chinese adoptees/adoptive families and to people living in China! It is important that adoptees know it is possible to locate their first families and that many of them very much miss their lost children. We are also on a mission to inform the same to birth families in China: children adopted abroad want to know their origins and re-connect with their roots. If you know someone who may be interested in helping us distribute information on Chinese social media platforms, Chinese media (TV, newspaper, etc.), hand out flyers in person, or join our Origins Searches program as a Search Partner, please contact us.

• Tell adoptees about GEDmatch. We need help informing adoptees that there are over 1,200 Chinese birth families waiting in GEDmatch, a universal free database, and hoping to someday match their lost child(ren). To randomly match these families or a sibling who was also adopted, adoptees simply need to upload their DNA file from an autosomal (SNP) testing company, such as 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or MyHeritage, to GEDmatch.com. You can read more about DNA tests here and how to download your raw data file and upload to GEDmatch here.

• Connect with us on social media. Please support us on social media for our latest news, announcements, and content from adoptees and birth families. Giving our posts a “like,” comment, or share can encourage the platform’s algorithm to share our content with more users. You can find us on Instagram and TikTok under @nanchangproject, and Facebook and LinkedIn as The Nanchang Project. We also have a private Facebook group called Nanchang Project Goes to China where all are welcome to join.

• Facebook birthday fundraisers. An effective way to help us raise funds to continue our work and provide free DNA kits to found birth families has been to create birthday fundraisers on Facebook or Instagram. It is free to make a fundraiser. Just select The Nanchang Project. Some of our supporters have previously done this and raised a few hundred to a few thousand dollars—big or small, every dollar helps us reunite more families and service our community!

• Organize a fundraiser. We have had adoptees create an online fundraiser for various reasons to help raise money for Nanchang Project, some raising hundreds or thousands of dollars just by asking their friends and families to support a special cause close to their heart.

• Suggest grants to us. If you have a grant or foundation in mind that you would like to suggest to us, feel free to email us as development@nanchangproject.com or contact us. Our dedicated team of grant writers can review the program and application requirements further.

• Order fundraiser merch. You can purchase Lunar New Year T-shirts and hoodies from our past fundraisers via Bonfire.

• Donate. Want to financially give to Nanchang Project? We can accept direct donations through a few ways. Read more on our Donate page.

• Volunteer. See what positions, if any, we have available on our Open Roles page.

We are genuinely grateful for any and all forms of support you provide to Nanchang Project! 谢谢!

We would love to connect with you on:

• Instagram: @nanchangproject

• Facebook: The Nanchang Project

• TikTok: @nanchangproject (We're working on this! If you want to help us create content and grow our following on TikTok, please email us!)

• LinkedIn: The Nanchang Project