For many, coming up with the money needed to go on a Missions Trip is a challenge and a huge step of faith. Over the years we have seen God’s faithfulness to provide for many individuals and families. Do not let this be the one thing that holds you back from going. Listed below are some helpful suggestions regarding fundraising:
A Solid Foundation
How hypocritical would it be to expect God to bless you financially in terms of going on a mission trip while you are robbing God in your tithes. The firm foundation from which you can expect God to bless you in terms of fundraising is knowing that you are being obedient to give to the Lord what is His. Being a faithful giver in terms of tithes and offerings creates a firm foundation from which you can then expect God to provide for your missions venture.
Personal Support Letters
Personal support letters sent to family, friends, co-workers and even your employer is the single most effective way to raise support. Over and over people are surprised by the generosity and responsiveness of individuals they never would have imagined would give. You can do this through physical letters or through social media fundraising.
Personal Employer
Some companies have a fund specifically to support employees to good works locally and around the world. Be sure to take a moment to talk to your employer to tell them what you are doing and if they have a special giving fund.
Personal Sacrifice
Often a commitment to go requires serious personal sacrifice. Here are just a few ways to sacrifice and raise additional funds:
• Reduce or illuminate luxury spending (coffee, eating-out, entertainment, etc.).
• Possibly get a temporary part-time job or ask others if they need help with special projects.
• Collect and sell unwanted items on eBay or craigslist.
Team Fundraisers
Some people do team fundraisers. We do encourage team members to do all they can to help one another but we have found that the energy required for most team fundraisers are not nearly as effective as personal fundraising.
Sample Fundraising Letter
Be absolutely sure to add in your own flavor and personality. Do not simply copy this letter, as it would not be personal at all. Also, notice the few parts that you should add your own specifics! Get this letter out ASAP, as it will take time in the mail, for the receiver to consider it, and then for them to return the letter!
Dear Friends and Family:
How are you doing? I hope that God is doing as many wonderful things in your life as He is in mine. I am having a wonderful year so far and feeling God’s will to do more for the world around me. (Feel free to add specifics about your family, church, etc.) I want to share with you a wonderful ministry opportunity that God has presented to me.
From (beginning date) through (end date) God has given me the chance to go to (city, country) with my (church/organization). This missions trip will be reaching out and spreading the gospel to the people of (country) while also learning more about the people there and their culture. We will be (doing a youth conference, construction, praying, street ministry, and children’s ministry, all of this working alongside the local missionaries. Make sure you know what you will be doing and include it!)
While God has opened up a door for me to develop a greater heart of compassion for His people around the world, the exciting part is that you will be able to share in this compassion in several ways. First, you can help pray for my fellow team members and me. We will need prayers that God will prepare us for our visit and bless our efforts as we minister to the people of the (country). We will also need prayers that our financial needs will be met. I will need ($$$$) to attend this trip. (if you have to buy a passport you may want to make it $200 more).
Another way you can be involved is to help provide that financial support. Would you consider supporting me with a donation? (If you’re using MissionMinder.com you can use their fundraising feature which allows you to send this as an email with an easy online response where they can use their credit card. The other option is to suggest they mail their donation. Here again you can forward to the church/organization and they can post this on your member page on MissionMinder.com. See the sample text below.)
I have included a postage-paid envelope for you to use if you feel led to contribute. (Be sure to do this if you say this part!)
Please make checks payable to (your name) or if you want a tax exemption make the check payable to (church/organization) and in the memo section put my name. Whether you feel led to contribute financially, through prayer, or both, all of your support is greatly appreciated.
I look forward to doing God’s work in (country), and letting you know all about how God has worked through this team when I return. (Be sure to email them an update including photos upon your return giving a synopsis of the trip and thanking your supporters).
God Bless,
(Your Name)
Keep Email Addresses Private
If you’re doing your own email don’t send group emails that show the addresses of all the recipients. You’ve got to be sensitive to privacy and not opening people up to others “replying to all” and flooding email in-boxes or borrowing email addresses for future solicitations. Use the “Bcc” or “blind copy” option so recipients can’t see everyone else’s email address.
Give Thanks
Most people don’t mind deservedly being publicly thanked as well on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Generosity is a virtue people appreciate being associated with. If you send around photos of the event, it might have the added benefit of being a graceful reminder. Invariably you’ll get “oops … sorry I forgot to give” replies. Make sure the means to collect funds is still “live” so the option is still available.
Does your church or organization need help organizing mission trips? Check out our helpful mission management software on MissionMinder.com. Our easy to use software will help you manage all the details for your short-term mission trips and team members online. Easy online fundraising pages. Try it free for 30 days. Learn more here.
