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Raising Money
The average person is uncomfortable asking other people for money. It can be awkward. What if they say NO?
Remember your WHY. Why are you asking for financial support? You are seeking to fulfill the Great Commission and help advance communities in need. You are giving donors the opportunity to partner with God in what He is doing around the world.
Let’s face it, some people may say no and that is okay. Allow the purpose behind your “asking” to be the driving force. Remind yourself, it’s not about You. If you keep these things in mind, then “No” will not sting as much. Step out in faith! Use this list of suggested people to ask for support. Feel free to take a few moments to write your own list of specific people you would like to reach out to.
Pro Tips
“Who should I ask for help?”
- Immediate family
- Neighbors
- Teachers
- Church members
- Civic clubs
- Close relatives
- Friends and their parents
- Doctors and dentists
- Acquaintances/Co-workers
- Coaches
- Businesspeople
Writing Your Letter
To help you get the ball rolling, we’ve attached a sample Support-Raising letter with a formula for crafting a strong message to your prospective donors.
Greeting: Dear, …
Where/When: I am privileged to be part of a special mission team that will be traveling with Victory World Church to Nicaragua this summer. The dates of the trip are June 6-13, 2015. The team will be working with Mike & Deborah Turner, founders of LifeLink International, a non-profit missionary organization based in Florida, with field offices in Nicaragua.
Why: Nicaragua is the second poorest nation in the western hemisphere and is a country in great need of many resources such as medical, dental, hygiene and agriculture. LifeLink International is responding to this need by identifying Nicaragua as one of their main projects with plans to build a ministry base complete with a church, medical, dental and hygiene facility. During our trip we will be doing construction on the base and treating an estimated 1,000 people in medical clinics.
I believe that God has put it on my heart to be a servant to those in need and has given me the opportunity to do so through this trip. By working with the people in Nicaragua, we hope to help fulfill the vision of LifeLink International that is reflected in their mission statement, “Linking People, Changing Lives…One Person at a Time”.
How can they help: I would like to ask you to keep me and my team in your prayers so that we may have a safe and successful trip. Also, since we are responsible to raise our entire trip cost of $1,400, I would like to ask you to prayerfully consider if He would have you be a part of this wonderful opportunity to share the gospel with the people of Nicaragua. If you choose to support me financially, you will need to follow the regulations that are listed on the support card enclosed in this envelope. This will ensure that your donation is recorded as a donation not a payment (due to IRS regulations). It also ensures that your donation is tax deductible.
Thank you: Thank you for taking the time to read my letter and consider helping our team in Nicaragua.
In His Love,
Jane X
Note: By using the support-raising letter formula, you can clearly state the Where, When, Why and How to the recipient of the letter. Be sure to keep a list of those who decide to help you in order to follow up after your trip with a thank you note or postcard.
Pastors Letter
To assist in fundraising we have also provided a templated letter from our Pastor supporting your request for financial support.