Mission Trip Fundraising

How you ask is the most important thing. A simple direct and heartfelt request to people you know is an amazing experience. Don’t feel embarrassed or ashamed to ask for your mission trip fundraising. You should be proud of the work you will do and you need the funds to be able to accomplish this worthy task and this important mission trip. If you can put into words what going on this trip will mean to you, people will want to help you achieve your goals.

Check out this link to get tips on fundraising letter writing strategies

A lot of people dread asking for money. But, if you put the request into perspective it will make it easier. Remember, you are asking for this money to go and help others. You are not asking your family and friends to give it to you personally. If people say “no”; don’t take it personally. “No” usually means “not at this time”. In many instances you may not get the amount you might have wanted but you will get something.

Typically, you should give yourself at least two months to work with your group to discuss the strategy for your solicitation. Have members of your group gather together to brainstorm the letter and determine the timeline.

Click here for a link to a free sample of a mission trip fundraising letter

Usually, you can mail out the letters (or email if your group has access to processing credit card gifts online) and it is a very important idea to follow up with a personal phone call. In the phone call you can inquire if your intended donor received the letter and ask if they have any specific questions. At the time of the call you can also indicate your gratitude for whatever gift they can afford.

Again, don’t apologize for asking. You aren’t asking for a personal gift. Your donor's gift will enable you to be of service to others.

Remember, it is critical to do two things after you receive your contributions. First, thank your donors! There should be an official tax letter that is mailed within a week of the donation (most churches are non-profit organizations so cash donations are tax deductible). A phone call from you is also a professional and appropriate touch.

Secondly, when you return from your trip, make it a point to either send a letter (with photos) or make calls to each of your donors to express your thankfulness for them helping you to achieve this opportunity. Gratitude is never overdone in these situations.

Other ideas to help promote your efforts:

• Publish your trip in the congregation newsletter; put a contact name and number for more information. Be sure to include how and where people can help with financial contributions.
• Ask for time to share your story and fundraising efforts during a service. Who better to tell an inspiring story than you? Make sure to gain the confidence of potential donors who will be listening about the tremendous good you will be doing with their help. People like to invest their money with the assurance that it will be put to good use. Your outstanding and heartfelt presentation will help them decide to support you.
• Organize prayer support for your efforts
• Support yourself and let others know of your efforts. For example, skip those daily coffees; weekend movies and other small indulgences that you can stop for now. Earn extra money offering your labor to others for their donation such as mowing lawns, babysitting or other household jobs.

  Don’t give up – keep trying…the end results will be worth it!

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