FUNDRAISING
Before you begin your fundraising, it is important that you address the following:
- Prayer for God to meet your financial needs
- Learn what it means to live by faith
- Consider using/earning personal funds for your trip
- Decide if you will pay for your trip, or if you will ask others for financial support
- Prepare to send updates to your donors after you return
- Value others as friends, not as a source of funds
Follow these tips and a few step plan for funding:
- Brainstorm names - Develop an initial list of potential donors
- Think of at least 30 potential ministry partners for your list
- Consider local businesses and other contacts
- Prioritize how to contact first and who to contact first
1.WRITE
- Date your letter
- Personalize the letter for each person
- Explain the trip and your involvement in it. Use content from the website
- Explain your exact need - financial and prayer
- Sign the letter personally
- Don't apologize for asking for financial support
- Give a deadline for a response
- Always include a self-addressed, pre-stamped return envelope.
- Always include the donation form and write your name on the Team Member's Name line.
- There is a sample letter here.
2.THANKS
- Always send a thank you note as soon as you receive a response.
- Handwrite and personalize the thank you note.
- After your trip is complete - send a letter to all supporters (either prayer or financial) to update them on what God accomplished through you and your team!
"Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increase to your account." Philippians 4:17
OTHER OPTIONS OF FUNDRAISING ABOVE AND BEYOND LETTER WRITING INCLUDE:
1) Collecting Pop cans
2) Selling material goods that you no longer need or use on ebay/craigs list (ensure you have parent permission)
3) Ask high school pastor/director for ideas