From my experience, fundraising is difficult, but can be extremely beneficial in a number of ways. It is an important component of the process that will make your missions trip experience most rewarding. I have raised the majority of my support for missions from letters. Through these efforts I have learned a lot about the ins and outs of written requests for support. Fortunately, I feel that many of these lessons apply generally and could help you fundraise as well!

             

To begin with, when you are writing your letters you must be as genuine as possible.  I know this may be difficult in the sense that you are writing them a letter, not talking to them in person.  However, conversation can be created in text and I really want you to focus on this one for me!  Talk to your donors about how much this trip means to you, what is going to be done with the money, and why you want to go on the trip in the first place. Sometimes, when we write letters asking for money, we forget that the letter, the motive, is not just about receiving money.  It is about what we do with that money that money that makes the trip worthwhile. Everyone’s motives are different, but I would definitely include that we do not raise money just to have a good time with our peers and explore a different country.  We raise this money to show others the Love of Christ, to build a home for families that were living in a shack their whole lives, and to learn more about Jesus and ourselves along the way.  

            

Second, when you are writing letters, make sure to make it is as creative as possible.  I know this is kind of a marketing aspect, but it is extremely important.  A lot of letters I have seen have just had words on them.  No pictures, not even bold or italicized letters!  This is a huge no!! Think about all of the ads and fundraising attempts you see on Instagram.  They are creative, full of color, and most importantly, catch your eye.  This is what your letter needs to be like.  These letters need to include pictures, color, and something that catches the eye of your donors.  Now, do not go overboard, too much color can definitely be negative, but I know you all get the gist of what I am trying to convey.  When you include pictures, color, etc., you not only grab their attention, but you show you truly care about what you are doing, while all the while leaving a life-long impression on the donors.

            

Last, when you are writing letters, TAKE YOUR TIME!!! This is by far the most crucial mistake I see when reading letters in the past that have been unsuccessful.  Whether it is typing errors, no creativity, or too short of a letter, it all boils down to a lack of time spent on the letter.  I promise you that if you truly take your time on the letters and include the advice given to you, you will receive much more money than you think! Relax, pray that the Lord will provide if it is a part of his plan, and do the best you can! See you in March!

 

P.S- do not request an amount to give.  That is a huge no-no for donors.  Each family you ask is on a different financial basis and may take the amount asked to heart.  Be sincere in your attempts and God bless!

​

Clayton Stovall

VP of Business

December 2018