Support raising is one of the most intimidating things you will ever do! Asking others for money to help fund your trip is humbling, difficult – yet at the same time rewarding – experiencing first hand how God uses other people to provide for your needs…it is truly amazing!
To best help you prepare to fundraise for your trip, we have done two things: 1) Crafted a sample support letter, for you to grab some ideas out of to make it your own 2) Written up the following bulleted items for you to consider as you sit down to write your support letter.
Before the Letter
- Pray!
- Brainstorm a list of all the people whom should receive your letter.
- Gather address and insert a pre-address envelope for any donations.
- Create a response card for your donors to return in the pre-addressed envelope to track giving and needed thank you responses.
- Pray: Did we mention that this should be top priority?
Writing the Letter
Introduce Yourself
- Personal Greeting: Hand write reader names (avoiding general titles of “Dear Friend”).
- Provide a Personal Update: Bring reader up to date on your life, what are you currently doing involved with in life
Explain the Mission
- What you are doing: Describe what will you be doing. For all Next Step trips, read our “Trip Overview” for an accurate description of your mission trip.
- Who are you going with: Educate about your church/youth group, Next Step Ministries, and any community partners you will be serving with on your trip.
- Why you are doing it: What has prompted you to go on this mission trip.
Ask for Ministry Partners
- Explain your need: Clearly and specifically state your need for x amount of prayer partners and x amount of dollars by a specified deadline.
- How can they give: Inform how they can support (financial/prayer) you. Provide every detail needed for each potential donor to financially join your team.
Express Your Thanks
- Emphasize your thankfulness, appreciation, and gratitude for their consideration of joining your team!
After the Letter
Keep excellent records of your response cards of any donation that comes through so that you can write a personal thank you card to those who have sacrificially given to support your trip. A good idea is to also write a follow up letter after your trip sharing with each partner all that God did on your mission trip.
Lastly, support raising is a step of faith and the best place to begin is with prayer. Take time to pray and ask God to help you through this whole process! You are about to embark on an incredible adventure, not only on this upcoming mission trip, but also trusting in God for His provision for the needed funds. Throughout Scripture, time after time – God provides. We absolutely know that this will be an opportunity for you to grow in your dependence on God as you trust in Him to provide for your needs this summer!
