Support raising for a summer interning with Next Step, or even for a week-long mission trip, can be intimidating if you’re not sure how to go about it. Let’s face it; asking for money from friends and family can be really scary! So as you think about fundraising we wanted to offer some of our tried and tested tips and tricks to make it as painless as possible! 

#1. Create an Online Support page and then share, share, share

We’re partial to using Classy but there are many good sites out there. Once you create your page then share it all over your social media pages as well as emailing friends and family. This is a simple, easy, and free way to get the word out about your mission trip. 

#2. Send out letters

In your letter be sure to share the passion and heart behind your decision to serve; people will be drawn into this journey through your passion.

Send this letter to as many people as you can think of. Family, friends, acquaintances, old friends of your parents…you name it. Don’t hesitate to tap into your mom’s contact list. 

 Then make sure to follow up with those you send a letter to. A phone call, email, or text two weeks after you have sent your letter is perfectly acceptable.    

For more on how to write a letter, check out our blog post!

#3. Creatively use your gifts to raise money 

There are many other ways to raise support beyond just sending letters. Here are a few ideas: 

• Sell t-shirts: Make a shirt for your summer and sell it to others to support you. Not a designer? No problem! Check out Bonfire or Fund the Nations that will help you make it easy.
• Do a Money Wall fundraiser: Make a poster with 100 post-its all labeled 1-100. People can commit to donating an amount per post-it (#36= $36). This is an approachable way for people to donate a variety of giving amounts to support you. Post a picture to social media and have people comment on the number they want. 
• Set up a booth at your church: Most churches are willing to let you share about missions. Ask if you can share for two minutes during announcements, and collect a separate offering. Set up a booth and be available to talk with people after the service. Ask if the church will put an announcement in the bulletin, or post your Classy page on their Facebook or Instagram. 
• Host a bake sale: Who doesn’t like cakes, pies, and cookies? Ask for friends and family to donate baked goods for you to sell at your school, church, etc. 
• Host a yard sale: One person’s trash is another person’s treasure! Have friends, family, even church members, donate things they no longer use that you can sell to raise support for your summer.

#4. Giving Thanks

No matter what combination of support raising efforts you choose, the follow up should always be the same: send thank you letters to those who have decided to support you. This is an easy way for you to express your appreciation for the support they give. And don’t be upset if someone doesn’t give you money and instead commits to pray for you weekly. Prayer is more important than money!

#5. The Seven P’s

1. Prayer: Pray daily for God to lead the way and make your ministry possible. Ask Him to break down the walls that are built up against your mission. Remember that the mission trip is not about you; it is about Christ.  
2. Proactivity: God will do His part, now you have to do your part. Make a list of contacts you can mail out letters to. Make a list of those whom you think will donate online. Check off the names on the list. Make sure to follow through. Use both the letter method and the online method. People are busy and often forgetful, so do not be afraid to follow up and ask if they’ve had any time to consider supporting you.  
3. Preparation: Be confident and know what you’re talking about. Familiarize yourself with the mission of the organization and know the community where you’re going well. Make sure you are well equipped to answer questions that may come up. 
4. Present: Put aside time to work on your support raising efforts. Set aside a morning or afternoon for making phone calls. If you make yourself present and available for a day or two, you will be grateful in the end. The sooner you get your support raised, the more relieved you will be.  
5. Passion: You are here because God has called you to serve. That in and of itself is truly an exciting thing. Friends and family will sense your passion and confidence in this call and will be eager to join you in your mission. 
6. Personal: As discussed earlier, if someone chooses to support you, show him or her your thanks!  Send them a personal thank you card and ask them if they want to stay updated. It would also be a good idea to fill them in after your mission trip or summer is done with a letter about what you did and how they made it possible.  
7. Positivity: We encourage you to remind yourself often of why you are raising support. When thoughts of frustration or defeat begin to take over, it will impact your perspective on the blessing that support raising can truly be. Combat these thoughts with prayer and a positive attitude. Remember that God promises us over and over again in His word that He will provide for us. Remember the God you are serving.

Those who step out in faith and follow in obedience all have one thing in common: they trust that God will provide. We serve a faithful God who promises time and time again in His word that He will provide for us if we simply seek Him.

“So do not worry, saying ‘what shall we eat?’ or ‘what shall we drink?’ or ‘what shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:31-33

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit- fruit that will last- and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” – John 16:15

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28

Meditate on these promises. Spend time in prayer, making your requests known to God. Use support raising as an opportunity to grow in your faith and your trust in the Lord. We serve a big and powerful God who can certainly handle providing financial support.