Fundraising Training

Start with prayer.

You’re not asking people for their money, you’re asking God for his money.

Let Scripture shape your mindset.

You’re not a beggar! Steve Shadrach points out 5 brief verses that would be worth reading over and over to help frame your mindset during this process.

The example of the Levites (Numbers 18:24) — Jews gave their tithe to support priests.

The example of Jesus (Luke 8:2-3) — Many people supported Jesus and the disciples.

The teaching of Jesus (Matthew 10:9-10) — A kingdom worker is worthy of his support.

The example of Paul (Acts 18:4-5) — He stopped tentmaking to preach full-time on the financial support of other Christians.

The teaching of Paul (1 Cor. 9:1-18) — He had the right to be supported by churches.

“Namestorm” a list of potential donors.

If you need to raise $1300 and you think the average donor will give $100, that requires 13 donors.

If you think half of the people you ask will give, that means you’ll need to give 26 asks.

If you think half of the people you try to ask will give you the opportunity, you’ll need to reach out to 52 people.

If you’ll need to reach out to 56 people, why not have a list of 75 ready?

People to add to your list: family members, friends, folks from your church back home, coaches, teachers, mentors, etc.

Sort the list by who you’ll ask first.

People I ask sooner are those who I’m closer with, are more spiritually mature, and understand the importance of generosity.

Prepare to cast your vision to potential donors.

Be ready to share with them the why, what, and how of this trip, giving each 3-5 minutes.

Why — Your involvement in Reach, how God has been changing your life during your time in college, and why this trip is important

What — What you’ll be doing, broadly speaking. They’ll don’t need a full schedule, but they do need to know your mission trip isn’t just a vacation.

How — How this will make an impact on people’s lives. Even for non-Christians, you can still communicate how this trip will make a positive impact on others’ lives in a way they’ll resonate with.

Honor potential donors through personal conversations and direct requests.

Set up conversations through a text or call, suggesting a time for the conversation.

“I hope you’re doing well! As you know, I’m wrapping up my semester at UA, and I’ve been really involved with a campus ministry this school year. This summer, I’ll be joining them for a trip to [ ]. I’d love to tell you more about my ministry vision, financial goals, and how you can help. Could I give you a call for 15 minutes or so on [ ] at [ ]?” Share with them about your ministry vision, covering the why, what, and how.

Start with a bit of small talk and catch up, sincerely asking how they’re doing, and then transition into your ministry vision.

“Well I really appreciate you letting me call and I want to honor your time, so I’d love to tell you about this trip I’m taking with my campus ministry…”

Ask them to support you and wait for a response.

“I’m looking to raise $[ ] so that we can help [ ] students come to know Jesus. Will you support this ministry by donating $100?”

Immediately follow-up with donors to secure funding.

People are busy, and they’ll forget. It’s best to be immediately ready to receive a donation.

“Thank you so much for supporting me! Can I go ahead and tell you how you can donate? If not, what day should I follow up with you?”

“I totally understand you wanting to pray about it first. What day should I follow up with you?”

If they tell you a day to follow-up, immediately set a reminder to call them at the designated time.

Have a manner of giving ready. For this trip, you’ll raise the money and then reimburse the church over the summer (before we leave). It may be best to direct people to something like Venmo, where you can hold donations until you’re ready to send UCC your portion of the trip.

Keep donors informed of your trip and how they can pray for you.

I recommend updating them a couple times before you go:

1) To let them know you met your support goal, and thank them again for being a part of your support team.

2) To send them some pre-trip prayer requests before you leave, so they can know how to be praying for you during your trip.

You should also reach out at least once after your trip to do two things:

1) Thank them again for their support

2) Share with them any “wins” from the trip. Oftentimes, we don’t get many visible results for a long time, and we should never fabricate things to celebrate. But, you can always share about the seeds you helped plant and how the trip shaped you for the better.

All in all, you should reach out to your supporters at least 3 times after they donate, twice before the trip and once after.

How to fail at fundraising:

Instead of praying, try and do it by your own power.

Think, talk, and act like a beggar instead of God’s servant, worthy of support.

Wing it, instead of preparing by praying, brainstorming, and practicing casting your vision.

Be unclear about what it is you’re doing, instead of articulating why you’re going on the trip, what you’re doing, and how it will make an impact.

Be vague about what it is you’re asking, instead of directly asking them to help support you financially. Hope that funds will find a way to you, instead of following up with a clear manner of giving.

Treat donors like nothing more than a dollar sign, instead of honoring them as supporters by letting them pray for you and by updating them on the trip.