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Fund Raising For Missionary Fundraisers
Fund raising for missionaries is all about relationships. As we prepare, gather support, are sent out, and continue on our journey, the Lord will yoke us with people who are called to be a part of the journey. It is so important to have the mind set that you are going as a team: You AND your supporters. Together you will advance the Kingdom of God. For more about the relationship aspect of our finances as missionaries, be sure to check out the page
12/120/500.
Capital CampaignsWe will give this the name Capital Campaigns, which simply refers to any endeavor to raise funds for a specific need or project that is short term in nature. It could be a one-time request for a airline ticket, or a year-long project to raise funds for a piece of property, etc. Here are some often overlooked keys that will generate greater success for you in a capital campaign: 1. Prepare Well: Although it is usually good or acceptable to do a fund raiser once or twice a year, be sure you to your homework well. You will want to make sure that the capital item or reason for the fundraising is a needed item and of a good value. Don't start your appeal until you have received some input. Some of your best supporters will be business men and women. Even though they can be generous, they are also often very pragmatic and wise when it comes to financial matters. If you ask for funds for something that in THEIR mind is frivolous or not a good price, you will not only have difficulty in that campaign, you will lose credibility with them in all your fund raising efforts. So - - go to them first! BEFORE you begin your appeal, run things by them. Ask them for prayer. Ask them if the target makes sense, etc. By including them you gain wisdom: "In the multitude of counselors there is victory." It also gives someone the opportunity to step up to the plate and offer to do more for you. Having someone take on the project and be your ambassador to raise the funds is also a potential blessing. 2. Be Specific: Dr. Cho, who leads the largest church in the world in South Korea, tells the story of needing a desk and a bicycle early in his ministry. It wasn't until he got specific with the Lord that his prayers and needs were answered. I believe that not only God, but his people respond to specific needs also. Everyone is motivated differently. Different campaigns will have more interest with some than others. By being specific in your fund raising efforts, it helps your supporters visualize what their money is going to. If you need a vehicle, be as specific as you can about it and what the actual cost will be. If you need an airline ticket, let them know the dates and amount it is going to cost. If you have a picture of what it is you need to raise funds for, include that in your communications. 3. Have great follow-through: In your fund raising efforts with Capital Campaigns be sure to go the extra mile after the fact: a. Be absolutely sure to sent thank you notes to those who contributed. My favorite tool is Send Out Cards. Be sure to read the pages here on cards and greeting cards. b. Update them periodically on how that capital expenditure has helped or continues to help your missions work. c. Be sure to add any new contacts or contributors you get in the campaign to your regular newsletter and other communications. When you plan and follow through on your fund raising in a professional and timely manner, you will gain favor and respect, and the next time around your contributors will not only be more likely to give, but inclined to rally others to your projects also. One last thought for this page, remember not to restrict your supporters to just money! There may be some who do want to support you that can't do much financially, but could bless your ministry with a talent they have! Maybe some art work? data entry? calligraphy? cooking for a fund raiser? Etc. I give to a missions work personally by doing their web work:
Refuge Ministries
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