You did it. You’ve answered the call from God and said YES to your first missions trip!
Preparing for your first missions trip is such an exciting time, and you might have a lot of questions, but the number one question we get from people entering the mission field for the first time is: How do I raise enough money to fund my trip? Here are our top 5 tips and tricks on how to raise funds for your next missions trip:
1. Share your story
Your story is powerful, so when you approach a person or business about donations, be sure to lead with your story. Why are you going on this particular trip? How did you connect with the organization you chose? Why do you have a passion to serve in this type of way?
2. Explain the problem
What problem is your chosen organization attempting to solve? Is it hunger and malnourishment in underserved nations, or the lack of healthcare in certain areas of the world? Be clear about what problem your organization is trying to solve and what they are doing about it.
3. Be specific
When asking for funds to help you on your missions trip, it helps to be specific. People want to know exactly what their money is going towards, so whether it’s to help with airfare or provide extra medical supplies, don’t be afraid to list off a few things their donation will help purchase.
4. Offer an alternative
Not everyone is able or willing to donate to your trip, and that’s ok! Don’t be discouraged if some people can’t donate, but definitely offer them an alternate way they can help! Asking for prayer and encouragement is a great way someone can be a part of this journey if they can’t give financially.
5. Be thankful
No matter what, always end with gratitude! Make sure to let whoever you’re approaching know how thankful you are for whatever they are able to give, whether that’s money, prayers, or encouraging words. Having an attitude of gratitude always makes people feel good!
If this isn’t your first time raising funds for a missions trip, is there anything you would add to this list? If so, please let us know in the comments. If this is your first time raising funds and you are still struggling to find the words to ask for help, feel free to download our free fundraising letter template to help you on your way!
Did you know Mission Partners For Christ has scholarship opportunities for students who are interested in going on a trip but are in need of some financial assistance?
Brittanie is a medical student who traveled with us on one of our trips. Here is her testimony about her experience:
“This wasn’t my first mission trip, so I knew that I would leave Cote d’Ivoire forever changed by the experience. However, I could not have expected the multidimensional change I experienced during those few short days. Despite the long days, long rides, and daily hiccups and attacks against our purpose, my strength was renewed.
As I served in villages where people professed that they felt “forgotten,” I had the privilege of experiencing true gratitude and thankfulness. There were so many moments where I was reminded of what gratitude and thankfulness look like, but one particular moment stands out the most.
On the last day of clinic in the villages, a female elder from one of the villages neighboring Atakassikoro sat across from me in seemingly good health. She had no complaints, a few achy bones here and there, but she just wanted to see the doctor. After we completed her exam, she looked me in my eyes, smiled, and in her native tongue she said, ‘Thank you for the work you are doing; thank you for coming to see about us.’ Every other person who sat in that chair before her had expressed their gratitude, but there was something touching in the compassion and genuineness in which she shared her gratitude. I may never be able to verbally express the impact those few moments had on me as a young physician in training, but I will never forget it. I don’t know what my future holds but I know that I will be a better physician because of my time in Cote d’Ivoire.”
If you are a student who wants to be apart of helping others feel seen, heard, and loved on one of our trips, apply for our scholarship!
Mission Partners for Christ Scholarship
Our desire is for medical and dental students to come to understand how medical missions can be a part of God’s will for their lives.
METHOD OF APPLICATION Scholarship applications will be reviewed as they are submitted. The application must be submitted at least three months prior to the trip departure, and the applicant must be accepted as a Mission Partners for Christ trip participant before applying for the scholarship. Email your scholarship application to info@missionpartnersforchrist.com
AWARDS Awards will be announced by email as they are awarded. The amount of the award will be up to $1000 and is to be used for project and transportation-related expenses.
APPLICATION The applicant must submit a letter of no more than 300 words that describes their current course of education and their motivation for serving in medical missions. This letter should address what they hope to learn from their participation in the short-term medical missions experience.
After the trip is complete, the awardee is required to submit a summary report of their experience that focuses on the change that took place in their life as a result of the trip.
The cost of medical missions is one of the biggest obstacles that keep people from serving.
Between plane tickets, organization cost, and supplies, the cost of everything adds up quickly! But don’t let the dollar amount of a medical mission’s trip hold you back!
Below is a list of the best fundraising tips to help you attend a mission’s trip without going into debt.
Host a meal
Whether at a church or local event center, schedule a pancake breakfast, taco bar, or spaghetti dinner and collect proceeds to go toward your mission’s trip. Set a suggested donation and many will give more. It’s a win-win as guests will receive dinner and fellowship while you are raising money and sharing your story with those who want to support you!
Plan an auction
Local vendors will often gladly donate items to a worthy cause. Donations give them exposure and give you the opportunity to auction items off without costing you. Your trip will profit 100% from the sale, and many people are quite generous at these events!
Send support letters to friends and family.
Outline the trip and, more importantly, your “why” in a message to your loved ones. Letters don’t put people on the spot but give them time to pray and think about ways they can help. Also, many people acknowledge the benefits of mission’s trips but are unable to attend. Giving generously is another way to serve.
Sell handmade items
Let your DIY side come out! Create homemade items such as soaps, baked goods, jewelry, photography prints, etc. Look at crafts on Pinterest, try a few, and then sell the ones that turn out the best!
Offer a service
Pick a skill and offer your services: lawn care, babysitting, coaching, cleaning, car washing, and more! People are more than willing to pay for a service when they know their money is used for good. Brainstorm service ideas and get others involved to help! Remember, you can’t expect or ask for donations if you aren’t willing to work for them!
Sports tournament
Raise money from a weekend sports tournament. Whether baseball or golf, gather your community together for a great time! Charge an entry fee and allow businesses to pay for advertisements on game day. Provide basic snacks and start spreading the word about the tournament early on so you can expect a positive turnout!
Plan a workshop
Do you have a unique skillset like cooking, sewing, blogging, art, or something else? Plan a workshop where you invite friends and family to pay and learn skills in your area of expertise.
Get a fundraising website
Free websites are available and dedicated to promoting your cause. Check into Razoo (https://www.razoo.com/ ).Sites like this are easy to share with friends and help you easily keep track of your fundraising goals.
Good luck on your fundraising efforts! Tell us in the comments if you have any additional ideas to add to our list!
God Calling You To Missions?
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