Raising Funds
Does not have to be painful
Do I have to raise my own support? Isn't it enough that a person
is called to missionary service but must spend months finding the
financial backing to do so? Even more disturbing is the number of
potential missionaries who never consider missions because they
hear horror stories about support raising.
By raising your own support you will engage others in prayer
support that a salaried position doesn't guarantee. It will
stretch your faith and give you an opportunity to witness and
build relationships with donors. It also gives others an
opportunity to spread the Gospel beyond their immediate circle.
12-Step Program of Support Raising:
- Begin with your home church. Contact your pastor and share
your vision for ministry.
- Determine to whom you'll go for support. Compile a prospect
list including church contacts, relatives, neighbors, school
contacts, employment contacts, friends, clubs and civic
groups, mission contacts, service contacts - your dentist,
dry cleaner, etc.
- Record and catalog prospects. Prioritize contacts as to
giving potential (high, medium, low). Estimate the amount
each person could give and identify the top 10.
- Mail your first prayer letter. Convey your burden (call) and
briefly explain the mission opportunity. Provide the
recipient an opportunity to respond to your financial need.
- Make appointments. Call the people on the top 10 list and
set up appointments. Practice your presentation and spend
time in prayer before each meeting.
- Conduct the visit. Check your appearance. Discuss how your
life led to this ministry. Share your vision and your
financial need. Ask for specific help. Bring your contact
person to a point of decision.
- Track support by setting up a donor roster.
- Say Thank You. Immediately send a letter of thanks to anyone
who sends you money.
- Conduct a letter/phone strategy. If you cannot visit a
potential donor, you need to write that person. Share your
vision. Ask for a specific amount - or a range. Mention your
deadline. Follow up with a telephone call.
- Expand your contacts. Consider friends of friends. Ask
donors for referrals. Expand your list by asking influential
donors (leaders in the business or religious community) to
host a coffee on your behalf to raise support. The people are
out there, it's up to you to broaden your support base.
- Cultivate your support. Your support raising is not a
one-time event. You will need support for your life-time
ministry. Build relationships with donors and pray for them.
Communicate with them regularly.
- Resolicit for support. Many donors are waiting to be asked
again. Use your home leave to re-establish contact and
challenge them to upgrade their giving. And don't forget
those non-donors who might now be in a position to help.
From People Raising: A Practical Guide to Raising
Support, copyright (c) 1993 by William P. Dillon.
Used by permission of Moody Press, Chicago, Ill.,
1-800-678-6928.