Independent Fundraising Tips & Tricks

Many people may find asking family, friends, and even strangers for financial support to be frightening or awkward. Whether you’re fundraising for a cause you support or for an upcoming mission trip, there are many tools and tricks that you can use to independently fundraise successfully. We spoke with year-round staff member Abbey Rhoden on her experience for raising funds and awareness towards various outreach efforts she’s partaken in.

You want to include visuals in this letter from the organization you’ll be working with. If you have been before, it’s great to add those pictures! Make it short and easy to read; including what you’ll be doing, when the trip is, ways to donate, and prayer points for people who want to support you that way.

It’s important to ave different forms of payment ready for people. In the past, I’ve had people donate through Cash App, Venmo, Zelle, check, and directly through managed missions (or whichever platform you’re using). I would also suggest setting up PayPal so people from different parts of the world can donate.

Create different deadlines to raise a certain amount of money. For example, “I need 50% of the funds raised by October 28th”. In my opinion, this helps people make that decision on whether or not they want to donate.

Post on Every Social Media.
Create stories and posts that explain what you’ll be doing and how much you need to raise. Get creative! You can make it a game for people where they can pay for you to do something embarrassing.
Create a Facebook Group.
Make a space where you can regularly post updates to help your supporters stay connected. Posting videos on Facebook has proven more effective because older generations are more inclined to support you financially and through prayer.
Advertise Merchandise or a Service!
Selling apparel, handmade jewelry, or a bake sale are great ways you can encourage others to donate while getting something out of it themselves!

“I like to bake and often do it for fun, so I would take my baked goods to work and church and let people donate to my trip that way. Let them pick how much they want to donate! People will shock you with how generous they are.”
— Abbey Rhoden (Global Outreach)

5. Text and/or Email People Individually.

Reaching out and asking people directly to donate can be scary. But some people may not check or even have social media. Don’t be discouraged if people don’t answer.

“I’ve received texts from other people asking for donations and I have never thought “Ugh why are they sending me this text”. The people who want to donate will.”

Sometimes it’s really easy to get caught up in just raising money and worrying about finances, but God WILL provide for you. People want to see your heart. If they see that you’re just going for a fun trip or just trying to get money, they’re not going to donate.

Remember that this is a trip where you’re serving God and his people- respectfully it’s not about you. Pray for God’s provision and I promise you will see His hand on your finances!   

_{Images by Freepik & Abbey Rhoden}