How you choose to pay for your mission is up to you. Some participants may cover the costs themselves, some may contribute part of it, and others may need to fundraise for all or part of the expenses. We recommend letting others share in this experience by supporting you financially. They will be investing in both you and the cause you’ll be serving during your mission.

Raising funds requires effort and may push you out of your comfort zone. This is often the first step toward becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable. Be confident that you will raise the necessary funds and envision the rewards that will come from the experience, the love you’ll share, and the services you’ll provide. Short-term missions benefit both those being served and those participating. If you can’t go due to insufficient funds, neither benefit happens.

The most crucial part of fundraising is “THE ASK” – you won’t receive donations unless you ask. You might be surprised at who gives the most and who gives the least. Don’t feel intimidated to ask others; doing so gives them the opportunity to support your mission. Be prepared to answer questions about where you’re going, what you’ll be doing, and what you hope to gain from the trip, such as spiritual growth and serving others.

Who to ask? Short answer: everyone. Family (immediate and extended), friends, church members, and those who support mission experiences and would like to invest in you.

How to make the ask?

• In person: The personal touch is appreciated and allows for questions. This method often has the highest success rate.
• By phone: A good way to catch up and let people know about your mission trip. You can connect on a personal level, even if they are geographically distant.
• Email: While more impersonal, email is effective for follow-ups, thanking donors, and providing additional details. You can also include a link for social funding.
• Letters: Personal letters can be impactful, though they take more time and require follow-up. Use this method if you have the time and resources.

Create a Hot Names List: Start with 30-40 names of potential supporters. Share this list with close contacts to get additional referrals. This strategy can help you reach your fundraising goals while implementing “The Ask.”