10 fundraising hacks for missionaries

Introduction

Fundraising can often feel daunting for missionaries, but with the right approach, it can be an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. This tutorial presents ten effective fundraising hacks shared by Philip Dosa, a missionary with YWAM in Kansas City. These strategies will help you connect with potential supporters, share your passion, and ultimately raise the funds you need.

Step 1: Trust in God

• Approach fundraising with the mindset that you are trusting in God's provision rather than solely relying on your own skills or presentation.
• Remember that the experience will be more enjoyable for both you and your potential supporters if you focus on faith rather than pressure.

Step 2: Meet in Person

• Schedule face-to-face meetings instead of relying on letters or online campaigns.
• Meeting in person allows you to convey tone and emotion, making the conversation more engaging and effective.

Step 3: Use the Right Language

• When calling to set up meetings, mention terms like "finances" or "fundraising" to prepare potential supporters for the conversation about giving.
• This approach sets clear expectations and reduces the likelihood of surprising them with an ask during the meeting.

Step 4: Connect with Everyone

• Don't limit your meetings to those you think might have money or be interested in missions.
• Reach out to anyone you have ever met and ask if they would like to discuss your mission; you may be surprised by the support you receive.

Step 5: Share Your Story

• Be open about your personal testimony and experiences with God.
• Sharing your journey can inspire others and may lead to deeper conversations about faith, even if financial support doesn't materialize.

Step 6: Ask Directly

• Don't hesitate to ask people to join your support team and specify a dollar amount you're hoping they could contribute monthly.
• Providing a specific figure helps potential supporters understand your needs and gives them something to consider.

Step 7: Expect Mixed Responses

• Understand that approximately 50% of those you meet with may choose to support you, while the other half may not.
• This expectation can relieve pressure and allow you to focus on building connections rather than just securing funding.

Step 8: Aim for Answers, Not Just Yeses

• Your goal should be to get a clear answer from potential supporters, whether it’s a yes or no.
• Encourage them to pray about supporting you, which can take the pressure off both parties.

Step 9: Take Pressure Off

• Remind yourself and your supporters that this process is not about convincing them to give but about trusting God to provide.
• When someone declines, view it as them following their conviction rather than personal rejection.

Step 10: Have a Plan

• Create a budget outlining how much you need to raise and what your average gift amount will be.
• Estimate how many supporters you need and plan to meet double that number to achieve your goal. For example, if you need 50 supporters, aim to connect with 100 people.

Conclusion

Implementing these ten fundraising hacks can transform your approach to raising support for your mission. By fostering genuine connections, sharing your passion, and trusting in God’s provision, you’ll create a more productive and enjoyable fundraising journey. Consider seeking additional training or resources, like the "God Ask" book or support raising conferences, to further enhance your skills. Happy fundraising!