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We wanted to provide you with all the information you might need for raising support.
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1. Biblical Perspective on Fundraising
Some Christians feel uneasy about fundraising. "I don't want to impose on others" or "Everyone struggles with money, why should they give to me?" are common objections. Here are a few key reflections to set our minds right:
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"Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." Colossians 3:23
2. Name-storming a List of Potential Ministry Partners
Begin with an open mind and an open sheet of paper or spreadsheet.
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- No name is disqualified!
- Do not limit based on who might be able to give.
- Do not limit based on who might have specific interest.
No need to add contact information - that comes later. It will slow you down now.
No need to sort or prioritize - that comes later. It will slow you down now.
Let it sit. Throughout each day, as names come to mind, write them down.
3. Make First Contact:
Communicate briefly with potential partners about your program and ministry by phone.
Ask potential partners clearly and confidently if you can send them information about the internships you will be doing by either mail or email.
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For a more detailed guide on using social media for support raising see - Facebook strategy
4. Send a Ministry
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Letter
You can send this either in the mail or via email, depending on which they mentioned was the best way to send the information.
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- A specific date (ex., do not say this summer, but use your event's exact dates).
- Your greeting must be a specific person (not "dear friend").
- Acknowledge your relationship with the reader. What can you say that will help the person identify with you?
- Briefly bring your reader up to date on what you're doing.
- Tell your part. Explain what the internship is, why you have decided to participate, and what you hope to see God accomplish.
- Explain the financial need. The purpose of your letter is to give your reader an opportunity to help. Make sure you explain exactly what is needed. You need to raise funds (in partnership with Reliant) to participate in this Kingdom work. Use specific dollar amounts.
- Then, involve your reader by inviting them to take specific action. "Would you prayerfully consider giving $100, $250, or $500 towards ____?" Give the deadline for when the funds are needed.
- Acknowledge your relationship again with an emphasis on thanks, appreciation, gratitude, partnership, and commitment. This ties your opening acknowledgment to your request.
- Close the letter, and if it is on paper, sign each one personally. Add a "P.S." Commit yourself to a specific action you will be taking. Ex. "I'd like to call you next week so I can answer any questions you might have." If you are sending this in the mail, you should handwrite your P.S. to make the letter more personal.
- Do not delete (or change) the statement at the bottom about gifts being tax-deductible, etc., provided by Reliant.
- Highlight a few key parts of the text that are the most important parts of your letter. However, use these sparingly.
- Add a picture especially if you have one that shows you doing similar ministry work in the past. Smiling is best!
- Your contact information should be somewhere in the letter. Many people put it in the footer.
- Enclose the instructions for online giving or sending their gift in the mail with the HOW TO GIVE pdf/link that was emailed to you.
- If you mail out a letter, it is very helpful to include a stamped, self-addressed envelope for the donor to mail back their Reliant contribution to you.
5. Follow Up
6. Partnership
How does a donor give?
All gifts are tax-deductible. Most donors will give through your Reliant.org giving page. If you are going to a sensitive location, your giving page will not be searchable on Reliant.org, and will require you to provide a direct link to your potential partners.
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You should have received a HOW TO GIVE link for your donors in an email from Reliant with instructions on How To Give towards the program, including a direct link for online giving. You can print the PDF to include in your ministry letter mailing or attach the PDF or link to an email.
How do I know if a donor has given?
You will be able to track donations using Toolbox.reliant.org. Your login information is the same login that you use for Reliant.org.
Saying Thank
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You
Avoid ingratitude. If you fail to thank people, you communicate that you don't care about them.
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Once your internship is completed, take time to write, call, or visit each of those who were gracious in investing in your call to serve the Lord through missions.
