Most people who go on a mission trip or to a mission school do not have the money when they say yes. They raise it, a little at a time, from people who know them. If you are about to start, the plan below is the one we give our own DTS students in Granada. It works for a two-week trip as well as a five-month school.
1. Work out your number
Before you talk to anyone, write down exactly what you need. People give more easily to a clear, honest figure. Add up:
- The programme or school fees (ask the organisation for your exact amount)
- Flights there and back
- Travel during the trip or outreach
- Travel and health insurance
- Visa and documents, if you need them
- Personal spending money
Subtract what you already have from savings or work. The number left is what you need to raise.
2. Write a list of 50 names
Start with family, then close friends, your church, people from school or work, and neighbours. Fifty sounds like a lot until you start writing. You will not ask all of them and not all of them will give, but almost everyone on the list can pray for you.
Talk to your pastor early. Many churches support members who go on mission, and a word from the front on a Sunday opens doors you could not open alone.
3. Write a one-page support letter
A good mission trip support letter answers five questions: why you are going, what you will do, what you need, how people can give, and how you will keep them updated. Keep it to one page and write it in your own voice. Here is the opening of the template in our guide:
I am writing to share something that is on my heart. I have been accepted to a Discipleship Training School with YWAM in Granada, Spain. For five months I will learn to know God better and serve with a team in another country.
From the support letter template in our fundraising guide
4. Ask, then follow up
Start with the ten people who know you best, in person or by phone if you can. Be specific: "Would you consider giving 50 euros, or 10 a month?" A clear amount is easier to answer than an open question. Always leave room for a no, and thank people who say no as warmly as those who say yes.
Most people who mean to give simply forget. A friendly message a week later is part of the process and nobody minds it.
Fundraising ideas beyond letters
- Work extra shifts or take a short-term job
- Sell things you no longer need
- Host a dinner, a bake sale or a concert at church
- Ask your church whether it has a missions fund
5. Keep your supporters close
Thank every person within 48 hours. A handwritten note stands out. Then send a short update every two to four weeks with a prayer request, a photo and something you are learning. People who give want to know what happened, and many will give again next time.
Our free guide
We put all of this into a printable guide with a worksheet for your number, the letter and message templates, a timeline, a checklist and a supporter tracker. It is free, and you do not need to be one of our students to use it.
Download the fundraising guide (PDF)
Questions people ask
How do I raise money for a mission trip?
Work out exactly what you need, list around 50 people who know you, send a one-page support letter, ask the people closest to you in person, follow up, and thank everyone quickly.
What should a mission trip support letter include?
Why you are going, what you will do, how much you need, how people can give, and how you will keep them updated. Keep it to one page.
How long does it take to raise support?
It depends on the amount and how many people you know. Start as soon as you are accepted so you have several months.
Is there a fundraising guide for YWAM students?
Yes. YWAM Granada has a free fundraising guide with templates, a checklist and a supporter tracker. Anyone can download it.