Fundraising for Mission

At THREE18, we want to help you not only step into your calling but also remove the financial barriers that often come with international missions. Below are some tried-and-true fundraising ideas to help you engage your family, friends, church, and community in supporting your mission.

🟣 Personal Fundraising Campaigns

• Support Letters: Write personalized letters or emails sharing your heart, calling, and financial need. Be honest and specific. Include ways they can give and how they can pray for you.

• Social Media Campaign: Use your Managed Missions Public Profile link. Share your story consistently on social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

• Video Testimony: Record a short video explaining your calling and why this trip matters to you. People connect deeply with stories shared from the heart.

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🟣 Events & Experiences

• Benefit Dinner or Dessert Night: Host a meal or dessert gathering where you share your mission story and invite donations.

• Silent Auction: Gather donated items, services, or gift cards and host an in-person or online auction.

• Themed Party Night: Host a game night, movie night, or cultural night related to your mission destination with a suggested donation at the door.

• Concert, Talent Show, or Coffeehouse: If you or your friends have musical or creative talents, put them to good use by hosting a fundraising night.

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🟣 Product-Based Fundraisers

• T-Shirt or Merch Sales: Design and sell custom mission trip t-shirts, bracelets, or other merchandise.

• Bake Sale: Host a bake sale at your church, school, or a community event.

• Craft or Art Sale: Sell handmade crafts, art, or photography.

• Yard Sale or Rummage Sale: Ask friends and family to donate items and host a community sale.

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🟣 Service-Based Fundraisers

• Work for Donations: Offer yard work, babysitting, pet sitting, car washing, or handyman services for donations.

• Host a Parents’ Night Out: Team up with friends and offer a childcare night at your church.

• House Cleaning or Organization Projects: Many people will gladly support you while also getting help around their home.

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🟣 Creative Digital Fundraising

• Birthday Fundraiser: Instead of gifts, ask for donations toward your mission trip.

• Online Crowdfunding: Set up your Managed Missions Public Profile fundraising page and share it with family, friends, and neighbors. You can also post on social media or send via email. 

• Virtual Challenge: Host a fitness or reading challenge where friends and family can donate based on your progress (example: $5 per mile walked or book read).

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🟣 Church & Community Involvement

• Speak at Churches or Small Groups: Share your story and invite them to partner with you through giving and prayer.

• Church Sponsorship: Ask your church or other local churches if they will sponsor a portion of your trip or take up a special offering.

• Mission Partner Board: Create a visible board at church or online where people can "claim" a sponsorship amount (example: envelope fundraiser with amounts from $1 to $100).

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Guidelines for Writing an Effective Support Letter
At THREE18, we believe in the power of partnership. Whether you're raising support for a mission trip, ministry outreach, or personal fundraising needs, writing an effective support letter can make a significant impact. Below are step-by-step guidelines to help you craft a meaningful and effective support letter.

Step 1: Make a List of People You Know
Before you start writing, take time to create a list of potential supporters. Consider reaching out to:
✔️ Family members
✔️ Friends
✔️ Church members and small group leaders
✔️ Pastors and ministry leaders
✔️ Co-workers and business connections
✔️ Former teachers, mentors, or coaches
The broader your list, the greater the opportunity for support!

Step 2: Write Your Personal Support Letter
Your letter should be personal, heartfelt, and specific. Below is a simple outline to follow:

1. Greeting: Address the person by name to make it personal.

2. Opening: Share a brief, engaging introduction about your mission, calling, or project.

3. Purpose: Clearly explain what you are doing, why it matters, and how they can be part of it.

4. Financial Need: Specify your fundraising goal and how their support will help.

5. Prayer Request: Ask for their prayers, even if they are unable to give financially.

6. Call to Action: Provide clear next steps on how they can give (check, online donation, etc.).

7. Closing: Thank them in advance and express your appreciation for their time and consideration.

📌 Pro Tip: Keep it clear, concise, and passionate—about one page long!

Step 3: Enclose a Self-Addressed Return Envelope
Make it as easy as possible for people to respond!
✔️ Include a self-addressed return envelope with a stamp already attached.
✔️ Provide clear instructions on how to give (online donation link, mailing address, etc.).
✔️ If requesting checks, specify who the check should be made out to.

Step 4: Follow Up With a Personal Phone Call
A personal follow-up makes all the difference! After mailing your letters:
📞 Call or text each recipient within a week to check in and answer any questions.
🙏 Ask for prayers even if they are unable to give financially.
💬 Share updates about your mission as you get closer to your goal.
People appreciate personal connections, and a follow-up call can turn a "maybe" into a "yes!"

Final Tips for Success
✔️ Pray before you send your letters. Ask God to open hearts and provide for your needs.
✔️ Send letters in batches. This helps you follow up effectively without feeling overwhelmed.
✔️ Express gratitude. Whether someone gives or not, always send a thank-you note or message.
✔️ Keep supporters updated. Share testimonies and updates from your mission to keep them engaged.

Thank you for being part of the THREE18 mission! Your efforts in raising support make a real impact in transforming lives through Christ.

📩 Questions? Need help? Contact us at admin@three-18.org