Fundraising Letter Tips
(Don’t worry… the customizable letter is the second page in this document!)
Hey! So you’re thinking about participating in a JSM Summer Missions Trip? That’s fantastic! Wait… what’s that? Yeah, you’re right. It is expensive! But I have good news: you’ve opened this file! And in this file is a secret weapon fundraiser with a proven track record of success! In fact, we believe in this fundraiser so much, that we are requiring all trip participants to send a minimum of 15 letters to friends and family.
Here are some quick tips for maximizing the fundraising letter:
1. Use pictures. The whole point of these letters are to make a personal plea to someone that you know personally. A recent picture of you helps make it so much more personal. For what it’s worth, this is also a great concept for a thank you letter (which will also be required).
2. Include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. I know, I know. You’re spending twice as much in stamps now. But from lots of personal experience, people are much more likely to write a check and mail it upon receipt of the letter than if it sits on their counter or desk at home for awhile. So if you can help them cut down on the time that it sits on their counter until their next stamp run, you might just have made back that extra stamp investment.
3. Use your own story. Again, keep it personal. Why do you feel called to go on this trip? What do you want to accomplish on this trip? If you’ve been on previous trips, how have they changed you, and how can another one impact you? How do you want God to use you on this trip?
4. Keep it brief. This is the fun part. Try to keep it personal but on point. Don’t apologize for dates or figures. The cost is what it is. People understand that. There are deadlines because of airfare and other things; they get that, too! Try to keep the letter to one page. A thank you letter is a much better space to elaborate and extend to two pages (printed front and back, of course)!
5. Get it done ASAP! It doesn’t look too great when you’re sending out letters with due dates that have expired three months earlier. So, you have two options: mail it out immediately, or do the math and some creative editing to create new deadlines. In order to make sure you communicate the right thing at the right time, try the first one!
1. Have fun. Get together with other teammates to have envelope-stuffing parties. Seriously. Get creative. Take any opportunity you can to have fun with the work that it takes to get the job done. If you can learn to do this, you’ll find it will definitely come in handy on the trip!
*NOTE* - This letter is just a suggestion. Please personalize it ☺ See the tips above or the example online for ideas.
(Date)
Dear (Addressee):
This letter is to let you know of an awesome opportunity that I have to be a part of a mission trip to Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia from July 7-14, 2016. The purpose of this trip is to minister God’s love to the men, women, and children of Atlanta and Savannah. We will be working with a couple of local churches that provides humanitarian aid. We will also be conducting evangelistic outreaches and community events.
I am hoping that you would like to be a part in this mission. The cost of my trip is $690.00. My first installment of $100.00 was due by April 27. The second deposit of $295.00 is due on May 25th, and the third and final $295.00 must be paid by June 29. I need family and friends to join me in raising the funds needed. I am asking you to pray and ask God about becoming a financial part of this outreach. Whether or not you can be a financial part, I am also asking that you pray for me and the team while we prepare to go and while we are there.
If you would like to make a tax deductible contribution to my trip, you may do so by sending a check to Wings of Faith Fellowship, 5066 SE 64th Avenue Road, Ocala, Florida 34472. Please include a note stating these funds are for my trip. A self-addressed envelope is enclosed for your convenience. If you have any questions, you can call me at (your number) or you may contact the church at (352) 687-4600 and speak to Matthew Cornett, (Student Pastor). Remember that your contribution is tax deductible.
Thank you for your consideration of this request. I know that God will bless you for helping to make this trip possible for me.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
Blessings in Christ,
(Your Name)