Mission work has been dependent upon fundraising since the early days of Christianity. St. Paul was a noteworthy missionary discussed in the Bible. Much like missionaries of today, he had to raise money to do the work he wanted to do.http://www.simple-fundraising-ideas.com/fundraising-for-mission-trips.html Planning for fundraising is actually part of the mission. It gives the participants an idea of what is needed to make the mission a success.http://www.easy-fundraising-ideas.com/programs/articles/brainstorming-fundraising-ideas-for-mission-trips/
Setting goals for the mission starts with knowing the amount of money that will be needed for the people going and the work to be done. This includes expenses such as travel, food, boarding, supplies and other essentials. Funds will be needed for the projects that the participants will undertake on the trip. All of the different situations that could come up need to be planned for ahead of time.http://www.scientificpsychic.com/alpha/travel.htmlhttp://www.easy-fundraising-ideas.com/programs/articles/brainstorming-fundraising-ideas-for-mission-trips/
How to Fundraise for Mission Trips Video: I Must Work Harder!
Thomas Oakley discusses the various projects he has undertaken in order to raise funds for a humanitarian mission to South Africa. Thomas is trying to raise money so that some people for his church and youth group can build houses and an AIDS clinic in a poor township in Johannesburg. In a tongue-in-cheek video, Thomas shares how he set up a sponsored run, a game show-type auction and even dressed up in a frog costume for various fundraisers.
Step 1: Preparation
To make a budget, discuss the money that the group has on hand and how much is needed. The amount needed will depend on where the group is going, what size the group is and what the group is planning to do. If other issues issues come up, they need to be included in the budget.http://www.easy-fundraising-ideas.com/programs/articles/brainstorming-fundraising-ideas-for-mission-trips/
Next - get the word out. People need to know what the fundraiser is for, how long it will run, where it will be, etc. Flyers, word-of-mouth and signs are common ways to advertise the fundraiser.http://www.simple-fundraising-ideas.com/fundraising-for-mission-trips.html
Step 2: Sales Fundraisers
Easy-fundraising-ideas.com offers some suggestions for sales fundraisers, including:
- Candy bar sales. This does not have to be a door-to-door approach. Putting a display in the break room at work or office foyer allows for a passive sales approach if a money envelope is included.
- Discount card fundraising - these give donors the opportunity to save money on products they buy at discount stores.
- Online donation fundraising - companies will set up a website and include donation promotions.
- Portrait studio fundraiser cards - like discount card fundraisers, these cards give people discounts on professional photography.http://www.easy-fundraising-ideas.com/products/fundraising-products/http://www.easy-fundraising-ideas.com/programs/fundraising-for-mission-trips/
Step 3: One-Off Events
Another common fundraiser idea is what is called a "one-off" fundraiser. This is a single event such as a bake sale, barbecue or other food-related activity. Other one-off activities are cycling or running races, bingo and bowling. People donate money for miles walked or number of pins knocked down.http://www.simple-fundraising-ideas.com/fundraising-for-mission-trips.html
References
Fast Facts
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Importance of fundraising
Some mission volunteers receive financial support from their congregation, but fundraisers to raise money are usually required.
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Amount needed
A budget listing all expenses and funds available is required prior to the trip.
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Inform people
People give to charities when they understand the cause being supported.
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Fact:
The mission requires full participation from all members. Attend all meetings.
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Fact:
All members should agree on the final choice of fundraiser.
