Fundraising for Missions - MarineReach.com · 7) Social/Crowdfunding When the word gets out about what you’re doing, you’re going to want to make it as easy as possible for people

Fundraising for MissionsYWAM Marine Reach NZ

Fundraising for Missions

Preparing for your DTS

Copyright Marine Reach YWAM 2017 All Rights Reserved


Fundraising for Missions Our Top 10 Tips

Every missionary since the beginning of time has had to ask him or herself the same question: What is the cost? We have all heard the call from Jesus to follow Him, and most of the time He leads us into impossible places and situations. Don’t worry: it’s meant to be that way. If you could do it on your own, you wouldn’t need the Lord!

Knowing this, and having dealt with hundreds of young people on their first step into missions through DTS (Discipleship Training Schools), we have put together this simple, but super effective list of ideas on how to raise those necessary funds to do what God has called each one of us to do: Make disciples of nations. Since YWAM prioritizes Relationship Based Support, these suggestions will reflect this value.

That having been said, here we go: Our Top 10 Favourite Fundraising Tips. Some are classic, and others are brilliant, but they will all involve a little bit of work on your part to see your family and friends network start to partner with what God is doing in and through you!



1) Hold a Bake Sale Come on. Who doesn’t love a fresh batch of

cookies, muffins, pies, cakes, brownies, or other culinary delights? We’ve had plenty of our staff and students pull in big bucks through baking some of their old family recipes and selling them at their churches, schools, or even a function they’ve hosted. Takes a little bit of input from you (and some skills), but has big potential! Go ahead. Give it a go! Sell them for a fixed price, or for a donation.



2) Host a Dinner/Dessert Event Sticking with the food theme, why not try

putting on a dinner event or dessert evening for your friends, family, church, or youth group, asking people to pay per plate or for a ticket to attend? Pair it with some local musicians or worship leaders for some “entertainment,” and you’ve got yourself an opportunity to share what God has been doing in your life, giving people a great way to feel connected to your plans for missions!



3) Design & Sell T-Shirts Online

Just when you thought you weren’t that graphically inclined, fundthenations.com gives you everything you need to design your own super cool t-shirt, and then sell it online to everyone you are connected to! We have had students raise thousands this way, and we believe you can too! Get it contact with them at [email protected] to get started, letting them know what you’re up to and you’re off to the printing press!


http://fundthenations.com

mailto:[email protected]


4) Get Crafty Get your creative juices flowing and produce

an item that’s low cost to yourself, but high value to someone else. We have had students knit scarves, make knives, produce greeting/post cards, and pull in literally thousands of dollars this way. Plus, every time they see/use the item you sell, the person will think of you and be reminded to pray for you or get in contact with you! The sky is the limit. Everyone has a creative side. Put yours to good use and see the dollars roll in!



5) Write and MAIL a brilliant support letter—snail mail style

Let’s face it: the days of getting a letter in the mail are on the way out. But who doesn’t love getting something in the mail? Especially if it’s got a photo included of the person who sent it? Why don’t you take some time and put together a short but thoughtful letter summarising what your plans are, and actually ASKING people to pray about contributing to your need? When most people write a support letter, they hope the person reading it will ‘read between the lines’ and just know what to do. Set aside your pride and learn the art of letting your needs be known. God gives grace to the humble, but opposes the proud.



6) Get into the pulpit Most young people going into missions tend to

either shrink back from public speaking, OR expect that the pastor will come get you and invite you into the spotlight to speak on stage. Why don’t you put passivity and entitlement aside and (humbly) ask your pastor or youth group leader if you can have a few minutes to share publicly what you’re doing. This gives a great impression, and lets people feel connected with what you’re doing. Again, don’t be afraid to let your needs be known. People want to know how they can help. You’ll be surprised at how effective this can actually be if you put your heart into it!



7) Social/Crowdfunding When the word gets out about what you’re

doing, you’re going to want to make it as easy as possible for people to give to you. That’s where websites like givesendgo.com and gofundme.com come in real handy. They are websites that charge really low fees for handling your donations! It’s pretty sweet. Even if you have already tried some of our other sweet fundraising ideas, it’s a good idea to get something like this going as well. That way, you make it as easy as possible for people to donate! You could also make a short video of yourself to put on the site so people can connect with you online!


http://givesendgo.com

http://gofundme.com


8) Host a Movie: Indoor or Outdoor!

This one is pretty self explanatory. Find a movie. Find a venue. Get some snacks. Sell the tickets! Most people enjoy a good cinematic adventure, so why not combine people’s desires with your fundraising project, and see the money come in. Again, with any of these events you host, you’ll need to put in a bit of work, but the rewards can be amazing! Also, this gives you a great platform to share what God is doing in your life, and even to share the Gospel! Talk to your church, school, or friend with a whizzy projector set-up to get the wheels in motion for this one!



9) Offer Handyman/woman Services

Most people have at least one or two odd jobs around the house that they are putting off, hoping they’ll never have to do them. That’s where you come in! Superhero handyman/woman extraordinaire! Offer to clean toilets, clean out gutters, clean out garages, rake leaves, paint fences, wash windows, weed gardens, even mop the floor! People will be willing to pay for these service, and if you advertise it as fundraising, or payment by donation, you never know what you’ll rake in (pun very much intended).



10) Pray, pray, pray

Never underestimate the power of the Almighty God in providing for His children. If the Lord is calling you into missions, He’s going to provide everything you need to get there. If you’re lacking a bit of faith in this area, consider this: in YWAM alone, there are over 1000 operating locations, with nearly 20,000 full time staff, and WELL over 20,000 students going through the DTS program every year! Each one of them trusting God for the finances to make ends meet. Combine that with all of the buildings, properties, ships, vehicles and everything else that YWAM International has owned, in the last 50+ years of operation, you will find that God has been EXTREMELY generous with His kids. The Bible exhorts us to approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing God hears and loves to answer each one of His children’s requests. You’re in good hands.


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Fundraising for Missions - MarineReach.com · 7) Social/Crowdfunding When the word gets out about what you’re doing, you’re going to want to make it as easy as possible for people