How to Fundraise

 

If you've never fundraised before, the thought of asking people for $3700 might intimidate you. However, fundraising is an opportunity to take a huge leap of faith in relying on the Lord and the goodwill of others. Of course, you have to put time and effort into it - but it is so rewarding to see the love of support of family, friends, and even strangers and to finally make the trip knowing that your loved ones back home are encouraging you, praying for you, and journeying with you in spirit.

 

Here are some ways in which fundraising can be more effective:

 

Exclude no one

Give yourself 10-15 minutes to sit down and write the names of everyone you can possibly think of whom you can reach out to - people from church, people from school, high school teachers, relatives, parents' friends, your pastor, your coworkers, your old soccer coach, your neighbor whose dog you walked that one time, your favorite barista (just kidding, but only kind of). Ask anyone who has ever known you in a positive light or even those who don't really know you but you think would be supportive of your pilgrimage. Order your list by how likely you think each person is to support you, and start getting in touch. You would might be surprised that the secretary from your elementary school is so enthusiastic about helping you out - and what if you hadn't asked? 

 

Make calls and send letters

Personally reaching out to people you already know is the best way to fundraise. In an email or a letter, explain to them why you're asking them for funds, what exactly you'll be doing, and how this trip will impact you. The more customized the letter is, the better - no one likes a form letter. Keep your text to a few paragraphs and encourage the recipient to reach out to you with questions. Don't forget to include the means of making a donation!  

 

Even better than letters, though, are phone calls. They are even more personal and immediate. If you do send letters or emails, also call beforehand or within 10 days. It is a good idea to include in your letter, "I plan to call you on Thursday evening [for example] to follow up and answer any questions you may have."

 

If you're sending letters, let us know - we will send you a signed letter from Fr. Anthony that you can include along with your personal one. It truly helps in making your request more legitimate and compelling.

 

Here is a good outline to follow in writing your personal letters:

• Connection to person in opening paragraph/conversation. What do you have in common with this person?  

• Update person on what you’re doing in life, formation, ministry

• Explain exactly what you need

• Include specific amounts you are looking for, e.g., 15 people who would donate $250 each.

• Specify in a letter that you will be calling them in a week to follow up

• Leave contact information

• Handwritten signature

• Handwritten P.S. to give them a personal greeting

 

Talk at your parish

Many missionaries find parish talks very fruitful. Ask your pastor if he would allow you to speak for a few minutes after mass (or, some parishes allow mission appeals at the end of the homily). You can ask for a cash or check donation. However, perhaps a more difficult but more fruitful approach is to put a card with a contact form in the pews beforehand and, after explaining who you are and what your pilgrimage is all about, ask parishoners to fill out the form if they are interested in making a donation. Get in touch with these people and meet with them personally to explain more about your mission. They can then decide if they'd like to give you a one-time donation or make a monthly commitment. This allows parishioners who may not know you well feel confident in where their money is going. 

 

Follow up

People are busy and the Lord rewards persistence. A follow-up email, or, even better, a phone call, can go a long way. Some people just need a reminder and it shows them how much you truly care about this trip. If you get no response from someone within a week or two, don't be shy about bringing it up again.

 

Use a website

Websites like GoFundMe or YouCaring can be really helpful in making donating easy and fast, and they give you a platform for descibing your trip (with pictures!), keeping your supporters up-to-date, and tracking your progress. Be aware, though, that these sites often charge a fee through taking a small percentage of your donations. However, the added convenience for your supporters often makes up for this. Remember to have alternatives for your donors, too, like writing you a check. If you do make a site, we'll be happy to feature it on our donations page.

 

Ask for prayers

Not everyone can support you financially, but everyone can pray for you - and you should invite them too. Fundraising is less about money and more about welcoming others into your journey, especially those who can't make it themselves. You can't overestimate the power of prayer. Don't forget to pray for all of your supporters, too, both now and during your pilgrimage.

 

Get together

If you are coming with a group, you have a great opportunity to work together to raise money. Talking at local parishes and organizing fundraising events will be fruitful and more fun when you're with friends.

 

Show gratitude

Thank people before they donate, when they donate, before your trip, during your trip, and after your trip. Send them postcards or emails with pictures so they can see where their money went. Send a thank-you card when you receive donations or when you get home (or both!). Your supporters deserve to know how their funds impacted you and you should let them accompany you spiritually on your journey. And, again, pray for them and their intentions.

 

Pray

Fundraising is all about trust. Don't let money become more important than preparing spiritually or cause you anxiety! If you believe this trip will be fruitful and bring you closer to Christ, people will be compelled by your enthusiasm and faith. God provides.