This portion of my blog and my journey is going to give details and tips about fundraising. To some degree, wanting to do good for others and make a positive and influential difference can be EXPENSIVE! When going on a mission trip, there are many factors and expenses that go into the trip. This includes plane tickets, housing, food, transportation, souvenirs, luggage, supplies that are being donated, and team expenses. All of this adds up and can be overwhelming and frustrating! I've been there….. I've felt defeated and burnt out, but then have to make a conscious decision to remind myself that the passion for serving 'the least of these' far out weighs the challenges that come with it.
Global fundraising can be intimidating, and can also be challenging! It takes discipline, motivation, creativity, and people skills. In all the trips I've gone on and all the fundraisers I've had to do the most important thing I've learned is to not get caught up in the money that you are trying to raise. Instead, investing in the people that are making your trip possible and bringing awareness to your cause it what counts the most. If you want people to invest and show interest in your cause, you must set aside the 'money obsession' and truly just focus on forming relationships. The money WILL come if building RELATIONSHIPS comes first.
For my first fundraiser for The World Race I simply just wanted to use my connections and the people that I've been blessed with all through life. I started by sitting down and making a list of EVERYONE that I could think of that I've formed a meaningful relationship with…….. family friends, church members, coaches, aunts and uncles, grandparents, cousins, my medical care providers, neighbors ect. I was able to make a list of 150 people. Not only does this help with the organization and logistics of the first step to fundraising, but it's also a great time of reflection to reflect on all the blessings in your life…. the people who've walked with you on your journey. It's very humbling.
After making a list of people I formed a letter expressing where I was at in life, my gratitude for our relationship, what my next step was, and why I needed their support. With that letter I attached a sheet about more details on my trip, a magnet for their fridge, and a return address envelope to send their donation in. By including all of these details, I looked professional, credible, thankful, and made their job as donors as easy as possible. To get the best response possible from all of your supporters, its crucial to give them everything they need to make their job of donating as easy as possible.
It's been two months since I've sent out all of my fundraising letters. In that time I've raised over $9,000 JUST with sending out letters!! Wow! By INVESTING in my connections and using all my resources in all areas of my life, I was able to involve SO MANY PEOPLE in my journey. Now that's a major blessing…..
