Originally, I had intended for this blog post to be titled, “What No One Tells You About Fundraising.” I thought that sounded more intriguing, and I was thinking I could talk about all the secret struggles that no one warns you about when you’re faced with the task of fundraising. However, in my experience so far, the “secret struggles” are actually the majority of what I’ve been told about fundraising.
Every blog, or video, or testimony I’ve come across from someone who was in the World Race has warned me that fundraising would probably be the hardest part of the whole World Race experience. I heard time and time again that fundraising would be a true test of faith, and would start me on my journey of believing and trusting in God’s provision. However, I was not phased by this. For some reason, I had it in my mind that fundraising would be a breeze. I have an amazing support system of people I’ve worked with through my days in homeschooling, and from a church I went to. I thought I could send out a mass email, with minimal work, and that would get the job done.
I’m calling myself out here. I should have known that in a task as big as raising emotional, spiritual, and financial support, I couldn’t take the easy way out.
What Everyone Tells You About Fundraising is that it isn’t easy. It isn’t as simple as putting it out there and hoping people get the idea. Fundraising for the World Race is personal. It’s an opportunity to sit down with those you care about and who care about you, and be real with them. You put it out on the table that this is what you’re doing, this is your heart and your passion, and be vulnerable with them as you ask them for their help in getting you there.
What Everyone Tells You About Fundraising is that it isn’t comfortable. You can’t accomplish the same thing sitting behind your computer as you can sitting across from your friend with a cup of coffee and a support letter between you. Fundraising is all kinds of stepping out of your comfort zone and doing what it takes to make that connection. I personally hate talking on the phone. But guess what the recommended way to plan a get-together with a friend is?
What Everyone Tells You About Fundraising is that it isn’t up to you. I may feel like the responsibility to raise this money is on my shoulders, but it isn’t really. I do have to take the initiative to reach out, but there’s nothing that I can do that will have a bigger impact on the situation than God. If he wants me there, he will find a way to get me there. I don’t need to be beating myself up over the amount in my support bar, because it’s not like that’s a reflection of God’s love for me, or even a reflection of my faith in Him. That’s just a number, and God is so much greater than that.
What Everyone Tells You About Fundraising is there is no greater blessing than when you do receive a donation. I know I just spent a whole paragraph talking about how numbers don’t matter, but I can’t tell you how incredibly blessed I’ve been by those who have supported me in this journey so far. God has used each and every person who has donated to teach me something and open my heart a little bit more. As I was writing this blog, I received another donation and it’s just such an important affirmation that this is what I’m supposed to be doing.
So those are the things that everyone told me about fundraising. The things that I knew I would encounter, and yet I had to learn and experience for myself. I’m so thankful for this whole experience and this opportunity to do something I never envisioned having to do. It can definitely be difficult – I shouldn’t have brushed off the warnings! – but I know what I’m working towards is worth it.
Thank you to everyone who’s supporting me in any way that you are. I can’t wait for future blogs to share my journey with you all!
