Mission Trip Fundraising Tips

1. TELL YOUR STORY

There is a reason you have decided to go on a mission trip. Maybe you want to meet fellow Christians, visit a country you’ve never been to, or make a difference and help those in need. Each person has a unique and compelling story behind his/her mission trip. The number one thing you can do to be successful in fundraising is to build and share that story. Let people in on why you’re going on this trip, why you need their financial support, and how it will support the mission trip.

Be transparent with your supporters about what your financial goal is for the trip and how their donation will help you accomplish it.

Tip: We all know that a picture is worth a thousand words, so use some to help tell your story. On the Praying Pelican Missions website, fundraising campaigns that include photos receive six times more donations than those without – that’s proof of how valuable images are in engaging donors. Include pictures of yourself, where you’re going, and what you’ll be doing in your social media posts, emails, or on your fundraising web page to bring your story to life.

2. RECRUIT YOUR INNER CIRCLE

We all have an inner circle of people who love and support us. Maybe they’re our best friends, our pastor, or our parents. When fundraising, it’s important to recruit your inner circle to be the foundation of your fundraising efforts and help you get them off the ground. Beyond that, get them excited about sharing your mission story with their circles of friends and family to start reaching a broader group of potential donors to your trip.

Tip: Email is a great way of reaching out to your friends and family. Make sure to customize your message to each person to make him/her feel connected to your story and passionate about helping you raise money.

3. MAKE SOCIAL MEDIA YOUR BEST FRIEND

Social media platforms like Facebook, X, and Instagram (or whatever social media platform you prefer) are powerful tools to help spread your mission trip story. Think of your social media campaign as a chain reaction – as you share your story, your friends and family will start to share it, and their friends and family, and so on. All of that sharing helps your story reach more and more people who can help you reach your fundraising goal.

Having an online fundraising page gives you a place to direct those you do and don’t know to take action and contribute. Using relevant hashtags like #missiontrip will also help you expand your reach and get your story in front of a community of people like yourself passionate about serving and making a difference.

Tip: Give a shout-out on social media to thank your supporters. Publicly thanking donors makes them feel appreciated and gives them an easy way to repost or share your story.

When you know you are in God’s will and purpose, you can move forward with confidence and plan your fundraisers.