Look, raising money for your ministry or missions isn’t easy. You’re excited about your calling, ready to go where God leads, but then reality hits. You need financial support. And asking for money? That’s uncomfortable for most people.
But here’s the thing. Fundraising isn’t just about collecting cash. It’s about building a community that believes in what you’re doing. It’s about letting people join your mission, even if they can’t physically go with you.
I’ve put together these 10 tips based on what actually works for missionaries and ministries. Not theory. Real strategies that help you raise support while building genuine relationships.
Ask for Referrals
This one’s simple but most people skip it. Talk to your strongest supporters and ask, “Do you know anyone else who might care about this?”
Your current supporters already believe in you. They know people who share similar values. When a pastor introduces you to their congregation or a friend vouches for you in their circle, that carries weight. It’s not cold calling. It’s a warm introduction.
Think about it like this. If you walk into a church as a stranger, you’re starting from zero. But if someone respected stands up and says, “I know this person, I trust them, and here’s why you should too,” everything changes.
So sit down with your core group. Over coffee, in their living room, wherever. Share your vision. Then ask who else might want to hear about it. Most people want to help but don’t know how. Giving you a referral is an easy way for them to contribute.
Build Your Homebase Team
You need more than just donors. You need a team.
There’s a book called “Serving as Senders” that breaks down different roles people can fill. Some folks give money. Others pray. Some help with logistics or just check in to see how you’re doing.
When you invite people to be part of your homebase team, you’re giving them ownership in your mission. They’re not just writing checks. They’re partners.
And here’s what I’ve noticed. When people feel actively involved, when they have a role beyond sending money, they stay engaged. They care more. They give more consistently because they’re invested in you as a person, not just a project.
So build that team. Invite people in. Let them know you need more than their wallets. You need their prayers, their encouragement, their practical help.
Use Email the Right Way
Your email list is valuable. Don’t waste it.
Keep your emails short and clear. People are busy. They’re scanning their inbox between meetings or while waiting in line. You’ve got maybe 30 seconds to grab their attention.
Use pictures. Lots of them. Show people what you’re doing, not just tell them. Visuals stick in people’s minds way better than paragraphs of text.
And always, always include a clear next step. What do you want them to do? Donate? Share your story? Pray for something specific? Don’t make them guess.
Think of each email as a mini story with a beginning, middle, and end. Hook them fast, share something meaningful, then give them one simple action they can take.
Show Social Proof
People trust what other people trust. That’s just how we’re wired.
If your church endorses you, say so. If a respected leader believes in your mission, share that. Got past successes you can point to? Talk about them.
It’s not bragging. It’s giving potential supporters a reason to trust you. They’re thinking, “Should I support this person?” When they see that others already do, especially people they respect, that question gets answered.
Before you buy something online, you probably check the reviews, right? Same principle applies here. Social proof removes doubt and builds confidence.
Get Your Own Website
Social media is great. But you don’t own it. Facebook could shut down your account tomorrow. Algorithms change. Posts disappear.
A website is yours. It’s stable. It’s professional. It’s where you tell your complete story on your own terms.
Think of it as your ministry’s home base online. People can visit anytime, read about what you’re doing, see pictures, watch videos, and donate without jumping through hoops.
And honestly? Having a real website makes you look serious. It shows you’re committed. It builds trust in a way that just having a Facebook page doesn’t.
Run an End-of-Year Campaign
November and December are when people give. It’s just a fact.
Tax deductions matter to some folks. But more than that, there’s something about the end of the year that makes people want to give back. The holiday spirit is real.
So plan for it. Create urgency. Set specific goals. Give people a deadline.
Send emails saying, “We need $5,000 by December 31st to fund next year’s trip.” That specific number and that deadline? They motivate action. Vague requests don’t work nearly as well.
Connect with Small Groups
Big church presentations are fine. But small groups? That’s where real connection happens.
Picture sitting in someone’s living room with 8-10 people, sharing your story. Everyone can ask questions. You can have actual conversations. People see you as a real person, not just someone on a stage.
And something about those intimate settings gets people invested. They feel like they know you. They care about you personally. That often translates to monthly support, not just one-time gifts.
Bible studies, home groups, small gatherings. These are gold mines for building your support base. Don’t overlook them.
Treat Donors Like People
This should be obvious, but it’s easy to mess up when you’re focused on hitting fundraising goals.
Send personal thank-you notes. Real ones, not templates. Remember details about people’s lives. Ask about their kids. Follow up on things they told you last time you talked.
Your donors aren’t ATMs. They’re people who care about you and your mission. Treat them that way.
Ask for their input sometimes. “Hey, I’m trying to decide between these two approaches. What do you think?” People like being asked their opinion. It shows you value them.
And celebrate milestones with them. When something good happens, tell them. Let them share in the wins. They’re part of your team.
Make Videos
Videos let people see your world. They’re personal. They’re engaging. And they’re way easier to watch than reading a long email.
You don’t need fancy equipment. Your phone works fine. Just show people your daily life, the people you serve, the place you’re working.
Give a tour of your neighborhood. Interview someone you’re helping. Show what a normal day looks like. Let people into your experience.
There’s something about seeing someone’s face, hearing their voice, watching them in their element that creates connection. Use that.
Host Appreciation Events
Get your supporters together in person when you can.
It doesn’t have to be fancy. A backyard barbecue works. Coffee and donuts after church. A casual dinner at someone’s house.
The point is to say thank you face-to-face and let your supporters meet each other. When they see they’re part of a community, not just individual donors, that strengthens everyone’s commitment.
Plus, these events are efficient. You can connect with 20 people in one evening instead of scheduling 20 separate coffee meetings.
Make it fun. Make it personal. Make people feel valued.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I ask for in my fundraising letters?
Be specific about your total need and break it down. Instead of asking for “support,” say “I need to raise $30,000, which comes to $2,500 per month. A monthly gift of $50 would make a huge difference.” People respond better to concrete numbers and clear explanations.
Should I only ask Christians for support?
Start with your Christian community since they understand missions, but don’t limit yourself. Family, friends, and others who believe in you personally might want to support you even if they don’t share your faith. Just be clear about what you’re doing.
How often should I update my supporters?
Aim for monthly updates at minimum. More often is fine if you have real news to share. Just don’t spam people with nothing to say. Quality matters more than frequency.
What if I hate asking for money?
Most people feel uncomfortable with it at first. But remember, you’re not begging. You’re offering people a chance to be part of something meaningful. You’re inviting them into partnership. That mindset shift helps a lot.
How long does it usually take to raise full support?
This varies a lot. Some people hit their goal in a few months, others take a year or more. It depends on your network size, your fundraising approach, and your support level needed. Don’t compare yourself to others. Just stay consistent.
Should I use social media for fundraising?
Yes, but don’t rely on it exclusively. Social media is great for updates and keeping people engaged, but direct personal communication works better for actual fundraising. Use social media to build awareness, then follow up personally.
What’s the biggest mistake people make with fundraising?
Treating it like a one-time transaction instead of building ongoing relationships. Your supporters want to be partners, not just donors. Keep them involved, keep them updated, and show genuine appreciation for their role in your mission.