Writing a support letter is one of the most effective ways to raise funds for your mission work. But it can feel a bit awkward asking people for money. The good news is that these letters aren’t just about fundraising. They’re about inviting people to join you in something bigger.
Here’s what you need to know about writing support letters, plus real examples you can adapt for your situation.
What Makes a Good Support Letter
Before we get to the examples, here are the basics that every support letter should have:
Keep it personal. Write the person’s name by hand if you’re mailing physical letters. A generic “Dear Friends” feels cold.
Tell your story. Explain why you feel called to this work and what it means to you personally. People connect with stories, not just facts.
Be specific about the need. Tell people exactly how much you need to raise and what it will cover. Vague requests don’t inspire action.
Ask for prayer too. Money isn’t everything. Prayer support matters just as much, and some people might only be able to help that way.
Make it easy to give. Include clear instructions on how to donate, whether it’s a check, online giving, or both.
Keep it short. One page is ideal. People are busy and long letters often get set aside for later, then forgotten.
Example 1: Raising Monthly Support for Long-Term Missions
This is for missionaries who need ongoing monthly support to sustain their work overseas.
Dear Sarah,
I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to share some exciting news about what God has been doing in my life.
After years of prayer and preparation, my family and I will be moving to Thailand in September to work with a church planting organization. We’ll be partnering with local believers to start new churches in rural areas where many people have never heard the gospel.
This work is going to require monthly support from people who believe in what we’re doing. We’re asking friends and family to consider partnering with us through regular monthly gifts. Our total need is $3,500 per month to cover living expenses, ministry costs, and health insurance.
Would you consider supporting us with a monthly gift? Even $50 or $100 a month makes a real difference. If 35 people each gave $100 monthly, we’d be fully funded.
But I want to be clear. Prayer support is just as important to us. Would you be willing to pray for us regularly? Here are some specific ways you can pray:
- For language learning as we adjust to Thai culture
- For wisdom in building relationships with local church leaders
- For our kids as they adapt to a new country and school system
- For God to open doors to share the gospel
If you’d like to give monthly, you can set up automatic giving through our mission organization’s website at [website]. Just note “Thompson Family” in the memo. All gifts are tax-deductible.
I’ll be sending quarterly updates so you can see what God is doing through your partnership with us. And please know that we’re so grateful for your friendship, whether you’re able to give or not.
Can we count on you to partner with us?
In Christ, Michael Thompson
Example 2: One-Time Project Funding
This letter is for raising money for a specific project, like building a well, purchasing Bibles, or funding a medical clinic.
Dear Uncle Jim,
I wanted to tell you about something I’ve been working on that I think you’d be interested in.
For the past two years, I’ve been serving with a ministry in Kenya that works in rural villages. One of the biggest challenges these communities face is access to clean water. Women and children often walk several miles each day to collect water from rivers that aren’t always safe to drink.
We have an opportunity to drill a well in the village of Mwamba, which would provide clean water for about 500 people. The total cost is $8,000, which covers drilling, a pump, and maintenance training for community members.
Here’s why this matters. When families have clean water nearby, kids can go to school instead of spending hours walking for water. People get sick less often. And it opens doors for us to share about the living water Jesus offers.
I’m reaching out to 40 people to see if anyone would be willing to give $200 toward this well. If we each gave $200, we’d hit our goal. Of course, any amount helps. Even $50 or $100 gets us closer.
Would you consider being part of this project? You can send a check made out to [Organization Name] with “Kenya Well Project” in the memo to:
[Your Name] [Address]
Or give online at [website].
I’ll send you photos and updates once the well is complete. I think you’ll be encouraged to see the difference this makes.
Thanks for considering this. And please pray that the project goes smoothly and that God uses it to draw people to Himself.
Blessings, Rachel
Example 3: Short-Term Trip Funding
This is for a week-long or month-long mission trip. It’s common for students and young adults but works for anyone going on a short-term trip.
Dear Mrs. Anderson,
I have some news I’m really excited about. This summer, from June 15-29, I’ll be going to Guatemala with a team from our church. We’ll be running vacation Bible school programs for kids in rural villages and helping with some construction work at a local school.
I’ve been praying about this trip for months, and I really believe God is calling me to go. I want to serve these communities and learn more about what it means to follow Jesus outside my comfort zone.
The total cost is $2,200, which covers airfare, food, lodging, and supplies for the VBS programs. I’m trying to raise most of that through support letters, and I’m hoping you might consider helping.
Would you be willing to give $100 toward this trip? I know that’s not a small amount, so truly, any gift would be appreciated. I’m reaching out to 30 people, so if everyone gave $75, I’d be fully funded.
But even if you can’t give financially, would you pray for me? Here are some specific things to pray for:
- Safety for our team as we travel
- That we’d have humble hearts as we serve
- That the kids we work with would hear about Jesus and understand His love for them
- That this trip would change me and help me grow in my faith
If you’d like to give, please make checks payable to [Church Name] with my name in the memo. You can mail it to the church at [address] or give it to me directly. All gifts are tax-deductible.
I’ll be sending updates before the trip and will share stories when I get back. Thanks so much for considering this.
Love, Emma
Example 4: Emergency or One-Time Personal Need
Sometimes missionaries face unexpected expenses while preparing to go to the field. This letter addresses that situation.
Dear Friends,
I’m writing to ask for your help with something urgent.
As many of you know, I’ve been preparing to move to Uganda in March to work with a children’s home there. I’ve been raising monthly support for the past year, and I’m at 85% of my goal, which is amazing. But I’ve run into an unexpected problem.
Before I can get my missionary visa, I need to complete additional background checks and health certifications that I wasn’t originally aware of. The total cost for these requirements is $1,800, and they need to be completed by the end of next month.
I don’t have that kind of money saved up right now, and I’m trying not to delay my departure date. So I’m reaching out to see if anyone would be willing to help cover this one-time expense.
This is separate from my monthly support, and once I’m on the field, I won’t have these kinds of costs again. It’s just what I need to get there.
Would you consider giving a one-time gift to help me get to Uganda? Any amount helps. $50, $100, $200, whatever you can do.
You can give online at [website] or send a check made out to [Mission Organization] with “Smith Emergency Fund” in the memo to:
[Organization Address]
I know this is short notice, and I’m so grateful for those of you who have already been praying for me and supporting me monthly. This is just one more hurdle, and I believe God will provide.
Thank you for considering this. I’ll keep you updated as things develop.
Gratefully, David Smith
Tips for Actually Sending Your Letter
Writing the letter is just the first step. Here’s how to make sure it actually gets results.
Send it to more people than you think. Most people won’t respond, and that’s okay. If you need 30 supporters, send letters to at least 100 people.
Follow up. A week or two after sending, reach out personally to key people. A text or phone call shows you care about their response.
Send thank you notes. As soon as someone gives, send a handwritten thank you. It doesn’t have to be long, just genuine.
Keep people updated. Send regular updates about your trip or ministry. People who give want to know their money is making a difference.
Don’t be afraid to ask. The worst thing someone can say is no. And you might be surprised by who says yes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t apologize for asking. You’re inviting people to be part of something meaningful. That’s a gift, not a burden.
Don’t make it all about you. Yes, you need the money, but frame it in terms of the mission and what God is doing.
Don’t wait until the last minute. Give people time to pray and consider their response. Sending a letter two weeks before you need the money creates unnecessary pressure.
Don’t forget to actually ask. Some letters tell the story but never clearly ask for support. Be direct.
Don’t use churchy language that sounds fake. Write like you talk. People can tell when you’re being genuine.
What If People Say No?
Not everyone will give, and that’s completely normal. Don’t take it personally. People have different financial situations and priorities, and that’s okay.
If someone says they can’t give financially, ask if they’d be willing to pray for you. Prayer partners are just as valuable as financial partners.
And remember, God is the one who provides. Your job is to ask and trust Him with the results.
FAQ
How many support letters should I send?
Send at least three times as many letters as the number of supporters you need. If you need 30 monthly supporters, send 100 letters. Response rates are typically around 20-30%, so plan accordingly.
Should I send physical letters or emails?
Physical letters tend to get better response rates, especially with older supporters. But emails work fine for younger audiences and people you communicate with digitally already. Consider doing both if possible.
How long should I wait before following up?
Wait about 10-14 days after sending the letter, then follow up with a personal text, call, or email. Don’t be pushy, just check in to see if they received it and if they have any questions.
What if someone wants to give but can’t afford the amount I suggested?
Always emphasize that any amount helps. Some people might only be able to give $20 or $30, and that’s still meaningful. Don’t make anyone feel like their gift is too small.
Should I tell people if I don’t reach my goal?
Be honest about where you are in your fundraising. If you’re close but not quite there, send an update letting people know. Sometimes that final push is what motivates people to give.
How often should I send updates to my supporters?
For long-term support, send updates every 2-3 months. For short-term trips, send one before you go and one after you return. People want to know their money made a difference, but don’t overwhelm them with too many emails.
What if I feel uncomfortable asking for money?
Remember that you’re not just asking for money. You’re inviting people to be part of God’s work in the world. Many people want to support missions but don’t know how. Your letter gives them that opportunity.