1. First, you have to believe in what you are raising funds for. How valuable is it to you to see young people’s lives around the world changed? Can you think of anything more important than seeing a young person’s earthly and eternal destiny changed as a result of a relationship with Jesus Christ?
2. Make people aware of what you are doing. They can’t give if they don’t know about it. Make a list right now of at least 100 people you could contact in person, by letter, phone, or email. Sound impossible? Not at all! Once you start thinking about it, you will be surprised at how many people you know.
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Brainstorm people you know. Just to get you started think through:
neighbors, business people, family members, church people, people you know in clubs or civic organizations, coaches, team members, community leaders, your doctor or dentist, fellow students, teachers or professors, friends, parents of your friends, mission committees, prayer groups, Bible study groups, employers, your pastor, retired people, people who attended your wedding. |
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Don’t prejudge people. Don’t assume people won’t want to give. You will be surprised. Some you think never will give, do. Others you think should, wont. The cause must match up with their values and most people value positive things done for young people. |
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Find addresses, phone numbers and email addresses. |
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Create your own online web page and use it to enlist the support of your family and friends. |
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Write a personal letter that you can send or email. Keep in mind that you are asking them to support a worthwhile cause. Focus on the goal of the Sea to See Ride Across America—that young people’s lives around the world might be changed. By their support of you, they also are part of this great endeavor.
You can find sample letters to give you some ideas, but it must be written in your own words. Be authentic, be concise (limit it to a maximum of one page) and be personal. Picture one of your donors in your mind as you write or better yet, personalize a little bit each letter or email. If you are sending a letter make sure you hand sign it and include a short handwritten note.
In your letter or email suggest an amount for their donation. Let them know any amount is appreciated, but many people like to be given an idea of what you are looking for from them. Give them a date when you would like to hear back from them. If you don’t, people will put it aside to do later—only in many cases later never comes.
Let them know how to give. Give them the website address where they can give on-line to your account (www.yfcbikeride.org) or give them the YFC office or your address to send in their donation. Checks should be made out to Youth for Christ International. Remind them to tag their gift with your name. If you send a letter be sure to include a return envelope.
View Sample Letters/Emails |
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Mail and email your potential supporters. |
3. Bring it to the top of people’s priority list. People get many requests to give. Unless you want yours to get buried with the rest, you must bring it to the top of their priority list. You can do this by following up your letter or email with a personal phone call or visit. Many times people intend to give, but it gets forgotten in the midst of busy lives or your request gets lost or misplaced. A phone call or visit brings it back to the top of the pile. The absolute best way to raise funds is to ask someone in person.
4. Be creative. In addition to writing an email or letter there are many other possibilities for raising funds:
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Churches—Your home church and others can be a great source of support and encouragement. Contact the pastor and/or the mission committee. Tell them about what you are doing and ask if they would consider sponsoring you. Ask for their ideas. Perhaps they would take a special offering or maybe they have money in the budget to support a mission project. Offer to do a short talk or presentation about your adventure before you go and/or when you return. |
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Local Business—Businesses may consider sponsoring your ride for publicity (think bike, sporting goods, travel, food, clothing, etc.) Others might consider giving you a portion of a special sale or profits on a certain day or item. |
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A-Thons—Hold a Bowl-a-thon, Walk-a-thon or (what could be better) a Bike-a-thon to raise funds for your trip. Engage a group of people to go out and find people to give so much a pin, a mile/kilometer, etc. and then have a fun day raising it together. This can be one of the fastest ways or raising a significant amount of money for your trip. |
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Other—Plenty of other opportunities exist—car washes, auctions, dinners, etc. Ask a few people close to you to help you brainstorm and put together something that will work in your area. Ask a local service club or youth group if they will help you. Some might even consider matching any donations you raise with the event. |
5. Pray. Never underestimate the power of prayer. As you go through this process commit it all to God. He is able to do far more than we can ask or even imagine.
6. Be grateful. Don’t forget to thank God for his blessing and this opportunity. YFC will send receipts to your donors but make sure you send them a personal thank you. Perhaps you can send them a postcard while on the trip. Follow-up with churches and organizations that support you by giving them a report when you return home.
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fundraising information 