Commonly asked questions about fundraising.
How Do I Set My Funding Goal?
How do I know how much money I will need to raise?
Calculate the total amount of money that you need to raise. In addition to the participation fee, if you are participating in the congress onsite have you thought about travel costs, flights, visa fees, accommodation, and any personal expenses in Seoul? If you are participating in the congress virtually, will you need to pay for additional data, etc.?
How can I be sure that I will be able to raise enough funds?
Commit the amount to God and trust that he is able to meet your needs and knows how to meet them. Start raising funds early and don’t leave it to the last minute. Reach out to a mentor or another leader and ask them to cover you in prayer. Let the process be a means of building faith. Communicate with Lausanne’s finance team about how your fundraising efforts are going.
Is Fundraising Biblical?
Raising funds can sometimes make people feel guilty or like they’re on ‘welfare’. Is it truly biblical to be supported by others to do the work of God?
The Bible gives many examples of the generosity of the Christian community supporting the work of ministry. For many people, giving financial support is a huge blessing and enables them to participate in advancing the gospel in a practical way.
See also:
- Numbers 18:21-24
- Numbers 8:14
- Luke 8:1-3
- 1 Corinthians 9:1-18
- Philippians 4:10-20
Is it okay to raise financial support from strangers—or from people you do not know well? Should support come primarily from those to whom you’ve ministered?
There are no restrictions on whom God will use to provide financial support. Sometimes that may be friends and local community, other times it may be strangers or acquaintances, and sometimes God will even use those who are not followers of Jesus to bless and support you.
See also:
- Galatians 6:6
- Romans 15:20-24
- 3 John 5-8
- 2 Corinthians 12:13
- Matthew 10:5-15
- Romans 15:27
How should I think about making financial appeals to non-believers? How about family members?
Ask boldly, yet with humility and respect. Never be demanding in your approach or entitled, as every gift you receive is by the grace of God. Assume a posture of inviting others to journey with you. Always be clear in what you are asking people to commit to.
See also:
- Acts 10:2-4
- 3 John 5-7
- Nehemiah 2:1-8
How should I view financial appeals to those who are not as well-off as you? Or who are already giving heavily?
Don’t assume you know what a person’s financial situation is. God may choose to bless you with many small amounts given sacrificially, and in so doing multiply the influence of your journey as you give feedback and share testimony.
See also:
- 2 Corinthians 9:7
- Philippians 4:17
- Deuteronomy 16:17
- 2 Corinthians 8:2-3
- Luke 21:1-4
Wouldn’t it be more legitimate and easier to raise support if you were a church pastor or missionary?
Malachi 3:10 says, ‘“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it”’. Trust that God has brought you to this point, with the community and network he has placed around you. He is wanting to grow you through this experience and build your faith.
Who Do I Ask?
How many people should I ask to support me?
One of the biggest mistakes people make in raising financial support is limiting invitations for support to only a few friends. In some rare instances this may be wise, but generally you should aim to invite as many friends and acquaintances as possible. Why not give many people an opportunity to give?
How do I build a list of contacts?
Start building a broad list of contacts from your cell phone directory or friends on social media. Don’t be concerned if they are not ready to give today. Your invitation can stir their interest and in time you can appeal to them.
How can I identify who to ask?
Do not start by asking, ‘Who will give to me?’ Instead ask, ‘Who needs to hear my story?’ This includes hearing about your spiritual journey, your calling from the Lord into ministry, and what God is doing in your ministry or life these days.
Help, I’m struggling to think of many people to ask?
If you have difficulty coming up with names for your mailing list, the following categories of friends and acquaintances may be helpful to think through:
- Acquaintances from church
- Acquaintances from your church small group
- Coworkers/business associates
- Neighbours or former neighbours
- Friends from other churches, ministries, or jobs
- Friends from university
- Relatives and family friends
- Friends from athletic/social/service clubs or organisations
- People you are discipling or reaching out to
- Mentors or previous mentors
- Your church leadership may be willing to help support you
How Do I Ask?
Should I meet with my potential partners or is an email enough?
If email or other digital means is acceptable in your context, you will be able to reach more people that way than meeting up with individuals. If you have the opportunity to meet in person with some potential donors and explain to them your goal in attending the Seoul 2024 Congress, go right ahead.
Will naming the total amount of money needed alienate readers?
Possibly. But not naming a specific amount makes readers suspicious and confuses them since they have no idea if you need USD 1 or USD 10 or USD 10,000. Be more forthcoming rather than less. If we have to keep people in the dark, what does that say about our funding tactics and character?
Shall I send a reminder to friends if I do not hear from them?
Yes, an update letter with your funding process should be sent two weeks before your deadline. Tell people how much is still needed and remind them how to make a gift.
Should I make follow-ups?
Yes, if your deadline is near, contact a few people to see if they have decided on a gift. Re-invite them to support you.
Why should I identify my top potential donors?
Your appeal letter may not raise all the money you need. Many of the people who received your letter may not respond because they are busy or forgetful. Some may have never considered giving in this way to advance the gospel before.
How do I introduce the subject in conversation?
Explain your vision and passion. Talk about your excitement to attend Seoul 2024 and the importance of the Congress to global mission and to you personally. Invite your friend to participate with you in ministry as a financial partner. Be clear on what you are asking this person to do and the value in it for them too.
What should I do after the meeting?
Send a follow up message or email with next steps for them to get involved in supporting you financially, including bank account details, and the deadline when you need the money.
How Can I Use Social Media?
What platforms should I use?
Begin with the social media platforms that you are already using. Start with a simple post, message, or video introducing why you are wanting to raise support and how others can help you. Use our social media guidelines to help guide you.
How do I make my social media invitation engaging?
Include a picture of yourself or a short video sharing the reason for your fundraising. Keep it short and to the point. Take a look at our social media guidelines for some templates of scripts and messaging.
What is a crowdfunding platform?
A crowdfunding platform is an online platform that allows you to raise funds for a project by collecting small contributions from a large number of people. These platforms provide a space for you to present your funding goal, and allows individuals to contribute financially to support you.
What are the pros of using a crowdfunding platform?
Crowdfunding platforms allow for funding from a diverse group of people, including friends, family, and individuals. Setting up a crowdfunding campaign is often straightforward and allows you to track the progress of reaching your funding goal, as well as providing transparency to supporters in how close you are to your target. Many platforms provide user-friendly interfaces and allow you to keep all the information together in one place.
What are the cons of using a crowdfunding platform?
Most crowdfunding platforms charge fees, including a percentage of the funds raised, which can impact the total amount received. There is a risk of fraudulent campaigns, and backers may hesitate to contribute if they are uncertain about the legitimacy of a project. It may lack the personal element of journeying with individual supporters.
Where can I find more information on crowdfunding platforms?
Visit the official websites of popular crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or GoFundMe for detailed information on their features, fees, and guidelines. Crowdfunding Professional Association (CfPA) may provide valuable insights. Remember to thoroughly research and choose a crowdfunding platform that aligns with your goals and funding needs.