As you start to write your missionary fundraising letter it’s important to follow a few key steps in order to write the most compelling and effective letter possible. These steps include:

How to Write a Missionary Fundraising Letter

  1. Connect personally. By explicitly mentioning their name, you ensure that each reader feels appreciated and unique – an essential component of a successful outreach. Make sure to personalize your correspondence by addressing it specifically to any ones named within!
  2. Tell a story.  Give details about the people you’re trying to help so it’s clear that their donations are making a real impact.
  3. Define the general problem. Show your reader the problems that you are seeking to solve on the mission field, use stories. 
  4. Explain your mission and outline your goal.  Explain your need and why it’s necessary. It’s important to communicate to your donors exactly how their donations will be utilized and what people or causes will be positively affected. Ensure that your message clearly articulates the impact of their generosity and how it will positively contribute to making a difference.
  5. Explain how your donor is the one making an impact. Donors require a clear understanding of how their contributions will positively impact the world. You have already identified an issue that requires attention. It is essential to explain precisely how the donation will address the problem with concrete actions.
  6. Call the reader to action. You should explain the urgency of the situation, and highlight the progress you have already made in fundraising and in the mission field. Finally, give the reader an easy way to give.

TIP: To make your fundraising letter effective, focus on how the reader can make an impact. Use language that directly appeals to them using “you” and “we” to make it more personable and engaging.

Steps to a Successful Missionary Support Letter

  1. Make a list of potential contacts.
    • Here are some suggestions to get started: Relatives, Employers, Past Employers, Parents’ Friends, Church Friends, Current and Former Neighbors, Bible Study Groups, Parents’ Employers, Parents’ Assistants, Parents’ Church Associates, School Mates, Dentist, Doctor, Nurses, Coaches, Parents’ Christmas Card List, Community Leaders, Business Ads in the Church, Downtown Businesses, Foundations, Missionary Societies, and Retirees.
  2. Write the letter.
    • Use the strategies and tips in this article.
  3. Email or mail the letter
  4. Follow-up in a week to see if they have any questions
    • Many people take a while before they are ready to give.
  5. Send thank you letters to everyone who gives
    • It is important to do this quickly, your donors have worked hard for their money, and they want you to acknowledge their gift.
  6. Report your ministry experience to your contact list
    • When you are on the mission field be sure to keep your contact updated regularly, sometimes people will start giving after reading your updates for years.

Missionary Support Letter Writing Tips

Don’t be a Salesman

Invite others to become partners in the mission, rather than just asking for their financial support. When we recognize that we’re participating in God’s mission rather than our own, our perspective changes completely.

Don’t forget to release the burden from your shoulders. You’ve been called by God to this task, and it’s a privilege for ALL of us to be part of it!

Make the Letter Personable

I often struggle to write with passion when I am the subject. It’s crucial to write as if you’re speaking to a friend, rather than a business associate.

Your message should reflect your own heart and enthusiasm for participating in God’s mission. Write in a personal tone, as if you’re excitedly updating a friend about all of your recent endeavors!

Look for Small Groups to Share With

I have found that sharing your missionary vision with bible study groups or home churches is more effective than large group meetings.

During the meeting try to get everyone’s name and email address, after the meeting send them a thank you along with your support raising letter.

Invite your supporters to join the work God is doing

Standard Missionary Support Letter Example

Dear [Name],

I am writing to you today on behalf of [Name of Mission], a mission organization dedicated to [mission goal]. As a missionary, I am passionate about [mission goal] and I am committed to bringing the love of Jesus to the people in need in [country].

I am reaching out to you today to ask for financial support for this mission. Your contribution will help to [list specific ways that the money will be used to help people]. With your support, we will be able to [list the goals that will be accomplished with the funds].

Your donation will help us to [list the impact that your donations will have on the people in need]. Your generosity will be a lasting legacy of your commitment to making a difference in the world.

Please consider making a donation in any amount you can. You can donate online at [URL], call us at [phone number], or send a check in the pre-stamped envelope included in your letter.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

One-time Gift for a Project Letter Example

Dear [Name],

I am writing to you today on behalf of [Name of Mission], a mission organization dedicated to [mission goal]. As a missionary, I am passionate about [mission goal] and I am committed to bringing the love of Jesus to the people in need in [country].

I am reaching out to you today to ask for your help in starting an important project. With your generous one-time donation, we will be able to [list the goals that will be accomplished with the funds]. Your support will help us to [list the impact that your donations will have on the people in need].

Your donation will have an impact on [group of people affected] and will be used to [insert accomplishment]. You can donate online at [URL], call us at [phone number], or send a check in the pre-stamped envelope included in your letter.

Thank you in advance for your support. Your generosity will help us bring hope and transformation to [people and/or communities in need] and will be a lasting legacy of your commitment to making a difference in the world.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

FAQ’s

How long should a missionary support letter be?

When writing a missionary fundraising letter, it’s important to keep it concise. Aim for one page, but don’t sacrifice telling your story if it requires a few more words. Your letter should focus on defining the problem and asking donors to provide a solution. If you include additional materials or details about your organization, keep them separate from the main letter. If you do decide to make your letter longer, make sure that you clearly state the call to action by the end of the first page.

What do you say in a missionary fundraising letter?

You need to include what your mission is, who you are helping, and a clear way for the reader to give financially.

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