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Best Sample Support Letter for Mission Trips – FREE

One of the most common reasons people hesitate to sign up for a missions trip is finances. The cost of an international airline ticket, food and lodging for a week, plus ministry supplies or donations can seem overwhelming. If finances are the only thing holding you back from joining a ministry trip abroad, reaching your goal might be easier than you think. You’ll be surprised by who is willing to help support you if you simply ask. Start by writing a support letter to your friends and family.

Below is a free, sample support letter you can use to help you draft your own support letter. But first, let’s talk about what exactly you need to include in your letter and why.

5 Things You Need to Include in a Missions Support Letter

1. what you are doing and why.

Start your letter with the details of your ministry trip. Where are you going and when? What ministry will you be partnering with while you are there? What type of work will you do? Put some careful thought into explaining why you are going and what expectations you have for this trip. Approach this section with a spirit of humility .

2. A request for financial AND prayer support

Your need for prayer partners is far greater than your need for financial support. Don’t underestimate this. Get a team of faith-filled prayer partners who are committed to praying for you daily as you travel. Give them specific things to pray for before, during, and after your trip. You may even want to create a separate prayer card with your letter that they can hang in a place where they will see it often.

3. Details on where to send contributions

Should your supporters make checks payable to you or to your partnering organization? Where should they send their contribution? How do they indicate that their donation is for you? If they are sending it to the nonprofit, will they be receiving an end-of-year giving statement for tax purposes? Including these details will help your supporters feel more confident about partnering with your mission.

4. Information on how to stay in touch

Once your travels have started, your prayer and financial supporters will be eagerly waiting for updates . How will you stay in touch? Should they follow you on social media? Will you be keeping a blog or sending out an email? Providing multiple ways for your supporters to stay in touch will help them feel personally invested in your ministry experience.

5. A personal note

If you have space at the end of your letter, it might be appropriate to include a personal, handwritten P.S. or friendly note depending on your relationship with the recipient.

FREE – Sample Support Letter for Mission Trips

Dear ______ I am writing to tell you about an incredible opportunity I have to serve abroad this summer. During the month of July, I will be traveling to Nicaragua to work with ( Name of Ministry ). While there, I will be serving with a medical clinic which visits some of Nicaragua’s most remote regions. Having just completed my nursing degree, I am excited to spend my time this summer giving back and using my degree to serve others before taking the next step in my nursing career this fall. In order to make this trip possible, I will need to raise ($3000) by (May 30th) to cover the cost of airfare, in-country expenses, and some medical supplies needed by the clinic. More importantly, I am hoping you will join me in prayer for this trip. I am looking for prayer partners who would be willing to lift our team up daily. Here are some specific areas to pray: Travel safety, both in the air and on the ground Favor with the local communities we serve Wisdom and understanding as we treat physical needs Opportunities to share the Gospel If you would like to support me in prayer or contribute financially to my trip, please fill out the bottom portion of this letter and send using the envelope which has been included for your convenience. In order for your gift to be tax-deductible, please make checks payable to (Name of Ministry) and include my name and “Nicaragua” in the memo. Sincerely, (Your Name/Signature)

———————————— Name ______________________________. ____ I will support you financially. Enclosed amount: $ ________. ____ I will commit to praying for you and the team. ____ I would like to receive email updates. My email address is _______________________.

Let Go and Let God

Once you’ve sent your letter, trust that the Lord will provide. If God called you to go, He will make a way ! Don’t let finances be the thing that holds you back. Step out in faith and you will be blown away by what God will do.

Looking for other ways to save on your mission trip? Check out these money-saving travel hacks !

➡ Don’t leave home without purchasing a travel insurance policy — see which Faith Ventures policy is best for your mission trip.

AUTHOR: Shawna Levet

Traveling to the Philippines at just 8 months old, Shawna grew up loving all things related to travel and serving abroad. She is passionate about helping others travel safely and make the most of their time abroad.

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How To Write A Mission Trip Support Letter

Creating Your Mission Trip Support Letter

It is so important that your first impression to those to whom you are writing is a good one. You want to spend time writing your mission trip support letter. Makes sure to include the following: First paragraph – You want to succinctly introduce the mission in which God has called you. Include how you came to this decision of accepting the call Most importantly! ASK what you want your reader to do. (Stand with you in your mission by supporting you financially and prayerfully) Body of the letter – Give a personal story of how you came to realization that you are called to go on this mission trip. Include information about the country and the people you will be ministering This is a great place to give statistics If you’re returning, tell about your previous experience Give information about the group you will be going with. Give details of who they are, how long they have been in ministry, and what you will be doing. Ask for prayer and for financial support. It’s always good to state your goal of how much you have to raise. Folks like to see your final goal. Conclusion – Thank them ahead of time for their support. *Our ministry includes a disclaimer that if you should not be able to go on the trip, funds will go to the general expenditures for the trip. Sign your name * A sample letter is included.

Mailing Your Missionary Support Letter

You will want to compile a list of at least 100 people. Here are a few tips for putting together your missionary support letter for mailing.

A number 10 envelope for the outside envelope
Hand address the envelope
Put your name and address in the upper left corner
Get a number 9 envelope or smaller for the inside envelope (this is how they will send back the money)
This will need to be addressed to your church
Address your letter personally. Do not use “Dear Friend.”
Instead use their personal name.
Be sure to pray for each potential supporter as you write out their address

Sample Mission Trip Support Letter

About Debbi Witt

Debbi Witt is the Associate Director of Teen Quest. She and her husband Mark stepped out in faith to begin Teen Quest in 1976. Since then, the ministry has grown from a small Bible club program into a regional camping, missions, and ministry team ministry serving the Northeast United States. Debbi and her husband, Mark (Executive Director of Teen Quest) live in Somerset, Pennsylvania. Together they have two grown children and six grandchildren.

March Letter

February Letter

January Letter

December Letter

Dear Debbi, Mark and I are going on a mission trip in October. I googled “how to write a support letter” and your site came up. I’m so proud! We are going to Uganda with a few people from our church. We sponsor two kids through African Renewal Ministry so they can go to school. After doing that and praying for them, God put it on our hearts to actually GO. I’m shocked at myself. It is a God thing for sure because I certainly never pictured myself doing something like this! I just thought I’d let you know that God is STILL using you in my life….and I’m an old lady now! 😉 Love, Joan

Awesome Joan! If you’re an old lady, what does that make me? LOL I am so glad you and Mark have this opportunity to go to Uganda. It’s going to impact your life so much. I want to hear all about it from your support raising to the actual trip. You go girl!! Love Deb

Stephen Kwasike

Dear Debbi & Mark, I thank you very much for your holy calling. I have come across on your website & found how you (suport churches & pastors). I have the call of pastoring, evangelist the word of God. We have got poor, orphans, widows & needy people. We have a center where we meet and pray together the needs for others. I have not pictured my self to do this but GOD has put a burden in me to do this work. Please I request you that I know GOD is still using you in my life. I will be very happy if you are going to consider me in your daily prayers. I’m the founder of world christian evangelical ministry. Thanks.

That is absolutely awesome, Stephen. We will pray for you. Keep doing what God has told you to do. Be faithful to that calling and God will bless.

Hi there! This post could not be written much better!

Looking through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching about this. I am going to forward this information to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. I appreciate you for sharing!

Thanks Roscoe.

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5 Tips for Writing Mission Trip Fundraising Letters

Fundraising is an essential part of mission trips. You cannot go on a mission trip without the means to get there. Since many people raise their funds through writing letters, I am offering some tips for how to write excellent letters that are more likely to get you the response you are desiring.

CLICK HERE to download this post in a PDF format to share with your mission team.

Here is a video where I offer some similar tips about writing and sending fundraising letters for short-term mission trips.

How to Write Excellent Fundraising Letters for Short-Term Mission Trips

1. make it personal..

Don’t write a letter about “saving Honduras.” Obviously, you can’t do that in two weeks. Make a letter about an individual or two you know and care about, whom you hope to touch. Put a human face on the need, because your work will be intrinsically personal when you arrive on your mission trip.

2. Make it CLEAR

People can’t respond to your needs if they don’t know what your needs are. Be as clear as possible about where you’re going, when you’re going, when the deadlines are, how much you’re needing, and how you intend to use any funds you receive.

3. Make it LEGIBLE

Even if you have written a wonderful letter, if it’s all bunched up on the page, it will be hard to read. Use bold letters for significant point. Put s p a c e around things you want people to notice. CAPITAL LETTERS are another way to add emphasis. Make it so that a person can glance over your page and see the major points without having to read every word.

4. Make it EASY

If you’re asking for a favor, don’t make it hard on people to help. The best way to do this is to include an envelope that already has the address where they need to send help as well as the stamp to pay for whatever they send. Don’t allow any possibility of confusion. You might even include a small slip of paper that has your name so that the person receiving the donation can know “This donation is to help (YOUR NAME).”

5. Make it GRATEFUL

You should ideally be asking for help from people you actually know. Whether or not they help you, you should assume they have probably prayed for you, or at least have wished you well, even if they couldn’t help financially. Especially if they do help, be sure to acknowledge their gift with a “thank you” letter. But more importantly, you should contact every person whom you asked for help after the trip and tell them all about your experience. Tell them about how God worked. Tell them about how people’s lives were impacted and tell them how your life was changed.

Example of a BAD fundraising letter:

Hello! I’m going on a mission trip to Costa Rica this summer. I want to ask you to be praying for my trip. If you’re up for helping me with my trip, I would really appreciate it. I am excited about the trip and look forward to bringing Jesus to Costa Rica. Thanks for your help!

Why is this a bad letter? Because the information isn’t clear.

When are you going specifically? Is there a due date for financial help?
How much financial help do you need? Is that even specifically what you’re asking for?
If I wanted to help, where am I supposed to send the donation? To whom would I make out the check?
Bringing Jesus to Costa Rica is vague and inaccurate. Jesus is already there. There are churches all over the country. More specifically, what are you going to be doing? Medical missions? VBS programs? What are you doing there?

Example of a GOOD fundraising letter:

Dear (PERSON’S NAME — Make it personalized!), This summer from June 28-July 8 , I am planning to go with the First Church on a mission trip to San Jose, Costa Rica . We will focus our work especially on children’s programs at the church, including a VBS, as well as personal evangelism and a few humanitarian construction/renovation projects. A mission trip is both exciting and daunting. I’ve never been out of the country before! Even though I’ve learned some Spanish, I’m still a little nervous to try it out with native Spanish speakers. I am hoping you will commit to praying for the trip. I know with your prayers and support, God will help us all to grow through this experience and will use this trip for his glory. I am also hoping you would consider helping me with the financial cost of the trip. The total amount of money I need to raise for my trip costs is $1,000 . Anything you could help with would be dearly appreciated and utilized well. If you aren’t able to help financially, I totally understand. I have enclosed an envelope addressed to the church. If you send a check, please make it payable to First Church and put MY NAME and MISSION TRIP in the memo section of your check. The envelope already has postage, so you can just drop it in the outgoing mail. Thank you so much for considering my request. I look forward to telling you about all the ways I get to see God work this summer in Costa Rica! In Christ, YOUR NAME

CLICK HERE to download this post as a PDF to share with your mission team.
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How to Write a Mission Trip Support Letter?

Mission trip fundraising letter template.

Request Letter Template
Donation Request Letter Template

A Mission Trip Fundraising Letter is a written request prepared by an individual or organization that plans to travel domestically or abroad to spread the religious doctrine and often help out communities in need.

Alternate Name:

Mission Trip Donation Letter.

This document has the purpose to gather monetary donations to finance the upcoming journey - convince donors that have helped you in the past or potentially generous people and companies to finance the trip, allow you to broaden your horizons, share your beliefs, and improve the lives of people who urgently require financial and moral support. You can download a Mission Trip Fundraising Letter template via the link below .

Here is how you should compose a Mission Trip Fundraising Letter:

Start with a greeting . It is unlikely you will draft and send more than a hundred letters so do your best to personalize each one of them, even if the only detail that changes from note to note is the name of the recipient.
Enter your own name or the name of the entity you represent . Share your mission trip plans, the dates of the journey, and the place you are going to visit. It is a good idea to focus on helping other people in need, not just your personal aspirations to strengthen your faith.
Include one or two paragraphs to explain the details of the mission and tell the letter recipient about yourself, people who will go with you, and your religious community.
Discuss Mission Trip Fundraising ideas with people close to you and offer the prospective donor to contribute . If you have several weeks before the journey is supposed to take place, you have time to set up a webpage devoted to this initiative, organize a dinner for the local community and sell tickets to all willing attendees, and partner up with local small businesses to advertise the fundraising plans . Whatever fundraising idea is more suitable for your mission and current financial standing, choose it and outline it in the letter to invite the contributor to learn more about the trip and help you with it.
Explain why do you require financial support for the trip . Do not demand money straight away - try to appeal to the religious sense of the reader and ask them to pray for you and with you in this endeavor. You can inform the donor about the entire sum of money you need to collect and offer them to contribute a smaller amount - either $10, $50, or $100, depending on the status of the individual or organization you are writing to.
Conclude the letter by thanking the reader for their time and attention . Add your contact details and bank account details if you believe the donor will be willing to send you money without asking for anything in return. Include an opportunity for the recipient to send you a check - make sure you state the name of the individual or religious body it must be made out to.

Still looking for a particular template? Take a look at the related samples and templates below:

Sample Letter Asking for Donations for Church ;
Sample Church Donation Receipt Letter for Tax Purposes ;
Church Donation Letter Template .

Download Mission Trip Fundraising Letter Template

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Missionary Support Letters: How to Write One & Why

Missions / January 15, 2020 by Alyssia Lee

Have you decided to be a missionary? Or to go on a missions trip, and are completely lost on where to begin raising the funds? It can feel very overwhelming to the point where many give up before they begin. This should not be the case, with a few pointers and a step by step guide on how and why you should write support letters, you’ll be on an airplane before you know it.

What is a missionary support letter? A missionary support letter is a detailed invitation to potential donors and prayer partners who will help you to get on and stay on the mission field. Support letters are written to inform friends, families, churches, and anything in between, of the mission God has called you to carry out. It provides an easy way for people to easily connect with you and to donate.

There are two main questions that will be answered in this post: why and how you should write a support letter. This will make it very easy for you to sit down and write a letter in no time at all.

Why Write a Missionary Support Letter

Often when we think of heading out to do missions we immediately go to the issue of funds, we can become consumed and stressed by the idea of raising thousands of dollars, and to further that, when we think of sending out letters of support, we think that if money doesn’t come from that letter that it was sent in vain.

Let me tell you though, you will have not wasted 55¢ on a stamp if you do not receive anything from a recipient of your letter.

Support letters are twofold and lead to other possibilities.

First, support letters go beyond fundraising, they invite friends and family or even acquaintances to join in your mission whether that be through prayer, giving, or passing your mission on to someone who is in the position to give.

The second part which is not really separate from the first is that prayer is such an integral part of the Christian life and the mission that we are ALL called to.

Prayer is the greatest gift you can receive, and that is coming from someone who has seen hopeless situations utterly transformed because there was an army of prayer warriors crying out to God.

When you enter the mission field it won’t be easy; there will be spiritual warfare, there will be team dynamics that can be potentially challenging, and other things that come with doing missions. The ultimate goal is to see God’s will being done and people becoming disciples of Christ––this calls for prayer.

So don’t get discouraged, because you are raising support whether it seems that way or not!

How to Write a Missionary Support Letter

Now onto the how-to part. This part is pretty exciting, as you get to tell people all about what God is doing and how you are partnering with Him in bring about the Great Commission. So let’s dive into the key elements of a good and effective support letter.

Make it Personal

If you’re anything like me, writing letters about myself and what I am doing makes me stiff as a board. I suddenly become serious and professional, writing with enthusiasm where I am the subject is something I have had to train myself into.

Writing as though you are speaking to a friend, and not a business partner is so very important. People need to know it’s coming from you, that it’s YOUR heart, YOUR call, and that YOU are excited to be a part of God’s mission.

Write as though it’s a friend and that you are excited to tell them what you’ve been up to!

Make it Easy to Navigate

This is huge.

Have you ever gone to a website in search of some information and immediately clicked the back button because the writer seemed to have thrown up on the screen?

There were no breaks, no headings, no subheadings, nothing. It was exhausting just looking at it.

Unfortunately, technology has made people lazy readers, we want the work done for us and if it isn’t, we generally toss it and move on to something easier.

The same can be said for support letters, make it easy for them to navigate!

BE SURE TO INCLUDE EASY ACCESS TO YOUR CONTACT AND DONATION INFORMATION.

This is the most important part of easy navigation. Make it easy for them to help you! A lot of people make the mistake of overcomplicating the giving process which results in lost donors.

Keep it Short

When writing your letter too much information is just too much information, and it’s key to know that people are giving to you because they know you and believe in you. Its generally not because of the work you will be doing.

So when you write your letter keep it to about one page, give the most crucial information, such as: where you’re going, what ministry you’re going with, what work you’ll be doing, how long you’ll be staying, and how much it costs.

Don’t Try to Sell It.

Treating the mission like a sales pitch is something that happens often, and it’s understandable. We feel as though we have to convince people that the work we are doing is worth their money. But it’s important to remember what we discussed at the beginning of this post.

We are inviting people to partner in the mission, not to just give to our cause.

When we remember that we are joining God’s mission, not our own, it shifts our perspective entirely.

Remember to take the pressure off of your shoulders. God has called you to it, and it’s an honor that we ALL get to join it!

Ask for Prayer

Again, this was emphasized earlier on, but don’t forget to include it in your letter! Not everyone is in a position to give, but everyone can pray.

Prayer is crucial to the mission, and it is also a way for everyone to sow into the work being done!

Thank Your Donors

Don’t forget to let your potential donors know that you are thankful for whatever can be given, whether prayer or funds.

If you’re a missionary already on the field who is trying to raise support so you are able to continue, let your donors know that you are thankful it’s very important and goes a long way!

For anyone reading who would like to dig deeper into this subject, I have provided a few excellent resources that I have found to be very helpful in my own missions experience.

Types of Missionary Funding and What Works Best – Blog post by Bethany Global University
The Fully Funded Missionary: A Biblically Based, Hope-Filled Guide To Raising Financial Support – Book by Rob Parker
Sample Support Letter – By the World Race
What NOT to Do When Raising Support – Blog post by Tim Parlier
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How to Raise Support for a Mission Trip (Example Support Letter for Youth Groups)

Sample Mission Trip Support Letter

Dear loved one, Can you imagine being a small child and losing your parents and entire village to a ravenous disease? This heartbreaking event has really occurred and God has led me to go to this place and bring comfort to those left behind. I’m writing my dearest friends and family and asking for support on this endeavor. I will be leaving on July 17 and will return on August 2nd. I will be joining the Morning Light Baptist Church on a trip to the Sudan. During our time, we have a few goals we want to meet. Build an orphanage for the children Make clinic rotations through the camp Comfort and feed the remaining villagers Teach the Sudanese about Christ Build relationships with nearby Christians asking them to continue our work I need your help to make this happen. The cost of my trip to the Sudan is $3,000. Can you give any amount to help me reach my destination? Even if you can’t, I ask for your prayers before and during my trip. If you can give, please send your check to: Morning Light Baptist Church. I’ve included my picture and an enevelope in this letter. The envelope is pre addressed with the church’s address. The picture is me! I ask you to place my picture on your refrigerator so you will remember to pray for me every day. Thank you in advance for all you are doing! God bless you!

Steps for Individuals

Start your journey with a blog. Visit websites like Weebly, Blogger, or Thoughts. Build your blog, adding pictures of yourself, your destination and your church. Include a countdown to departure and leave information on how friends can support you. Blog as often as possible sharing your excitement with those that can’t go. Include your blog address on all correspondence you send.
Make a list of family and friends who may support you. Include everyone you can think of.
Write a letter (see the sample below) and send one to each family member.
Visit your pastor and tell him or her about your trip. Tell why you want to go and how important this trip is to you. Ask the pastor’s permission to share your mission news with the church. Arrange with the pastor a method for church members to give specifically to support your trip.
Host a “missions party” in your home. Invite neighbors and friends who want to know more about your trip. Serve cookies and coffee then show photos of your destination. Tell guests how they can support your missionary work.
Send thank you notes to everyone who gives.
Use creative methods to make up the difference. Sell t-shirts you design yourself using CafePress. Bake cakes, hold yard sales, offer to work for funding.

Fundraising Steps for Churches

Ask the missionaries to share briefly with the church what the goals of the mission trip are.
Introduce the missionaries to the church and allow each missionary to share their name and why they want to go.
Set aside a few offerings a month to go towards missions.
Arrange church-wide events to raise funds like car washes or spaghetti dinners
Give status reports regularly to report the progress of the mission support.
Send letters on church letterhead to family members of the missionaries to get the support they need.

Read more from Mimi by visiting her blog: Encouragement for Christians.

Bible Lessons for Teens: Free Youth Sunday School Lessons
Top Nine Youth Ministry Blogs
10 Steps for Starting a Youth Ministry
4 Tips for Transitioning Kids to Youth Ministry
In-Between Youth Pastors? 6 Ways to Nurture Teens in Your Church
7 Ways for Teenagers to Serve Within the Church
Lesson: Is Sin Bringing Me Down? (Romans 1:21-23)

1 thought on “How to Raise Support for a Mission Trip (Example Support Letter for Youth Groups)”

Thank you for posting this. Ive been on 4 mission trips but not done a letter before. ive simply used most of my own dollars. This time ive decided to fund raise but had no idea how to start. Ive seen a few letters but yours was the most helpful. Thank you, again, for posting it. God bless you

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How to Write an Awesome Support Letter

Writing a support letter can seem like the highest hurdle to overcome in the support-raising journey — until you have the right tools in hand. Here are some great tips and tricks to writing a fantastic letter with all the key components that will make “the ask” for support a success.

And once you’ve written your awesome support letter, be sure to download this Google template to keep track of your support team’s contact information and your financial progress.

Less is more.

Fit all the necessary information on one page, front and back. Period. Being clear and concise is key. Attention will wane if the letter is too long. You should leave your supporters wanting more information so that when you connect with them personally, you still have interesting details to share.

Make it visually appealing.

A large block of continuous text will surely land your letter in the “later” pile. Use these techniques to make your support letter visually compelling:

Keep paragraphs short to increase white space on the page.
Use headings and subheadings to guide your reader through the content.
Bold key sentences to outline the main points for skim readers.
Use bullet points to detail important facts, dates or figures.
Include a photo of you or the place you will be serving.
Use color, but sparingly.

If you don’t want to design your letter from scratch, try using a free template through Microsoft Word, Google Docs or Apple Pages. Ultimately, the point is not to distract your reader but to instill confidence in your supporter by showing that you care enough to create a clean, attractive and professional letter. And don’t forget to ask a friend to proofread your letter before your press print!

Personalize your letter.

Personal touches let your supporters know they are not just a name on list. In your letter, let your supporters know they are important to your ministry and your relationship matters. Consider including a handwritten greeting and signature. End your letter by expressing your gratitude for whatever support they give and if applicable, thank them for previous support.

Offer your personal contact information to make support raising a two-way street. Ultimately, people who feel connected to you and your future ministry are much more likely to support you. Ask them how you can be praying for them, too.

Explain the “why.”

In most cases, your supporters are investing in you , not just the work that is being done. Don’t just talk about what you’re going to do overseas, but why you’re going to serve, too. Helping your supporters understand your missions calling is critical. They want to know they are supporting kingdom work and partnering with someone who has a vision and a call to serve. No matter how impactful a project or ministry area may be, if your supporters don’t feel they can trust your motives behind going, they typically will not support you.

As you’re explaining your heart for the people you’re going to serve, remember to be respectful and humble. Do not portray your destination as destitute and lacking in physical or spiritual blessings in order to elevate the significance of your mission trip. Use phrasing that honors what God is already doing there, such as “partner with,” “work alongside,” and “learn from.” This kind of language inspires people to accept the invitation to become part of your vision, instead of guilting them into giving handouts.

Lay out the details.

1. Your spiritual need: Raising support is about more than just asking for money. Prioritize asking for prayer before asking for a financial contribution. Be specific, too. List four or five prayer requests for you and your ministry area. Include a prayer card as a tangible reminder for your supporters.

2. Your financial need: Be explicit about how much money you need. People are more likely to give to a precise goal than to a vague number range. When connecting personally, you may even want to break down costs into categories to show you have a responsible plan to spend the money that is donated.

3. Your financial deadline: Give a definite date for when you need the money. Many people read a letter, think about supporting, file the letter away and then simply forget. Emphasizing a deadline creates urgency for a response.

Make giving convenient.

List clear and easy steps on how to donate. Do you want people to donate online? Do you want supporters to send a check? Include the correct giving link, mailing address and any other instructions , like who the check should be made out to or what to put on the memo line.

If you want supporters to mail a check, include an envelope with a return address and stamp. People are more likely to respond if they don’t have to find their own envelope and stamp. You want to make responding to you as convenient for potential supporters as possible.

Go beyond the support letter.

Don’t rely solely on your letter as the answer to your fundraising needs. Follow up with your support network! Pick up the phone for a conversation, ask if you can visit and discuss the details of your trip in person or schedule a Zoom or FaceTime call. Ask your home church if you can have a few minutes during a service to speak about your exciting opportunity. Whenever you are given the chance, don’t be afraid to ask for support.

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Mission trip planning toolkit

Mission trip fundraising ideas.

Many people find mission trip fundraising intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! In fact, gathering financial support provides a way for others to join and participate in God’s work in the world. If we view fundraising as an opportunity to invite people to become a part of what God is doing and will do through the trip, then it becomes much less awkward and intimidating. A great first step is to ask your church’s consistory or mission committee to support your team financially and in prayer.

There are many creative and easy ways to raise support, both spiritual and financial, for your mission trip. Try a few of the ideas below.

Write a fundraising letter

Write a mission trip fundraising letter to friends, family, and church members to raise support. Share the focus of your mission trip and why you feel God is calling you to participate. Ask if they will consider supporting you in prayer as well as financially if they are able.

Follow our step-by-step guide to writing a mission trip fundraising letter

Hold a group fundraiser.

Group fundraising events can be a great way to strengthen team relationships while also raising financial support for your trip. Here are are few ideas:

Auction: Hold an auction with items you make and/or receive as donations.

Balloon raffle: Place numbered pieces of paper in balloons. Sell the balloons for $10 each, giving each buyer a raffle ticket with the number inside their balloon. Pop a balloon for each available prize and read off the winning numbers.

Bingo night: Charge a small entrance fee. As with an auction, you can make prizes yourself and/or ask for donations.

Chili cook-off: Charge a participation fee from chili cooks and sell bowls of chili to attendees. Put together a panel of judges to crown the top chili maker.

Chocolate dessert competition: Have people sign up to make their best chocolate dessert. Charge $5 at the door for the privilege of tasting the desserts. Award prizes donated by local businesses to the best desserts.

Dodgeball tournament: Charge an entrance fee to play.

Exercise/Zumba night: Find an exercise or Zumba instructor who will donate their time to lead a class. Charge an entrance fee.

Game night: Gather a bunch of board games, invite friends to play, and sell tickets for the event.

Pancake breakfast: Have an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast (with pancakes made by your team, of course) and ask for donations.

Restaurant night: Ask a local restaurant to donate a percentage of its earnings for an evening to your group. Encourage friends and family to eat there that night.

5K run: Organize a 5K race and charge an entrance fee. Provide t‑shirts, refreshments, and local entertainment.

Try service-oriented fundraising

These events allow you to raise money while also providing a service to your community.

“Takeout” dinner: Make to-go dinners and sell them on a Friday night. Schedule pick-up from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. so people can get their dinner on the way home from work. You could also make deliveries for an additional fee.

Flower delivery: Deliver flowers to people around Valentine’s Day for a fee.

Gift wrapping: Partner with a local store or mall to wrap gifts for a nominal fee at Christmas time. Or hold a gift wrapping event at your church where people can bring gifts they have purchased elsewhere to be wrapped. Ask church members or a local store to donate the gift wrap.

Service board: Ask church members to post odd jobs or service projects on a bulletin board for members of your group to do. Charge a set fee for your team’s services.

Think outside the box

Not all fundraisers have to look alike. Here are a few creative ideas to get you thinking. What else can your team come up with?

Candy jar guessing game: Have people at church or work guess the number of pieces of candy in a jar. Charge for each guess they make, and offer a small prize to whoever guesses closest.

Collection boxes: Set out handmade collection boxes around your church. Encourage church members to take them to their places of employment or put their donations in the boxes right at church.

Envelope gifts: Number envelopes 1 to 50. Have people pick one of the envelopes and return it the next week with the corresponding dollar amount inside. This can raise up to $1,347!

Pink flamingo fundraiser: Place a pink flamingo lawn ornament (or a “flock” of pink flamingos) in a person’s yard. Leave behind a note explaining your fundraiser and asking for a donation. If the person donates, they get to send the flamingo or flock of flamingos to another person’s yard. Your group should take charge of moving the flamingo or flock to the new address. ( Get step-by-step instructions here .)

Reverse offering: Put slips of paper listing items that you need for your trip in an offering plate (work gloves, snacks, tape measures, etc.). Have people draw a slip out of the offering plate and donate whatever item is listed on the slip. This is especially good if you will be running a VBS or if the partner site has asked for specific donations. Just make sure you have space in your suitcases or vehicles to take it all along!

How to keep track of donations

Keeping track of the donations your team receives is crucial. You should keep good records of donations to your team as a whole and to individual team members. Encourage your team members to track the donations themselves as well. This helps hold everyone accountable.

Here are a few suggestions for maintaining an accurate record of your team’s finances:

Before you create your own donation management system, see if you can tap into the system your church uses for managing donations.
Consider tracking information like team member details, overall budgets, flight costs, and thank-you notes sent.
Use Microsoft Excel and Google Docs to easily track information about both individual team members and the group as a whole.
Designate one person to supervise your donation management system.
Managed Missions
Missions Connex
Feel free to reach out to the Reformed Church in America Short-term Mission team by email at [email protected] if you have any questions about tracking donations.

Want more trip planning support? Our short-term mission team would love to help.

How to Write and Send a Great Mission Trip Support Letter

Mission Trips

Mission trip support letters are easy to write if you know what to include. The following are some quick tips on what to put in, what to avoid and how to share your mission trip support letter.

But first, let’s make sure you know why you’re writing a mission trip support letter. When you write a support letter, you’re doing way more than just asking for money and prayer – you’re inviting someone to participate in your trip. While they won’t be hopping in the van with you, they will be filling the vital role of providing support in your mission trip experience. Keep this in mind as you write and send your support letters.

10 MISSION TRIP SUPPORT LETTER WRITING TIPS

1. Keep it short. One page is plenty. Two pages should be your maximum. Quality trumps quantity.

2. Make it look good. First impressions matter. If designing documents isn’t your cup of tea, find a friend who can help. Including a picture of you or your team is an easy win.

3. Proofread it. Errers are fairly noticeabl… and often avoidable. Have someone help you by reading your letter for any errors before you hit PRINT.

4. Don’t forget the details. Where is the trip? What are the dates? What will you be doing? Is there a send-off service beforehand? How much money are you trying to raise? If they want to donate money, where do they send it and who are checks made out to? A great way to ask for money is to suggest a couple options for dollar amounts (e.g. “I recommend a gift of $50, $100 or $150, but of course, any amount is more than welcome.”)

You should also include whether or not donations are tax deductible. Ask your church if gifts qualify. Also, many qualifying organizations recommend that checks have nothing written on the Memo line as it can jeopardize the gift’s tax deductible status. If the gift qualifies as tax deductible you might write something like this: “Gifts are tax deductible. You can make checks out to ABC Church, but please do not write anything on the Memo line as this could jeopardize your gift’s tax deductible status.”

5. Be interesting. Share about what you are doing, the place you are going and the people you will be with, but don’t drag out your letter with tons of minute details. (YouthWorks provides a Community Info Sheet for each of our communities; you might include some of those details about the community you’re headed to in your support letter.)

6. Make it personal. People want to support you ! Don’t send a generic letter from the team when you can send a personal letter from you. While you might share some details about your team, also include what your hopes, fears and needs are.

7. Don’t just write a “fundraising letter.” Support is so much more than people’s money. At the same time, there is nothing to be ashamed about when offering people the opportunity to be generous. If asking for money is part of the support you need, make it secondary to asking for prayer. Even if people can’t contribute financially, they can certainly still support you.

8. Ask for prayer. And be specific when you do. Give them 4 or 5 things they can pray for, for example: the community and ministries you are visiting, your team, your travels, etc. (If you wrote a team covenant, there is probably some great things to pray for in there!)

9. Be humble and respectful. Don’t make the place you’re headed seem destitute in an effort to make your trip sound more significant. Remember that Jesus is the hero, not your team. Use language that honors what God is already up to in the place you are headed. Use phrases like, “serve alongside,” “partner with” and “learn from.”

10. Say thank you. A great way to end your letter is with gratefulness for the people you are asking to partner with you in this mission trip. Thank them in advance for whatever way they choose to support you.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SENDING YOUR SUPPORT LETTER

Think about when to send. A good timeframe for many mission trip teams is about 3 or 4 months before your trip. Consider that you don’t want to send it so early people forget about the trip by the time you go, but you also want prayer for your team’s preparation process, not just the actual trip. Also, consider when you need financial support to arrive and plan accordingly.

Intentionally pick your people. Don’t forward your mission trip support letter to all your Facebook friends. Instead, take 10 or 20 minutes to think through whom you should send your support letter to. A few groups of people to consider include family, friends (even if they don’t have money to give you), people you know from church, people you know from school, people you want to invite to know you better, etc.

Don’t overload someone. When requesting financial support coordinate with your team to make sure the same family in your church doesn’t receive 20 letters from 20 different mission trippers.

Use snail mail. It’s easy to forget the attachment to a Facebook message, but there’s something meaningful about getting a support letter in the mail. When you put it in an envelope you could even include a separate picture asking for prayer during your trip. Who knows – you might wind up on someone’s fridge. 🙂

Consider print quality. If you’re printing your letter or picture, make sure you use a printer that doesn’t make your letter look like it’s from the 1980s. Maybe your church or a friend can help, and if not them, invest a little money at a local print shop. It’s worth the extra trouble.

Sending support letters is an important part of your mission trip process. They begin a story that you get to continue telling after the trip! Include others in your story by writing a really great mission trip support letter.

To view a sample support letter click here .

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Sample mission trip fundraising letters

"I would like to see you on my way to Spain, and be helped by you to go there." -- Romans 15:24, Good News Translation

Are you having to raise money to go on a short-term mission trip?

How to write support letters: Use one of these letters as a guideline or template to create your own mission trip fundraising letter. These are good examples of how to make your need for financial support known. Most of these samples promote the ministry rather than making raising money into the main issue.

Example support letter: Asian prayer journey

Dear friends and family,

Can you envision a land where cows are holy, animal sacrifices are a weekly occurrence and human cremations occur daily? I want to share with you a challenging ministry opportunity God has presented to me. From March 28 to April 10, I will be going to Bangkok and Nepal with a team from First Christian Church.

Our two-week trip will focus on Hindu and Buddhist cultures in this area of the world that is often referred to as 'the heart of darkness.' The purpose of our trip is fourfold:

I'm excited about the opportunity and experience that lie ahead. I hope you see the value in what we will accomplish. As you can imagine, a trip like this requires financial support from a number of people. I need to raise $3,000 by March 20th. I would be very grateful if you could support me in a financial way. Most importantly, I need your prayer support. Prayer is the fuel that will allow us to be successful as we follow God's leading in ministry in these countries. Without prayer, nothing will happen.

If you would like to be part of this mission through your financial support, send a check to: [ insert church address here ]

Envelopes are enclosed for your convenience. Please make your check payable to [ insert name of church here ] and write "Nepal" and my name on the memo line. All contributions are tax-deductible.

While money is important, it comes in a distant second to my need for your prayer support. Since prayer support is so important to the success of this mission, I would like to know if I can count on you in that area. Enclosed is a bookmark that you can put in your Bible, on your bathroom mirror, on the "fridge", or anywhere else you will see it at least once a day. Please pray daily for the areas listed.

Because they haven't heard, (Signed)

Example support letter: Nursing student's trip to Guatemala

Dear Family and Friends,

Greetings! I pray that this letter finds you and your family well. I am now in my fourth and final year of nursing school. The Lord has been so faithful! He is doing wonderful things, and I know that He will continue to be faithful to finish the good work He has started in me, especially this last year of school. As I finish my training, God has given me to the opportunity to go to Guatemala not only to further my education but also to join Him in His work there.

On January 4, I will be departing on a medical mission trip to the central highlands of Guatemala for 10 days. Not all that long ago, Guatemala was involved in a civil war. Thousands of children were orphaned as a result. This mission trip aims to provide medical treatment to these orphaned children, most of whom have never seen a doctor. We anticipate treating 450 to 500 children. The treatment will include a complete physical, treatment for intestinal parasites and head lice (all of the children seen will be treated for these two conditions), vitamin K shots, immunization, and treatment of any other condition within the capability of the medical team. A physician and a dentist will be a part of the mission team. They are both missionaries in Guatemala. The remainder of the team will be nurses and nursing students.

The trip is being funded entirely through donations and by those going on the mission trip. Everything that will be used on the trip must be taken with us. This includes all of the medical supplies, medicines, syringes, bandages, etc. Donations of medical supplies, books, shoes, etc. are being sought. Fundraisers are being held by those going on the trip. Every penny collected will be used to directly benefit the children of Guatemala. Any unused medical supplies will be left with the missionaries.

I am excited about the opportunity to serve and minister, and I ask you to join me in ministry. I am seeking your support and prayers for this mission trip. f you are able to assist with this trip, please forward any donation to me with the check or money order payable to "MNU Guatemala Mission Trip." Upon our return from Guatemala, an accounting of all funds will be available for anyone to see.

I thank you in advance for your prayers and your financial support. May God bless you richly!

His, therefore Yours,

Example support letter: Week-long summer trip to Mexico

Dear [ name ]

This summer, June 2-9, I have an opportunity to join churches around the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex and across the U.S. on a mission trip to Juarez, Mexico. On our trip, we will be holding vacation Bible schools for children and working on church construction sites around Juarez. What an opportunity we are getting to minister to others!

I am excited about what God will do in my life and other people's lives through this ministry this summer. However, I need your help. We will be flying to El Paso and then busing over the border to Juarez. I will need to raise around $500 before June 2. Anything you can do to help will be greatly appreciated.

Please be a part of this awesome opportunity, especially in terms of praying for us. I know that you too will be blessed if you partner with me. Thank you and God bless

Example support letter: Southeast Asia mission trip

Good News! God has relieved me of an uncomfortable and sometimes difficult task . . . asking for money. But God has challenged me with a ministry opportunity in Bangkok, Thailand, and Kathmandu, Nepal.

I guess you could call me a "missionary", though not in the traditional sense of giving up the comfortable life here to disappear in a remote jungle for 10 or 20 years. Mine will be a short-term journey with a team from First Christian Church from March 28 through April 10.

Our two-week trip will focus on Hindu and Buddhist cultures in an area often referred to as "the heart of darkness", where idol worship is a daily routine, and animal sacrifices are part of the ritual.

The purpose of our trip is fourfold:

First, we will be allowing God to work in our lives through the exposure and changed perspective that comes from this type of a mission trip.
Second, this is a "Prayer Journey" that takes us to foreign lands to pray "on-site with insight." We will pray that God will open the eyes and hearts of Hindu and Buddhist people to the message of Jesus.
Fourth, we will encourage local Christians in Bangkok and Kathmandu. Our presence will bolster their spirits and support their work to spread God's Word. We will visit many small villages in Nepal where we will develop relationships with the Christians there.

We're excited about the opportunity and experience that lies ahead, and we hope you see Kingdom value in the ministry planned for us. As you can imagine, funding for a trip like this requires financial support from a number of people. I need to raise $3,000 by March 20th.

Now, why did we say that God has relieved me of this fund-raising effort? Simply because I know I can leave that task in His hands. It's my job to go and to let you know I'm going so if you would like to support this mission financially, you can do so.

When it comes to missions, people can be active in three categories:

"Mobilizers" - These are the people who build the fire in their local church, keeping others informed of the needs and opportunities, and helping them get involved.
"Goers" - These are the ones who feel called to spend time in another culture, live a different kind of life, and minister face to face with the unsaved.
" Senders" - It's hard to say that one of these three groups is more important than any other, but without the "senders" not much will happen. They provide the funds--and more importantly--the prayer support. Prayer is the fuel that will allow us to be successful as we follow God's leading in ministry in these foreign countries. Without prayer, vrey little will happen.

As I said up-front, God has relieved me of the fund-raising responsibility. My job is just to let you know about this opportunity. Maybe you haven't thought of yourself as part of a "missions team" but if you want to become one of the all-important "senders", you can mail a check to: [insert church address here]

Envelopes are enclosed for your convenience. If you make your check payable to [name of church], it will be tax-deductible. Just be sure to write "Nepal" and my name on the memo line.

If you can't be a financial "sender," that's oky. Please consider being a "sender" in prayer. In fact, because prayer support is critically important to this mission, I would like to know if I can count on you in that area. Enclosed is a bookmark that you can put in your Bible, on your bathroom mirror or "fridge", or anywhere else you will see it at least once a day. Please pray daily for the areas listed.

Because they haven't heard,

[the bottom third of the letter was a response form to be returned]

Example support letter: Evangelism and medical work in Kenya

Dear ______,

Southway Church's upcoming trip to Kenya affords the best opportunity we have yet seen to have large numbers of people come to the Lord. The scenes of our previous trips, Spain and Mexico, were very hard fields; Kenya is much more open. I will be leading a group of 15 people (including myself) from Southway Church to Kenya this summer.

We will be going there to help our missionaries, Doctors Nate and Kim Smith, reach out from the Kijabe Medical Center. Some members of the team will help the outreach by training the staff at Kijabe in the areas of their medical specialties. For the rest of us (non-medical people) the Head Chaplain has thrown open the ministries of the Kijabe Medical Center.

We will share the gospel and God's comfort with patients at their bedside. We will sing and preach at noon evangelistic services at the hospital. Through the Mobile Health Clinics, we will take the word of God and infant inoculations to little towns where the children have never seen a white man.

We then will minister to the refugees from tribal conflicts in the settlements of the Elementaita area (specifically Oljorai) with medical work and a crusade for which we will provide the preaching and the music.

We also hope to meet up with AIM missionaries working with the Maasai tribe and encourage them in their work.

We believe that God will work in us and through us on this trip, and afterwards in the life of Southway Church. We'd be very grateful if you could support us in prayer and/or financially. The total cost of the trip is a little over $2000 per person. Though the trip doesn't leave until June 22, we have to buy tickets and make other preparations now, so we need your prayer and financial support as the Lord leads you. Please make any checks out to [ insert name of church ].

Please pray that:

The missions involvement of the group will grow beyond their participation in the trip.
All of the trip's financial needs (about $2000/person) will be met in a timely fashion.
God would keep us safe.
All of our passports and other documents could be processed in time.
the group would work well together.
We will be an encourageent ti our missionaries Nate and Kim Smith and others with whom we have contact.
We would encourage the Kenyan church.
God would prepare the hearts of those who will hear us in the crusade at Oljorai, and during the evangelistic meetings and contacts in Kijabe.

Thanks for your prayers and support!

Example support letter: Mission trip to Italy

Notice how Sarah has personalized her fundraising letter. Take a look at how she lays out her dreams and hopes for this mission trip in a vision-casting way.

Dear family and friends,

I hope the new year is treating you well.

I have just begun the second semester of my Junior year of nursing school at Southern Nazarene University. This year has been very exciting with my involvement as Resident Advisor in one of the girls' dorms. Although I am busy, I am learning many new things from the girls on my floor, my patients at the hospital, and the professors on campus. Last semester was wonderful, but I am looking forward to the adventures of this new year.

In fact, I have come across an opportunity to go on a mission trip this May. Commission Unto Italy is a two-week Work and Witness trip to Catania, Italy. The opportunity I have to go on this trip carries great meaning for me. My father worked on this very site the summer before his unexpected death. My dream has been to return to the church where my father ministered. On this trip, our team will be working on the church property, doing outreach to local children, participating in church services, and helping plant a church in the city of Palermo.

To make this trip possible, I am responsible for raising $1,800. This figure includes transportation, housing, food, insurance, and project materials. Our goal is to raise the money from individual sponsors.

If you would be willing to help sponsor me financially, I have included a self-addressed stamped envelope for your convenience. Any donations will be greatly appreciated. If you wish to donate by check, make it payable to "Church of the Nazarene," and I will run it through my local church so that you can claim it on your tax return.

As important as the financial aspect is, I will value your prayers even more -- not only for me personally but for our team's ministry in Catania.

This is an opportunity of a lifetime, and I feel very fortunate to be able to participate. Thank you for helping make it possible.

Example support letter: Mission trip to Africa

Second letter sent to those on the support mailing list as a pre-trip report

Wednesday, May 1

Praise the Lord! He has done great things! These past several months have been a growing experience for me. The Lord has shown Himself to me in mighty ways.

When I decided to send letters out to family and friends requesting prayer and financial support for a summer on a mission field, I wondered how God would choose to touch the hearts of each of you that I placed on my support list. Would you feel led to give financially or to pray, or to participate in both? I knew that time would tell.

Just one week after sending my letters out, I received three checks in the mail. Over the next several weeks, I received many more responses containing both financial and prayer commitments. Each day I couldn't wait to run to the university commons to check my mailbox. The excitement of seeing a response thrilled me, and it still does. In just a short period of time, I had received $1,350.

I began to see God's faithfulness working. I had prayer commitments for safety, health, adjustment, spiritual growth, and much more. What an encouragement to know that people all over the world were praying for me! Just this last week I received $1,475! That means I now have only $672 left to raise before May 15. Praise the Lord!

Nursing school has been demanding this semester. However, I've taken time to meet with a small group of three other girls each week for spiritual fellowship and to pray for this summer. I have seen God's faithfulness working through each of their lives.

To prepare for overseas travel, I have had to deal with lots of details. I got my passport renewed and even got an International Driver's License. Next week I'm going to the State Health Department to get my Yellow Fever vaccine.

As our departure date nears, I am becoming more and more excited! I'm excited to meet my teammates, taste new food, learn some words in a new language -- French -- and hopefully see wild animals in Africa. And, of course, I'm excited to be able to minister to and to be ministered to by the people of Cote d'Ivoire.

Please pray for my team and for me. I have enclosed a picture card for you to post as a reminder to pray. I will be sending out an update either during July or when I return. So, keep your eye out for something special. Thanks again for your prayer and financial support! See you in August!

Afterword: It's Not Just About the Money

Embarking on a short-term mission trip abroad is a thrilling endeavor, and what better way to rally the support needed than through heartfelt letters to friends and family? Each letter becomes a conduit for sharing the vision and purpose behind the journey, igniting a spark of enthusiasm in the hearts of loved ones. These letters aren't just about soliciting financial support; they're about inviting others to join in the mission, to be a part of something greater than themselves. Through these missives, bonds will be strengthened, and a sense of community will transcend borders, uniting the goer and the sender (supporter) in spreading hope and love to distant corners of the world.

You may also find these helpful

Devotional reflections on volunteering time and talents
Elephant and mouse parable
Getting financial support
Ideas for Fundraisers
Sample prayer cards
PowerPoint: Fundraising
Mission trip health tips
Reentry: Coming home
Safe travel tips
Ten commandments for mission trips
Trainingexercise
Mission trip travel checklist
Mission trip phases
Ten ways to ruin your mission trip
Commissioning litany for mission team

Support Letter Template for Missions Trip (With Sample)

Optimized layout and structure of a support letter template for missions trip for better readability

What is a support letter for a mission trip?

A support letter for a mission trip is a written request for financial or material support from individuals or organizations to help fund a person or group’s participation in a mission trip. It is a way to communicate the need for support and the purpose of the trip to potential donors. This letter serves as a way to invite others to partner with the individual or group in their mission to make a difference in the lives of others.

Why do you need a support letter for a mission trip?

A support letter for a mission trip is essential for several reasons:

Funding: Many mission trips require significant financial resources to cover travel expenses , accommodations, food, and other necessary costs. A support letter helps to raise funds by appealing to individuals or organizations who may be willing to contribute financially.
Awareness: A support letter allows individuals or organizations to learn about the purpose and goals of the mission trip. It provides an opportunity to share the vision and impact of the trip, raising awareness about the work being done and the need for support.
Partnership: A support letter invites others to partner with the person or group going on the mission trip. It allows individuals or organizations to be a part of the mission and make a difference in the lives of others through their support.

When should you write a support letter for the mission trip?

A support letter for a mission trip should be written well in advance of the trip to allow sufficient time for fundraising efforts. It is recommended to start the letter-writing process at least a few months before the planned departure date. This will give potential donors enough time to consider the request and make a decision regarding their support.

What to include in a support letter for a mission trip?

A support letter for a mission trip should include the following:

Introduction: Begin the letter by introducing yourself or the group. Provide some background information, including your name, the purpose of the trip, and the organization or church you are affiliated with.
Personal Story: Share a personal story or experience that has inspired you to participate in the mission trip. This can help connect with the reader emotionally and convey the significance of the trip.
Purpose and Goals: Clearly state the purpose and goals of the mission trip. Explain what you hope to achieve and how it will impact the lives of those you will be serving.
Financial Need: Communicate the financial need for the trip. Break down the estimated costs and explain how the funds will be used. This will help potential donors understand the specific amount you are requesting and how it will be allocated.
Donation Options: Provide different options for individuals or organizations to contribute. This can include one-time donations, recurring donations, or specific items or services that are needed for the trip.
Gratitude and Acknowledgment: Express gratitude for the reader’s time and consideration. Let them know that their support, whether financial or in other forms, is greatly appreciated.

How to write a support letter for a mission trip?

When writing a support letter for a mission trip, follow these steps:

Research: Gather all the necessary information about the trip, including the purpose, goals, and financial needs.
Personalize: Tailor the letter to the specific individual or organization you are addressing. Make it personal and heartfelt.
Keep it concise: Be clear and concise in your writing. Avoid lengthy paragraphs and unnecessary details.
Use a conversational tone: Write the letter in a conversational style that feels human and relatable. Connect with the reader on an emotional level.
Proofread: Ensure that the letter is free from grammatical errors and typos. Proofread it multiple times or ask someone else to review it for you.

Mistakes to avoid in a support letter for a mission trip

When writing a support letter for a mission trip, avoid the following mistakes:

Generic approach: Avoid using a generic template or letter that does not reflect your personal story or the purpose of the trip. Tailor the letter to the specific recipient.
Lack of clarity: Be clear and specific about the purpose of the trip, the financial need, and how the funds will be used. Avoid vague or ambiguous language.
Neglecting to express gratitude: Always express gratitude for the reader’s time and consideration, regardless of whether they choose to support your trip or not.
Poor proofreading: Avoid sending a letter that contains grammatical errors, typos, or formatting issues. Proofread the letter multiple times before sending it.
Lack of follow-up: After sending the letter, follow up with potential donors to express gratitude, provide updates on the trip, and answer any questions they may have.

Writing a support letter for a mission trip is an important step in fundraising efforts. It allows individuals or organizations to learn about the purpose and goals of the trip and provides an opportunity to invite others to partner with the person or group going on the trip. By following the guidelines mentioned above and avoiding common mistakes, you can create an effective support letter that engages readers and maximizes your chances of receiving the support you need.

Download: Support Letter Template for Missions Trip

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I need to raise funds?

Raising support for summer missions.

Dear Summer Missions Student,

You are embarking on an incredible adventure! You have accepted the challenge of helping reach the world for Christ by deciding to join other students on a Cru Summer Mission trip. This could very well be one of the most exciting summers of your life!

My name is Mark Gauthier and I serve as the National Director for the U.S. Campus Ministry of Cru. Church history is filled with accounts of students taking the Gospel to domestic and foreign fields. You are now taking up the baton to run with passion in making a difference in our world by being Christ’s ambassador. The Lord will bless you through your summer project experience and you will be a blessing to others.

I know it was that way for me when I participated on my first mission outreach at the Newport Beach Summer Project. This project was my first opportunity to trust God to provide the necessary funding for my participation. Seeing God provide then became the foundation for trusting him for many years as it relates to the financial provision for the ministry to which I’ve been called.

As “Christ’s ambassador” (2 Corinthians 5:20) you are in a unique position to invite others to partner financially in His cause. As you offer individuals the chance to underwrite your Summer Project expenses, you will be giving them the unparalleled opportunity of investing in eternity (Matthew 6:19-21).

King David gave Israel such an opportunity when he challenged the people to underwrite the cost of building a temple for the Lord.

Because David knew that all the world’s wealth ultimately belonged to God, he boldly challenged others to channel their resources toward building a physical testimony to the Lord, a temple. As you raise funds for your Summer Mission trip, you will be allowing God to channel the resources of His people toward building a human testimony, a witness for Christ.

The following strategy for raising support can be summarized in four words:

As you place your trust in God and carefully implement each of these four steps, you will see success! I can't even describe how excited I am for you, knowing that your summer will be life-changing. May the Lord bless and keep you as you trust him for things way outside your comfort zone.

Warmly in Christ,

Mark Gauthier National Director U.S. Campus Ministry, Cru

STEP ONE: NAMESTORM

First, stop and take a moment to pray.

Then, start by developing an initial list of potential ministry partners. In namestorming there is just one rule – anything goes. No name should be disqualified. Don’t decide for an individual whether or not he or she is interested. If you limit yourself to those you feel will or can give, you may prematurely disqualify those whom God wants to become ministry partners. Later you will need to prioritize whom to contact first, but for now, don’t disqualify anyone.

You may be thinking you could never generate more than a handful of names, but research has shown the average individual has a personal network of at least 400 friends and acquaintances. So, you should be able to develop a list of at least 100 potential ministry partners.

For instance, you’ve probably had at least a dozen teachers alone. At the church you regularly attend you probably know Sunday school teachers, elders, deacons, and other friends who attend church. If you’ve ever had a toothache or a cavity, you know a dentist. As you think about your hometown’s business district, no doubt the cleaners, the bakery, the hardware store, and numerous other sources of contacts come to mind.

As you namestorm, associate various professions, businesses, your church, and places, with any friends and acquaintances they bring to mind. To aid you, we have provided categories to prompt your thinking. This will take time – perhaps two hours or more so get the brain juices flowing. Push yourself...see if you can come up with 200 names!

THOUGHT PROVOKERS

Former employers
Former customers
Friends of parents
Parents of friends
Former salesman
Parents’ employers
Parents’ associates
High School teachers
College professors
Sorority sisters
Fraternity brothers
High school friends
Community Leaders
Christian business groups
Church friends
Wedding lists
Church missions board
Sunday school class
Church directory
Christmas card list
Bible bookstore
Retired people
Foundations
Former neighbors

Having written out your list you want to gather the addresses of the people you’ve named. creating a master name and address list.

STEP TWO: WRITE A SUPPORT LETTER

From your list of names, write first to those you feel most likely to give.

The ideal is a handwriten personal letter that presents your needs. While it would be best to send a handwritten note to each contact, it’s not always feasible if you come up with a list of 100 names. Since most people have access to a computer, you can write the same letter to each person and personalize the salutation. Sending people photocopied letters would not be the best, try to make the letters personal.

Here is a basic format you can use to compose your letter . . .

[Date] Dear Mr. and Mrs. Jones, I want to bring you up to date on what is happening in my life. I am in my sophomore year at Purdue University. College has been a wonderful experience for me. I have learned much, made great friends and have grown in my Christian faith. Besides the pressure here to make good grades, there is also the challenge of deciding what great activities to be involved in on campus. Many of these activities provide a ready escape from the realities of a needy world, while others provide opportunities to make a difference in the world. Through my desire for the latter, I have been involved with a Christian ministry called Cru. Cru (www.cru.org) is a ministry that has been caring for college students since 1951. The group is very active here at Purdue and on another 3,500 campuses in the U.S. and overseas. The Lord has used this ministry to help me grow in my faith and to give me a burden to reach people for Christ. This summer, I have an unbelievable opportunity to take part in a summer mission trip sponsored by Cru. I will be going with approximately 60 other students to Lake Tahoe. A summer spent on a project like this can be invaluable. Few other environments can top this in developing spiritual leadership and ministry skills to equip me and others for campus outreach and ministry after college. There will be great opportunities to share my faith as vacationers and college students flood the area this summer. Our group will be involved with outreaches on the beach, on area campuses and in the community. At the same time I will be in a small group Bible study and discipleship ministry. My heart’s desire it to increase my understanding of God’s Word, deepen my relationship with Him, and be more burdened for reaching people with the Gospel. Truth be told, I am both very excited and nervous at the same time. I know my faith will be stretched as I do things I have never done before! In order to make all this possible, I need to develop a team of ministry partners... a group of people like you who would give to make my trip possible. As you might imagine raising the necessary funds will be one of my greatest steps of faith in preparation for the summer. I need a total of $4,000 by May 31 which covers room and board for the summer as well as transportation. Would you prayerfully consider joining my team by giving a gift of $100, $200, $300 or more? Of course whatever amount the Lord leads you to do is the right amount. All gifts are tax-deductible and checks should be made out to Cru. In order to know how close I am to reaching my goal, I will call you next week to see what you have decided and to answer any questions you might have. More than anything I need your prayers as I seek to follow the Lord by participating in this summer mission trip. Thank you for considering joining my team to help reach people for Christ at Lake Tahoe this summer. Thank-you,

In writing your letter be sure to:

Give your letter a specific date.
Your greeting should be personalized. If you use a form printed letter, hand-write the name instead of using “Dear friend.”
Acknowledge your relationship with the reader. What can you say that will help the person identify with you? Refer to your last visit or letter, business concerns, sports interests, hobbies, etc., to help him say, “I know who you are.”
Bring your reader up to date on what you’re doing.
Educate your reader. Share how you became involved in Cru, and how the Lord has given you a desire to reach people for Christ. Explain how you hope the Lord will use the Summer Mission in your future ministry.
Explain your need. The purpose of your letter is to give your reader an opportunity to help. Make sure you explain exactly what you need.
Involve your reader by asking him/her for specific action, based on the needs you have shared. This can include challenging them to help cover part or all of the cost of the conference. State the deadline by which you need the money.
Acknowledge your relationship again with an emphasis on thanks, appreciation, gratitude, partnership and commitment. This ties your opening acknowledgment to your request.
Close the letter and sign it.
Enclose a self-addressed, stamped return envelope.
Be sure to ask each person for specific amounts (see sample letter); make sure to ask donors to make checks payable to “Cru” and remember to include a return envelope.

STEP THREE: CALL

The degree of your success in the letter-writing strategy depdends on your follow-up phone call. The follow-up phone call is critical for three reasons:

Most people suffer from information overload. Consequently, mail is easy to ignore or forget.
Your time frame. You have a lot of money to raise in a short period of time. A follow-up phone call will help you get decisions as quickly as possible. The best suggestion is to call one week after you’ve dropped the letter in the mail.
Courtesy to your ministry partners. Many people will want to help you but won’t unless you call to answer any questions and to get their decision. Your phone call takes the burden of response off them and puts it on you.

Be sure to establish a specific time in the letter to get their decision.

If when you call your potential ministry partner has not made a decision, set another time to call within a day or two.

Introduce yourself. “Hello, Mr. ________. This is _________ calling. How are you?” Let him respond. Take a few moments to establish rapport, but be brief.
Refer to your letter and explain your summer plans. “As I mentioned in my letter, I am planning to go on a Summer Mission sponsored by Cru.”
Share what you hope to see God do as a result of your time at the conference.
Be very specific to ask for a definite response. “In my letter I asked if you would be in a position to support me financially. Have you had a chance to think about that?” (wait)
Ask to have the check mailed in the self-addressed stamped envelope you enclosed with your letter.
Remind them to make their check payable to “Cru.”

STEP FOUR: THANK

Send a thank-you note the same day the ministry partner gives you her decision. Be sure to keep a record of this so you’ll know to whom you’ve sent one and so you won’t send two to the same person – that would be bad.

This thank-you letter is an important part of developing a relationship with your ministry partner. This should be a personal, handwritten note or letter. Do not print or copy a form letter or send an email. Always include something personal in your note to show specifically how you and Christ’s cause have benefited from their generosity. You owe them a good thank-you note.

The following is a sample “thank-you” note . . .

[Date] Dear Dr. and Mrs. Smith, Thank you for your gift of $100 to support my ministry this summer. Your prayers and finances are greatly appreciated. Your investment will have far-reaching results as I help reach people for Christ! Please join me in praying that God would continually deepen my commitment to the cause of Christ. Your prayers are very important. Thanks again for your help. In Christ,

mission trip letter example

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FREE – Sample Support Letter for Mission Trips

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