Get Started Writing Your First Support Letter
It can be daunting process getting started with writing the first support letter that you send out. Below we have put together some advice to help you write a strong letter.You can write your own support letter with the tips below or you can start with our example support letter.
1. Build your case
Your personal letter should express the following things:
- What you are doing (where you are going and what your ministry will look like during your mission trip) Read the Trip Overview or our online description of your mission trip for help.
- Why you are doing it (what has prompted you go on on a mission trip or to a particular country)
- What you are asking of your sponsors (prayer and financial support) Review our simple strategy here and see about asking for their help below.
Remember that this is your opportunity to share with these supporters your passion and vision. The more they are able to capture your excitement and sense of purpose the more inclined they will be to get involved financially.
2. Ask for their help
Clearly and specifically ask for their financial support. Ask for a gift of $100, yet let them know that any gift is appreciated.
3. Tell them how
They can send in their gift with the provided sponsor response card and return envelope. The response card will ensure their gift is properly credited to you. They will promptly receive a tax-deductible receipt for their donation.
Make sure you personalize your letter by using your own ideas and words. Friends want to hear from you! If you prefer start with our example support letter and change it to be yours.
Remember, every one of your prospective financial and prayer supporters must have each of the three items included in the Support Raising Kit. We cannot stress enough the importance of this. Again, YOU MUST put the labels on the lower right corner of the Sponsorship Card. Your name and number assures accurate accounting.
Before actually getting started with writing the first support letter make sure you take time to pray and ask God to help you through the whole process
1. cLAIMING TRUTH FROM GOD'S WORD
One of the biggest concerns you may have is raising the money you need. However, we have seen God work in amazing ways for thousands of students over the last 30+ years. You can have confidence in God because He has promised in His Word to supply our needs.
And this is the confidence which we have before Him that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him. —I John 5:14-15
And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. —Philippians 4:19
2. Prayer
The most important thing you can do to raise your support is pray. God is concerned for you and is able to meet your needs. He wants you to ask and depend on Him. He understands how big a task you have taken on in support raising, and He wants you to bring it to Him through prayer.
3. accountability
We believe that accountability is a major key to continued growth in your personal relationship with God. We strongly encourage you to find a mentor - someone with whom you can talk about spiritual things, as well as the day-to-day stuff. This person will keep you accountable in support raising, as well as challenge and encourage you both before and after the summer, and into the future.
4. Action
Work the plan. What that means is either use the simple strategy we have laid out or come up with your own. Working the plan means setting goals and working towards them by sending out letters or email and then following them up with phone calls. Decide what days you work at support and how long each day, and then work the plan!
