If you are planning on going on a short term mission trip or know that you would like to someday, you realize that raising your financial support is a major element. Most individuals that participate in the short term mission experience raise funds through a financial appeal to friends, family and their local church. One program that we have implemented at Mission Solutions is what we call a 'Mission Savings Plan.' It allows you to contribute toward your own support goal over an extended period of time.
First, let's go over the primary way this program works. You will contribute any amount you desire, each month, until the deadline for funds to be in for your trip. This can really add up, especially if the trip is a year or more in the future. For example, if you sent a month then after a year you would have 0 toward your goal, and all before starting any fundraising! Our trips to the Dominican Republic typically cost 00 to 00. If you have saved as in the example above, you would already have 20% of your support goal. You can also participate in a Mission Savings Plan before you have decided which location or trip dates you will go with.
MISSIONS TRIPS
A good guideline to implement would be to set a specific amount for each month. You wouldn't have to contribute all or any one month if money was tight, but having a specific amount helps you plan your personal budget and meet your goal. You would also be able to send in extra as you are able, providing even more funds for your trip. Another guideline to follow would be to find a non-profit organization, like your church or the ministry you plan on taking the trip with, and send your monthly contribution directly to them. At Mission Solutions, we allow individuals to give in this way and we set the money aside, only to be used for the participant's future trip. This will benefit the ministry through any interest gained from your money as well as prevent you from accessing the saved funds for anything besides your mission trip. Another benefit of sending your funds directly to a non-profit is that many times the ministry will send you a monthly reminder, keeping you on track. If you are not able to contribute directly to a non-profit or church, then set up a separate savings account just for your mission trip and consider the higher yield online savings accounts.
It is also important to set up a few other rules, especially if you are a non-profit that is considering this program. Make it clear that once the funds are donated, that they can only be used for a mission trip. This will encourage participants to not give up on their desire to serve through missions. Also, if someone decides that they cannot go or are no longer able to go, give them the option to have the funds attributed to another team member's fundraising goal for his/her mission trip. You may also consider asking if these funds could be used for a team member that is furthest behind in fundraising progress or for team expenses.
This program is a very simple way to help you reach your support raising goal. It also allows you to personally contribute, showing others that you truly believe in what you are doing and that you are not solely depending on their financial support. Even a very small amount will add up fast and make a huge impact.
How to Get a Head Start on Raising Funds For Short Term Mission Trips. MISSIONS TRIPS
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