1. Pray
Ask the Lord to provide you with funds as you step out in faith and ask people to give. Do not apologize for writing or calling a person whom you wish to involve in helping you meet a need. You are providing him with an opportunity to be involved in a spiritual ministry through his resources. Remember, the giver needs to give far more than any person or cause needs to receive a gift. “Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek the profit which increases to your account” (Philippians 4:17). When you apologize, you end up appearing to be a beggar rather than a child of the King!
2. Always ask for a specific amount with a timeframe in which to take action.
Challenge people to give a specific amount or range. The specific challenge of $250, $100 or $75, or more has been included in this material. If people want to scholarship you but cannot give at least $75, they will let you know and not be offended by your request.
3. Never use group slang without first explaining what you mean.
(I.e., the Impact Movement, Cell Group, sharing The Passage or the gospel, etc).
4. Always enclose a self‑addressed, return envelope for a quick and easy response
. Research shows that the easier you make it, the higher the response rate will be. So make sure to include this critical element. A stamp is not necessary, but fine if you can afford it.
5. Do not wait until the last minute to get your letters out.
Be sure that you allow enough time to follow up the letters. It isn’t realistic to send a letter to 100 people in one mailing and promise to call them all by the same date! It dishonors the Lord because you will not be able to keep your word. Send group mailings of 20-25 at a time and give yourself at least a week from the date that you send them to make 20-25 phone calls. However, don’t forget to change the date that you will call them by for each new set of mailings you send out.
6. Have your letter printed.
Make sure you have enough envelopes and stamps.
7. Arrange a personal visit for those near campus instead of sending a letter.
Ask for 15-20 minutes of their time. During this appointment, explain what you are doing, why you sense God wants you to attend this conference, and finally how they can sponsor with you. Tell them briefly about the conference: where it is, what will happen, the cost, etc. Clearly explain your financial need and how they can be a part of this opportunity financially. It is an investment in the future leadership of our community. Thank them for taking the time, but do remember to send them a thank you note later. Honor the Lord by honoring their time and stay only 15-20 minutes. If they invite you to stay longer, that’s fine, but let them invite you to do so.
8. Mail your letter along with a conference brochure, and a self-addressed envelope to those who are too far away from campus to allow for a personal visit.
Give them a day or so after receiving the letter to pray and think it over. Call them and ask for a decision and answer any questions. It is definitely worth the investment if you have to make a long distance call. Ask them to mail the check to you the next day, if possible.
9. Lastly, ask everyone to pray for you
and be sure to bring back a report for those who gave you a financial gift. Note: Please keep your report to one page.
