The Support Letter

The first step in raising support is to inform others of what you are doing. An effective tool is the tried and true support letter that presents the vision and needs of each individual and the team. Each person should generate a list of names of extended family members and friends to whom the letters could be sent. Church members may be included but take care that one member does not receive letters from four or five youth! A form letter, like the example provided below, can be reproduced on the church or youth group letterhead for each team member to use. The team member should fill in the recipient’s name, sign the letter and, without exception, add a personal note on the bottom of each letter before sending. The letter should give a general idea of where the team is going, what the team will be doing, and, most importantly, why the team wants to go. Including information about the area the team will go to will encourage the support team to pray for the people in that country and for the outreach. The letter should give a clear invitation to partner with the individual in prayer and finances and inform the recipients of the team member’s intent to follow up the letter with a phone call within the next several weeks to hear of the potential supporter’s decision.

It is important for each team member to be upfront and honest. The persons receiving the letter should sense the privilege of joining with the team in the outreach. The supporters should know they are an integral part of the team. Regardless of the decision, the potential supporters should be asked to partner with the team member in this mission through prayer both before and during the trip. 

It should be noted that a similar support letter could be used to ask for team donations from corporations and businesses. Many companies allocate money each year to be used for tax-deductible donations. It would be best to compose a letter for the entire group that represents the group’s total financial need. Several team members should personally deliver the letters to the businesses. Most corporations would be eager to support a team of passionate teens wanting to serve the needy and love the orphaned. Asking can be a powerful witness in the communities!

Click here to download a sample support letter, (4KB .rtf)