One of the greatest lessons a mission trip can teach you happens before you ever leave home: trusting God to provide. 

At Students International, fundraising isn’t just about covering expenses. It’s about building a ministry team of people who pray, encourage, and partner with you in God’s work.

Start with Personal Support Letters 

Support letters remain one of the most effective fundraising tools available. 

SI encourages participants to create a list of 75–100 people including: 

• • Family members 

• • Friends 

• • Church members 

• • Teachers 

• • Mentors 

• • Neighbors 

• • Coworkers 

Many students discover they know more potential supporters than they initially realize.

Host a Mission Dinner Night 

Invite friends, family, and church members to: 

• • Share a meal 

• • Hear about your upcoming trip 

• • Learn about the ministry 

• • Support financially and prayerfully 

A cultural-themed dinner focused on your destination country can be especially engaging.

Offer Services for Donations 

Consider: 

• • Babysitting 

• • Lawn care 

• • House cleaning 

• • Dog walking 

• • Tutoring 

• • Moving help 

People love supporting hardworking students who are investing their own effort.

Partner with Local Businesses 

Many businesses are willing to support community-focused causes. 

Ideas include: 

• • Restaurant fundraising nights 

• • Percentage-of-sales events 

• • Sponsorship donations 

• • Community awareness events 

SI specifically encourages students to approach local Christian business owners and share their ministry vision. 

Present at Churches and Civic Groups 

Many churches, Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, and community organizations are interested in supporting students engaged in meaningful service work.

Remember the Bigger Goal 

Fundraising is ministry. Your supporters become part of the mission through prayer, encouragement, and giving. Often the relationships built during fundraising become as transformative as the trip itself.