Fundraising

Freaked out about raising so much money! Need some help?

Fundraising does not have to be a nightmare! It can be a wonderful opportunity to get people to join with you and be a part of the journey. It takes many kinds of people to fulfil God’s mission, and just as some people are needed to go, we need others to commit to praying for and financially supporting those on the field. So many of our previous Edgers, while perhaps a little daunted by the fundraising at first, were so encouraged to see people wanting to get behind them and support them.

It really helps to tell anybody and everybody about what you are doing. Call, email, text people to tell them what you are planning to do or send links to our website so they can have a look themselves. You might also choose to promote your trip on Facebook or other social networking sites – you can invite friends, family and colleagues to fundraising events or invite them to donate towards the cost of your trip.

We can give you loads of resources and materials to help you promote your trip. Just get in touch and we will send you some. So, to get you started here are a few ideas for spreading the word and raising some cash:

Get the Support of your Local Church

This is one of the core values of Pioneers, as we believe that it is the church’s role to send people to the field. Pioneers would just like to facilitate your church in sending you. Here are a few ideas and tips:

• Ask your minister/pastor if you can give a talk at your church about the trip you are going on. Share why God has laid it on your heart to go and what your expectations are for your trip. You will be surprised at how God will lay it on other people’s hearts to support you.
• Try and make the most of the events and meetings within your church, including youth groups and cell groups that you are a part of, to share your plans with your church family.
• Get your church congregation together for lunch after your church service. This does not need to be banquet, or break the bank! Soup, cheese and bread often go down a treat… and it is cheap and easy. Use the opportunity to charge for the meal (making sure there is a good profit margin!) and share your plans.

Get the Support of your Christian Union

Speak with your CU leaders and ask about the possibility of holding an event to speak about your trip and/or hold a night to raise money for it. Share with them your passion for unreached people groups and the country you will be going to. Some of the Pioneers team may even be able to come along and help you.

Get the Support of your Local Community

Get some of your friends together and offer to wash cars, tidy up gardens or do odd jobs for a small fee. It’s a great opportunity to share what you are raising money for.

Other ideas

• Movie and Pizza Party - Get your friends together and share with them what you are doing.

• Pie and Peas Party - Same as above... but just a bit manlier!

• Have a Cake Sale. Everyone loves a piece of cake, and it tastes even better when you are supporting a good cause by eating it!
• Hold a Jumble Sale. People love a good old rummage and it's always a good fundraiser!

• Get your friends, family or colleagues together for a Quiz Night. Ask them to pay £5 and answer 50 questions. The winner gets half the money and the rest goes towards your fundraising target.
• Smarties Challenge - Give your friends, family and colleagues a tube of Smarties and (once they have eaten them) ask them to fill the empty tube with £1 coins (or notes if they are feeling generous!)... and then give it back to you!
• Do a Sponsored Event... bike ride, walk, silence, swim... head-shave!
• Give Up something you love (chocolate, biscuits, coffee, TV etc) for a month and get sponsored for it...
• Hold an Auction. Get your friends to auction off their skills and talents (painting, gardening, baby-sitting etc) for a day.

Please contact the mobilisation team if you need any more help.

Edge trips cost between £1000 and £2000. The airfare is the main cost, which varies according to destination. Please contact the mobilisation team for more details of specific costs.