Throughout the year, Hoboken Grace offers mission trips designed to encourage us to step outside of our comfort zones, challenge our assumptions and transform our perspectives. Mission trips are one of the best ways to live out God’s word, allowing Him to work through us to serve others and love boldly. But many of us are afraid to take this leap of faith because of a number.

This year, our goal is to help eliminate the fear of a trip’s cost. The Missions Team at Hoboken Grace is committed to helping you fundraise for that trip you’ve been eyeing but also avoiding, not because you don’t want to go, but because you don’t think you can swing it financially. Below are a few great tips to help you begin fundraising to make your trip a reality.

1). Create an online giving page: Create a fundraising page where you can tell your story and share information about the organization you will be working with on the trip. Many of us feel called to go on a mission trip for different reasons. Let people know what you are fundraising for, and give them the opportunity to be a part of something greater than themselves. Your friends and family will want you to succeed.

2). Social media: Use social media (i.e. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) to build awareness around your mission trip “campaign.” Over time, your inner circle of family and friends will begin to share your story in an effort to reach more potential donors. Be sure to include a link to your fundraising page and include easy to understand instructions regarding how to donate. Remember, every dollar counts!

3). Matching gifts: Reach out to local businesses and see if they have a matching program. Let them know what you will be doing on the trip and how their funds will benefit those you are serving. Many businesses will match charitable contributions.

4). Get crafty: With a little ingenuity and some planning, you can host a local community day or initiative. Set up a donation booth at your local high school’s home basketball game or sell personalized, DIY Christmas ornaments around the holidays. Clean out your drawers and host a garage sale as spring rolls around or sell cute edible gifts like brownies in a jar.

5). Reach out to the Missions Team. When in doubt, reach out to our Missions Team for fresh ideas and assistance so that your dream of going on a mission trip becomes a reality.

Whether you’re going to South Korea in a few weeks, to Sierra Leone next month or on another trip later this year, it’s never too late to fundraise. Click here to learn more about the mission trips Hoboken Grace has planned for this summer. You can also contact Anthony at anthony@hobokengrace.com for more information.