FUNDRAISING STEPS
The following information is meant to HELP you with your fundraising.
We want to support you and encourage you, but ultimately, the fundraising process is up to YOU.
IF you need help with making content or contacts, please utilize the materials below.
As always, keep this process in PRAYER…asking and trusting for God to provide the resources necessary to participate on your tour.
DONOR CONTACT LIST
Please download the Excel sheet and fill out AT LEAST 25 names and contact information of people who you’d like to reach out to about joining your fundraising team.
THEN, upload that file back to us.
We will contact this list on your behalf via email and text message.
*This information will NOT be used for anything other than making fundraising contact on your behalf.
FUNDRAISING TEMPLATES
As you prepare to send emails, letters and text messages, it is vital to make it personal and genuine, so make sure whatever you choose sounds like YOU!
Follow the “3 C’s,” and be:
- CLEAR
- CONCISE
- COMPLETE
Feel free to use any of the templates below, but BE SURE TO CHANGE YOUR NAME AND LOCATIONS.
Sample Letter/Email #1
Dear (Name),
How are you? Something exciting is happening in my life this summer.
I have just been accepted to the News Release Basketball team that will travel to Europe. News Release Basketball is an athletic ministry whose purpose is to present the claims of Jesus Christ through the sport of basketball.
During July and August we will be traveling to (your tour destinations); playing games, conducting basketball camps, serving where we can serve, and sharing about the good news of Jesus Christ. We will also be conducting team Bible studies, so I expect to grow in my faith as well. This is a great privilege and I feel honored to have been selected.
To be an ambassador of Jesus carries with it a large responsibility. That is why I need your help. I would like to ask if you would share in this ministry with me through prayer. Please pray for me and my teammates that we would have the strength and wisdom needed in our travels, and for the people that we come in contact with that they would be touched by our words and actions.
Another area that I need your help in is in the area of finances. In order for News Release Basketball to conduct this ministry, each player is responsible for his share of the tour costs. I need to raise $2900.00 to be able to go. I would like to ask if you would prayerfully consider giving generously towards my support. By doing so you will be sharing in my life and in the lives of others abroad.
If you decide you can help financially, you can give in two ways: 1. Donate Online: www.nrbasketball.org/donate
2.Write a Check: Please make it out to News Release Basketball and send it to: P.O. Box 270585, LOUISVILLE, CO 80027 USA
All gifts are tax-deductible and you will receive a receipt in the mail.
I am so thankful to God for the relationship that we have, and for the input that you have had in my life. And I thank you for playing a part in this summer’s work. I greatly appreciate it. I will keep in touch and let you know how it goes.
Sincerely,
YOUR NAME
Dear (Name),
How are you? Something exciting is happening in my life this summer.
I have just been accepted to the News Release Basketball team that will travel to Europe. News Release Basketball is an athletic ministry whose purpose is to present the claims of Jesus Christ through the sport of basketball.
During July and August we will be traveling to (your tour destinations); playing games, conducting basketball camps, serving where we can serve, and sharing about the good news of Jesus Christ. We will also be conducting team Bible studies, so I expect to grow in my faith as well. This is a great privilege and I feel honored to have been selected.
To be an ambassador of Jesus carries with it a large responsibility. That is why I need your help. I would like to ask if you would share in this ministry with me through prayer. Please pray for me and my teammates that we would have the strength and wisdom needed in our travels, and for the people that we come in contact with that they would be touched by our words and actions.
Another area that I need your help in is in the area of finances. In order for News Release Basketball to conduct this ministry, each player is responsible for his share of the tour costs. I need to raise $2900.00 to be able to go. I would like to ask if you would prayerfully consider giving generously towards my support. By doing so you will be sharing in my life and in the lives of others abroad.
If you decide you can help financially, you can give in two ways: 1. Donate Online: www.nrbasketball.org/donate
2.Write a Check: Please make it out to News Release Basketball and send it to: P.O. Box 270585, LOUISVILLE, CO 80027 USA
All gifts are tax-deductible and you will receive a receipt in the mail.
I am so thankful to God for the relationship that we have, and for the input that you have had in my life. And I thank you for playing a part in this summer’s work. I greatly appreciate it. I will keep in touch and let you know how it goes.
Sincerely,
YOUR NAME
Sample Letter/Email #2
Dear (Name),
It has been my privilege to be selected by News Release Basketball to participate on a very special team.
One of the most effective ways to reach people with the Gospel is through sporting events. Many people will attend a sporting event but won’t enter the door of a church. This is especially the case in Europe. That is why News Release Basketball takes basketball teams to Europe to be used as a service and outreach ministry.
I’m thankful God has given me the ability to play basketball, and now He is opening the door for me to use this gift for His glory.
As a short-term sports ambassador/missionary I need financial support. I am trusting God for a very special team of people who will join with me, not only financially but also in prayer. With your commitment to pray and to support me, I’ll commit myself to represent the Lord, you and my country the very best I can. I will also commit to report back to you what the Lord is doing through you and me as a team.
If you are excited about what God is doing through my involvement with the News Release Basketball summer tour and want to join with me by:
1. Donating Online: www.nrbasketball.org/donate
2.Writing a Check: Please make it out to News Release Basketball and send it to: P.O. Box 270585, LOUISVILLE, CO 80027 USA
All gifts are tax-deductible and you will receive a receipt in the mail.
Sincerely,
YOUR NAME
Dear (Name),
It has been my privilege to be selected by News Release Basketball to participate on a very special team.
One of the most effective ways to reach people with the Gospel is through sporting events. Many people will attend a sporting event but won’t enter the door of a church. This is especially the case in Europe. That is why News Release Basketball takes basketball teams to Europe to be used as a service and outreach ministry.
I’m thankful God has given me the ability to play basketball, and now He is opening the door for me to use this gift for His glory.
As a short-term sports ambassador/missionary I need financial support. I am trusting God for a very special team of people who will join with me, not only financially but also in prayer. With your commitment to pray and to support me, I’ll commit myself to represent the Lord, you and my country the very best I can. I will also commit to report back to you what the Lord is doing through you and me as a team.
If you are excited about what God is doing through my involvement with the News Release Basketball summer tour and want to join with me by:
1. Donating Online: www.nrbasketball.org/donate
2.Writing a Check: Please make it out to News Release Basketball and send it to: P.O. Box 270585, LOUISVILLE, CO 80027 USA
All gifts are tax-deductible and you will receive a receipt in the mail.
Sincerely,
YOUR NAME
Sample Letter/Email #3
Dear (Name),
Great news! I have been selected to be a member of the News Release Basketball team for this summer. This high honor gives me the privilege of using my interest in basketball to share about my faith and personal relationship with Him. I am certainly thrilled and excited about this wonderful opportunity.
News Release Basketball is an athletic ministry that uses basketball to share God’s love overseas. News Release Basketball teams will be traveling to (your tour destinations). We will be playing games against various local teams in different countries. We conduct basketball clinics and camps for young people, and have chances to share at the camps as well as other meetings in churches, schools, coffee houses, etc. At each game the team sings and gives testimonies about Jesus Christ. After the game we remain and talk with those who are interested in learning more.
As you know, anytime a person travels it takes money, and this trip is no exception. Each player on the team must raise his own share of finances in order to make the trip. The total cost for one player is $2900.00 [or your tour amount] for transportation, lodging, food, uniforms, Bibles and biblical literature, and equipment, etc.
Because of this unique privilege, I would like your support — first, keep me in prayer, and then financially if at all possible. If you’re able to support financially, you can:
1. Donate Online: www.nrbasketball.org/donate
2.Write a Check: Please make it out to News Release Basketball and send it to: P.O. Box 270585, LOUISVILLE, CO 80027 USA
All gifts are tax-deductible and you will receive a receipt in the mail.
Thank you sincerely for being a part of the team!
In His love and service,
YOUR NAME
Dear (Name),
Great news! I have been selected to be a member of the News Release Basketball team for this summer. This high honor gives me the privilege of using my interest in basketball to share about my faith and personal relationship with Him. I am certainly thrilled and excited about this wonderful opportunity.
News Release Basketball is an athletic ministry that uses basketball to share God’s love overseas. News Release Basketball teams will be traveling to (your tour destinations). We will be playing games against various local teams in different countries. We conduct basketball clinics and camps for young people, and have chances to share at the camps as well as other meetings in churches, schools, coffee houses, etc. At each game the team sings and gives testimonies about Jesus Christ. After the game we remain and talk with those who are interested in learning more.
As you know, anytime a person travels it takes money, and this trip is no exception. Each player on the team must raise his own share of finances in order to make the trip. The total cost for one player is $2900.00 [or your tour amount] for transportation, lodging, food, uniforms, Bibles and biblical literature, and equipment, etc.
Because of this unique privilege, I would like your support — first, keep me in prayer, and then financially if at all possible. If you’re able to support financially, you can:
1. Donate Online: www.nrbasketball.org/donate
2.Write a Check: Please make it out to News Release Basketball and send it to: P.O. Box 270585, LOUISVILLE, CO 80027 USA
All gifts are tax-deductible and you will receive a receipt in the mail.
Thank you sincerely for being a part of the team!
In His love and service,
YOUR NAME
Sample TEXT messages
Hey (Name)!
Wanted to let you know that I’ve been selected to travel overseas with the basketball ministry, News Release Basketball!
I’m super excited to serve, play, and share & grow my faith.
I need to raise $2,900 for the trip and I’d really appreciate your help…and ANYTHING helps!
Here is a link where you can donate online: www.nrbasketball.org/donate
Thank you so much!!
I’ll be sure to keep you in the loop.