Resources

You’re not just walking—you’re changing lives.

We know that fundraising can feel intimidating. Asking for money, even for a cause you deeply believe in, takes courage. But you’re not alone, and it doesn’t have to be scary. When you share your “why”—why you care, why you’re showing up, and why this mission matters—you invite others to be part of something meaningful. This page is here to equip you with tools, ideas, and encouragement to help you fundraise with confidence. So share boldly, speak from the heart, and know that every step you take is helping to restore hope—one life at a time.

Email Script

I’m reaching out to let you know about something exciting I’m doing this year. I’m currently training for Miles for Mels with Mel Trotter Ministries to help bring an end to hunger and homelessness in our community one step at a time. In 2024, they served over 180,000 meals. $50 provides a hot meal and safe shelter for one night, so I’m looking for X people to help me reach my goal of [INSERT FUNDRAISING GOAL]. [INSERT NAME], would you be willing to partner with me in the fight against homelessness?

You can choose a one-time or monthly recurring gift to support me on this journey. Please visit my fundraising page to donate or for more information: [INSERT FUNDRAISING PAGE].

Thank you so much for your consideration! You can also follow along with my training and fundraising journey here:

[INSERT SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS]

I hope you have a great weekend!

Text Message Script

Avoid sending group texts, as they’re easy to ignore, are impersonal and feel like “junk mail.” Engage the person in conversation first. Once you have a conversation started, you can copy and paste your “ask” message.

Example:

Hi Lisa! I’m reaching out about an event I’m participating in this year and thought you’d be interested in hearing about it. Do you have a minute?

Hi Jen! Sure, I’d love to hear about it.

I’m training for the Miles for Mels Race with Mel Trotter Ministries to help bring an end to hunger and homelessness one step at a time. A gift of $50 can provide a hot meal and safe shelter for one person, so my goal is to find X people to help me reach my goal of [INSERT FUNDRAISING GOAL]. Would you be interested in sponsoring me with a gift of X?

Maybe, could I have more information?

Absolutely! You can visit my fundraising page for more info or to donate: [INSERT FUNDRAISING PAGE] Another way to get involved is to join my team! If you’d like to learn more about this, you can visit my team page: [INSERT TEAM PAGE LINK] Thank you so much for considering this!

Phone/In-Person Ask Talking Points

Use this script as a guideline for your phone and in-person conversations, but avoid reading off the script directly. Be personal, relaxed and let your passion for the work we’re doing shine through. Be gracious and thank them for their time at the end of the call.

Example:

Hi Lisa! This is Jen, how are you?

I’m doing well, how about you?

Good! I’m just reaching out because I’m participating in an event this year that I thought you’d be interested in – do you have a minute for me to tell you about it?

Sure!

Great! I’m currently training for the Miles for Mels Race with Mel Trotter Ministries in the fight against homelessness. Are you familiar with Mel Trotter?

No, could you tell me more?

Absolutely! Mel Trotter exists to demonstrate the compassion of Christ to all and to bring an end to hunger and homelessness in the Grand Rapids area. They provide essential services such as emergency shelter, workforce development, job training, housing, addiction recovery, Christ-centered care and they also work to prevent and divert individuals and families from ever experiencing homelessness.

$50 provides a hot meal and safe shelter for one person, so I’m working to find X people to sponsor me and reach my goal of [INSERT FUNDRAISING GOAL]. Lisa, would you be willing to support me with a donation of X?

Maybe – I’d like some more info.

Of course! You can visit my fundraising page for more information: [PROVIDE FUNDRAISING PAGE WEBSITE]

Another way to get involved is by joining my team and participating in [INSERT EVENT NAME]! You can find my team page at: [PROVIDE TEAM PAGE WEBSITE]

Thanks Jen! I’ll check these out and get back to you.

Awesome, thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me today. Have a great day!

Pro-Tips

Make a list of potential supporters: try to think of everyone you know! Continue to add to this list.

Customize scripts as needed to make them more personalized.

Add your picture to your fundraising page.

Make sure to share a link to your fundraising page when communicating with potential supporters.

Invite others to join your team and share a link to your team page.

Ask for a specific donation amount.

Share your fundraising goal and your “why.”

Follow up with people who say they’ll give, who like or comment on your social media posts, and with those who are undecided or don’t respond. People often forget to respond and are grateful for the reminder! Plan to follow up twice after the initial communication, giving them 1-2 weeks between each contact.

Thank the people you communicate with for their time and consideration.