Dear Prospective City on the Hill Student,

 
The following information is intended to help you think of ways to raise the funds you need to attend City on the Hill 2011.  Most of it is common sense, but hopefully these ideas will save you time in the brainstorming stage.

 
Raising funds for your tuition should be no trouble if you are willing to put some effort and a little time into the process. Be determined that you are able to do this, and you will find that it’s easier than you may have expected to reach your goal.

PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS:

1. Look at the calendar and figure out how much money you will have to raise each week before you make the final payment. Breaking it down this way makes it more manageable. It will also motivate you to spend a little time each week working toward your goal.

2. Start by writing letters to all of your relatives and friends, even if you are fairly certain they wouldn’t contribute. Sometimes these are the very individuals that will surprise you! Many people like to make donations to help someone they know. A form letter works nicely.

3. Contact a staff member at your church, preferably someone who knows you like your Youth Pastor, and tell him/her about your opportunity to attend City on the Hill. Then ask if you can offer your services to people in the church in exchange for a donation to help you attend City on the Hill. Ask if you can place an advertisement in the bulletin, newsletter, on the bulletin board, or wherever such information is posted in your church.

4. Ask if there are any jobs that need to be done at the church facility. For example, some churches may pay for baby sitters, window washers, lawn cutters, extra secretarial work, odd jobs, etc.

5. Your youth group or another group in your church may want to sponsor a fund-raising event to benefit you.  Some suggestions are: A dinner, bake sale, concert, car wash, or silent auction. Any of these would make good fund-raising events.

6. Contact your local central committee, tea party group or other civic groups about a possible sponsorship.

Be creative in thinking of ways to get your friends and your church involved in sending you to City on the Hill. These are just a few suggestions to get you started. Finally, be sure to pray as you go. It can be scary asking people for money, but many people actually enjoy giving to individuals like yourself you are bold enough to ask!  Ask God to help you and you will be amazed at the results.