TIPS TO RAISE FUNDS: The 5 S’s to Raise Funds & Engage Your Community
Funding your church or ministry vision doesn’t start with money it starts with people. At Faithful Funding, we’ve seen that the most successful applications for Christian grants in England are rooted in strong community insight and clear spiritual purpose.
Whether you’re launching a new project or strengthening existing outreach, funders want to know one thing: are you connected to the people you’re called to serve?
In this blog, we share five simple but powerful principles : The 5 S’s to help you engage your community, build trust with funders, and position your vision for sustainable, Spirit led impact.
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Our Top 5 Community Outreach Projects
Introduction: Funding Follows Vision ; and Community
Raising funds for a Christian project in England can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re navigating applications, budgets and outcomes. But many funders (especially Christian funders) are looking for the same thing: evidence of impact, rooted in community and guided by faith.
At Faithful Funding, we’ve learned that the most successful projects often start not with spreadsheets, but with conversations. That’s why we’re sharing our “5 S’s” to help you engage your community meaningfully and prepare for sustainable, faith filled fundraising.
1. Speak : Start the Conversation
It begins with a conversation. Speak to the people around you; in your church, your neighbourhood, your school, your town. Ask what they need, what they’re seeing, and where they think God is moving.
You might already have a vision , but hearing from your community will help you shape it, refine it, and ground it in real life.
2. Survey : Gather the Evidence
Don’t just rely on word of mouth. Create a simple survey or feedback form. You can do this on paper, online, or face to face. Funders love to see data, even if it’s simple that shows there’s a genuine local need.
Have documents ready: short reports, statistics, or quotes that show you've done your homework. It adds credibility and shows intentionality.
3. Stories : Share Real Life Testimonies
Nothing speaks louder than a real story. Whether it’s a transformed life, a moment of breakthrough, or a community impact ; use testimonies to bring your vision to life.
Funders want to fund people, not just projects. Show them the heart behind the work.
4. Sustainability : Think Long Term
One of the most common reasons funders say “no” is this: “It’s not sustainable.” They want to know that your project won’t rely on grant funding forever. Can the local community take ownership over time? Will it eventually generate its own income or develop leaders who can carry it forward?
Christian funders are looking to plant seeds that grow not short term fixes that fade.
5. Spiritual Impact : Keep Christ at the Centre
We are not just called to social action : we are called to spiritual transformation. Yes, Jesus fed the 5,000, but He also preached the Kingdom. Funders need to know: what will the spiritual impact of this work be?
Whether it’s prayer, discipleship, mission or community healing, make it clear why this work matters spiritually, not just socially.
Conclusion: Funders Follow Faithful Stewardship
Engaging your community isn’t just good practice: it’s Biblical. When you take time to speak, survey, share stories, think sustainably, and centre your work around spiritual impact, you’re showing funders that you’re serious, rooted, and ready. These aren’t just fundraising tips, they’re signs of faithful stewardship.
Funders aren’t just looking for need; they’re looking for vision that is clear, thoughtful, and Spirit led. And when you get that right, doors open.
If you’d like help shaping your project or turning your vision into a strong funding application, message us ; we’d be honoured to support you.
Many blessings,
Faithful Funding