NetCasting: Casting a Net Over Your Network to Build Mission Support
NetCasting isn’t just about fundraising—it’s about building a network of people who believe in your mission and want to support it in various ways, whether through prayer, encouragement, or financial help. This guide offers a step-by-step process to help you start creating a meaningful, supportive community.
Step 1: Cultivating a Christian Community of Support
Think about who could support you in your mission. Focus on these three groups:
Christians You Know
Start with people who share your faith. They’re often motivated to support causes that align with advancing God’s kingdom.Close Communities
Include friends, family, and others who know and trust you. These relationships are often the most ready to help.Casual Connections
Consider people you’ve met briefly—at events, in classes, or even in passing. These connections can sometimes make a surprising impact.
By connecting with these groups, you’ll build a community that believes in and supports your mission.
Step 2: Aim to Build a List of 500 Contacts
Set a goal of compiling at least 500 potential contacts. Research shows the average person may encounter between 10,000 and 80,000 people in a lifetime, encompassing everything from brief acquaintances to close relationships. Narrowing this down to a list of 500 meaningful connections—friends, acquaintances, and family—can give you a robust base of support.
Tip: If reaching 500 names feels challenging, remember that experienced fundraising coaches often suggest that generating a list of 100 names can take as little as 30 minutes with focused effort. Start with anyone who comes to mind, and work your way up gradually.
Step 3: Build a Community, Not Just Raise Funds
NetCasting isn’t just about asking for financial help—it’s about inviting people to join your mission. Some may contribute financially, while others may provide support through prayer, volunteering their time, or offering their skills. Your network should be a place of encouragement, prayer, and shared resources.
Example of Non-Financial Support: Someone could support your mission in numerous ways beyond financial contributions. They might help design a newsletter, volunteer at an event, offer prayers, or even host a small gathering to introduce others to your mission. Each form of support, including the power of prayer, is valuable and strengthens the sense of community around your cause.
Step 4: Dedicate Time to Building Your List
Building a supportive network takes time and intentionality. Set aside around 15 hours to do this thoroughly, and use these strategies to get started:
Search Social Media Contacts
Look through your social media connections. Sometimes people you haven’t spoken to in a while may still be interested in reconnecting and helping.Review Your Phone Contacts
Your phone contacts list is another valuable resource of people with whom you already have a direct line of communication.Look at Church Directories and Group Lists
Church directories and organizations or groups you’ve been part of can be rich sources of support.
Be thorough and open-minded. Every contact could bring value to your mission.
Step 5: Use the NetCasting Tool to Track Connections
Staying organized with the NetCasting tool is essential for managing and nurturing your connections effectively. The important thing is to be diligent in updating and using this tool. The NetCasting tool will help you record new connections, track communication, and store essential details, ensuring that no contact is overlooked. Regularly reaching out to your network keeps your supporters engaged and valued over time, fostering long-term, meaningful relationships around your mission.
Final Thoughts: The Value of Long-Term Community-Building
NetCasting is about more than raising funds—it’s about inviting others to share in a mission. Social psychologists, such as Robin Dunbar, suggest we can maintain meaningful social relationships with around 150 people at a time. Over a lifetime, many of these relationships change, but maintaining a core group that believes in your mission is essential. Approach this process prayerfully, asking God to bring to mind those who might feel called to support your work. You may be surprised at the people who respond.
Testimonial Example: “When I first started NetCasting, I didn’t think anyone from my high school would be interested. But as I reached out, I found many were excited to hear about my mission and offered to pray or share my updates. It’s amazing to see how God works through unexpected connections!”
By following these steps, you’ll begin building a supportive network around your mission—a community that will support you in prayer, encouragement, and resources as you work toward a shared purpose.
