How Much Money Do I Need to Raise to be a Missionary?

When global workers begin support raising with SIM USA, each worker has a different budget. A budget for overseas ministry refers to the amount of financial support needed for life and ministry overseas. The amount each person needs varies greatly. It depends on a few important factors:  

• The cost of living in their ministry location. 

• Family size—whether single, a married couple, or a family with children.  

• Ministry expenses, which are similar to operating costs in a business.  

Creating a budget starts with a questionnaire that helps SIM understand your finances and family situation. SIM USA also communicates with your ministry location to learn about specific costs in that country. Your Budget Manager uses this information to build a monthly budget. This includes things like salary, housing, retirement, health insurance, and one-time expenses. 

Budgets include both monthly and one-time needs. Monthly needs cover regular expenses such as housing, utilities, and daily living costs. A one-time needs budget is called a “Launch Fund.” The Launch Fund includes costs like travel, language school, training, and start-up expenses.  

The average budget breakdown looks like this:  

• 55.2%: Salary, Housing, and Taxes. These cover salary, housing including utilities, and required taxes. 

• 13.5%: Health Insurance. This covers medical care and insurance costs. 

• 9.5%: Retirement Plan. This is money contributed monthly to help you save for retirement. 

• 10.6%: Home and Field Services (Administration). This pays for administrative support from our home office. The percentage is lower than that of many similar organizations. Typically, the average fee for sending organizations is 16-18% of a worker’s budget. 

• 3.4%: International Travel Expenses. This covers travel and housing when you periodically return to the United States.  

• 7.8%: Ministry Expenses. This supports your ministry, ensuring it can operate effectively and has all necessary provisions. 

Ultimately, each budget is unique. There is no one-size-fits-all budget for global workers. Individual circumstances vary widely, including family needs, ministry context, and personal requirements.  

Once your budget is in place, we’ll help you develop a personalized fundraising plan. SIM USA will guide you each step of the way.  

SIM USA provides full transparency in budget development. Each line-item is clearly stated to ensure clarity and transparency throughout the process. Additionally, budgets do not change drastically over the years. This would only happen with shifts in ministry or location.  

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8  

When serving overseas with SIM USA, you will be assigned a dedicated Budget Manager. A Budget Manager regularly works with you as financial needs change and ensures your monthly budget covers all your needs. They periodically check-in and are always available if you have questions about your finances. They offer confidential, transparent financial support for all global workers. 

All Budget Managers have a strong financial understanding and a relational approach to their work. This combination of financial wisdom and relational care ensures you are well supported in your ministry. 

“We interact with most people quarterly, but a lot of times it’s monthly. We build a strong relationship, and we’re very intentional about making sure we protect that relationship and the transparency around it,” Director of Missionary Finance Jason H. said. “Whatever the problem or request is, we will help them through it and make sure they feel like they’re being cared for.” 

Budget Managers act as a constant point of contact throughout your ministry. They ensure your financial plans remain aligned with personal needs and ministry contexts. They adjust your budget if circumstances change and offer guidance if unexpected expenses arise. They also monitor your support, making sure you are well provided for. 

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:19

As a global worker, your budget is more than a list of expenses. It is a tool that helps sustain both you and the ministry God has called you to. Behind every budget is a team of people committed to ensuring you are cared for and equipped to serve effectively. 

Through regular counsel, transparent finances, and ongoing help from Budget Managers, SIM USA seeks to remove financial barriers so you can focus on ministry. With SIM USA, you will not walk through financial decisions alone. 

If you are exploring global ministry, we invite you to take the next step with SIM USA. Connect with a mission coach and attend a Connect event to learn more about serving God cross-culturally. Our team is here to answer questions and ensure you are supported well.  

“Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.” Psalm 34:10 

Maggie Watts
Content Creator

I am a content creator with SIM USA. It is a joy to use writing and multimedia to glorify God and tell stories about how He is working around the world.