10 key questions about budgets & raising support

Wondering how things work with getting a salary from Pioneers? In some ways, it’s a lot like any other job. But as a ministry conducted in partnership with a team of supporters who fund your work, it can feel quite a bit different. You might also want to take a look at What about Raising Support? and an FAQ for donors called Giving Help.

Budgets and benefits

How much support do I need to raise to be on a Pioneers team?

This varies by country, city and team. After you have completed Explore and a specific team has accepted you, you will work with the finance team and the field leaders to develop a personalized support-raising budget.

Does Pioneers pool funds or does my support go to my own account?

All donations are given to the organization, not to an individual. The donor gets a tax-deductible receipt. We honor the donor’s wishes and put the funds in the missionary’s support account for Pioneers ministry salary and expenses. Any excess funds remain in your account to use as needed.

How much of my support goes to administrative expenses?

Ten percent of all funds donated go to support the operation of the U.S. office, while two percent goes to the international leadership budget.

Does Pioneers have a retirement plan?

Yes. You can check out Financial Management Network, Inc. through the website https://www.piplan.org.

Steps along the way

Do I need to be at 100% support before going to the field?

You will need to reach 90% of your recommended monthly support goal and raise 100% of your one-time departure and set-up budget before your pre-field coach, the finance team and your field team will clear you to depart. At that point, you can set a departure date and purchase tickets.

How are funds dispersed to the field?

You can receive funds through direct deposit to a U.S. bank account and access them with a debit card, or have funds wired to an overseas bank at the end of each month.

Dealing with debt

Do I need to have my debts fully paid before leaving for the field?

You will need to pay off any car loans, credit cards, etc. prior to departure for the field. It would be great to have all debt paid off before leaving for the field. We can discuss exceptions to this on an individual basis.

What about school loans?

You may want to or need to pay down school loans before departure, but you may include in your budget up to $300 a month per person for school loans—especially if your degree is instrumental to your work on the field (e.g., medical school). If your payments are higher than $300 a month per individual and you find you can live on less than your approved salary, you may use salary funds to augment student loan payments.

Some members who serve in a medical capacity also qualify for help in covering their school loan repayment through MedSend.

What about a mortgage?

Some overseas staff own property in the U.S. and continue to make mortgage payments. Usually, they rent out the property to cover the mortgage. But managing property from overseas can be a burden, so many choose to sell their property instead.