Launch Partnership is designed for churches who want more than just a toolkit. They want IFI staff in their corner as they launch. You still own the ministry and your volunteers still lead it. Choose Launch Partner if you want IFI guidance through your first semester without stepping into monthly coaching.
About the Suggested Donation
Launch Partnership is free. IFI suggests a donation of $1,000–$3,000 per year to help sustain the training, resources, and regional staff support IFI provides to partner churches. This is not a requirement to participate, and churches with tighter budgets can still start the conversation.
Full DIY ToolkitTap to open details
Get the core guides, templates, budget tools, and launch plan your church needs to begin.
IFI-Led Initial TrainingTap to open details
IFI helps your volunteer team get ready before meeting students, so you begin with confidence and healthier hospitality habits.
Annual Planning CallTap to open details
Your church gets a planning conversation that turns ideas into a real semester calendar and next steps.
Campus ConnectionTap to open details
If IFI is active near your campus, you gain a practical local connection. If not, you still get regional support and the same core resources.
Regional SupportTap to open details
When questions come up, your team has someone to ask. You have a real IFI contact to help you troubleshoot and keep momentum.
Volunteer CurriculumTap to open details
Your volunteers get training they can finish and use, covering hospitality, cultural awareness, and student engagement.
Launch Partner vs. DIY Self-Guided
Launch Partner adds:
- IFI-led training session
- Annual planning call
- Regional IFI contact
- Campus connection
- Full volunteer curriculum
You still own:
- The ministry and its direction
- Volunteer recruitment
- Student relationships
- Event planning and hosting
- Church integration
How it works
Getting started as a Launch Partner
1
Contact IFI
Church step. Reach out to info@ifiusa.org or visit ifiusa.org to find your regional representative. Tell them your church is interested in Launch Partnership.
2
Initial Conversation
IFI-led step. Your regional IFI rep will connect with your volunteer leader and pastor to understand your church's context, capacity, and the nearest university.
3
Training Session
Shared step. IFI staff lead your volunteer team through orientation, cultural sensitivity training, and the IFI hospitality framework. This happens before your first student event.
4
Launch Your Ministry
Church-led step. Using the 30/60/90 day plan, your volunteer leader guides the team through the first semester. Most churches move from planning to meeting students during that first semester, with IFI available for questions and guidance throughout.
5
Annual Planning Call
Shared step. Each year, reconnect with your IFI coordinator to plan the next semester, troubleshoot challenges, and discuss whether Guided Partnership is a fit.
By the end of semester one: your church has met students personally, hosted recurring touchpoints, and built a volunteer team that can keep going.
Common questions
What churches ask us
Does the pastor have to lead this?
No. The pastor endorses and champions the ministry, that is it. A volunteer leader runs it. IFI works directly with your volunteer leader and team, not your pastoral staff.
What does "suggested donation" mean?
IFI is a nonprofit funded by churches and donors. The suggested $1,000–$3,000 donation helps IFI continue offering free training and support to churches like yours. It's not required to participate, but it's how IFI sustains this work.
How much time does the volunteer leader need to commit?
Most volunteer leaders spend 4–6 hours per month on ISM, planning meetings, event coordination, and student follow-up. The core team distributes the load so no one person carries it all.
What if there's no IFI campus near us?
IFI has regional staff across the country. Even without an active campus in your city, you'll have a regional representative and full access to IFI's resources and curriculum.
Can we upgrade to Guided Partnership later?
Yes, and many churches do. Launch Partnership is a natural on-ramp. After your first year, you and your IFI rep can evaluate whether Guided Partnership is the right next step.
Ready to become a Launch Partner?
Tell us about your church and we'll connect you with your regional representative within a few business days.
Contact IFI to Get Started See Guided Partnership