How to throw a house party?
December 8, 2010 5:44 PM Subscribe
What do I need to know to throw a successful house party to raise funds for my nonprofit?
We have a board member willing to open up her home for a house party (probably a wine-and-cheese mixer) in an effort to raise funds for our organization. She will likely co-host/sponsor the party with a couple of other board members. They will provide the food and drink and the space--and a targeted guest list. The organization will create and send the invitations, and send two directors to speak about organizational activities and highlight need.
What can you share about your own experience with similar events? If there's capacity for about 50 minglers, how big should our guest list be (allowing room for those who can't make it)? Can you refer me to advisable wording for the invitation--something that will make it clear we expect guests to come with a checkbook? Should we require RSVP, or leave it open for people to change their minds and come at the last minute? Should we include a payment envelope with the invitation, in case someone wishes to support us but cannot come to the party? What do guests at such events expect or wish to experience?
I'd love to hear DO's and DONT's from people with experience. Any links to helpful guidelines are also appreciated! Thanks.
We have a board member willing to open up her home for a house party (probably a wine-and-cheese mixer) in an effort to raise funds for our organization. She will likely co-host/sponsor the party with a couple of other board members. They will provide the food and drink and the space--and a targeted guest list. The organization will create and send the invitations, and send two directors to speak about organizational activities and highlight need.
What can you share about your own experience with similar events? If there's capacity for about 50 minglers, how big should our guest list be (allowing room for those who can't make it)? Can you refer me to advisable wording for the invitation--something that will make it clear we expect guests to come with a checkbook? Should we require RSVP, or leave it open for people to change their minds and come at the last minute? Should we include a payment envelope with the invitation, in case someone wishes to support us but cannot come to the party? What do guests at such events expect or wish to experience?
I'd love to hear DO's and DONT's from people with experience. Any links to helpful guidelines are also appreciated! Thanks.
We usually invite 3x the number we hope will actually come.
posted by Miko at 9:09 PM on December 8, 2010
posted by Miko at 9:09 PM on December 8, 2010
I think a payment envelope with the invitation would be really tacky. I'll second kimdog, I've seen this sort of thing as more of a cultivation type of event. If these folks are totally new to your organization then they aren't going to be cutting a big check after just learning about you at the event. It might not be a bad idea to ask at the event -- just be prepared for small guilt donations that may or may not even cover staff time. What you need to do is be sure you have a way of collecting everyone's name, address, phone number, email, business cards, whatever so that you can follow up afterward. Chat with everyone at the event and learn about them and find out what their interests are and how you can connect them to the organization. Think about future volunteers and board members, etc. Think long term....the $20 or even $200 check you might get at the event is nothing compared to the $2,000 or $20,000 or more that you might get annually if you cultivate the relationship. Ask someone for advice and you get money, ask someone for money and you get advice. Best of luck.
posted by fieldtrip at 10:05 PM on December 8, 2010
posted by fieldtrip at 10:05 PM on December 8, 2010
I've done this a few times, and it can be really challenging, even with a great ask, to get people to open their checkbooks. What I've found more effective is just setting a ticket price ("suggested donation") to attend - $50 or $100 or whatever - and then you make your ask around having people get involved in the org rather than contributions, and some people will be motivated to contribute financially as well. If the attendees are totally new to your org, then you might not be able to do this, but for existing supporters, it can be a nice way to go. And yes, explicitly call it a fundraiser on the invitation.
posted by judith at 12:05 AM on December 9, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by judith at 12:05 AM on December 9, 2010 [1 favorite]
There's a great book on the subject and it suggests the following:
1. People receive an invitation to come to a private home.
2. The invitation makes it clear that the evening will be a fundraising event.
3. Participants arrive and are served some refreshments.
4. Participants sit through a brief presentation.
5. A peer – someone articulate, respected and enthusiastic – stands up and asks everyone present to make a contribution.
I talked to someone recently who rescued his arts organization using this method. It can work, but it appears to be most successful for a crisis or opportunity. People are less comfortable shaking their friends down for money for general operating expenses unless there are children involved or diseases to be cured.
posted by *s at 9:58 AM on December 9, 2010 [2 favorites]
1. People receive an invitation to come to a private home.
2. The invitation makes it clear that the evening will be a fundraising event.
3. Participants arrive and are served some refreshments.
4. Participants sit through a brief presentation.
5. A peer – someone articulate, respected and enthusiastic – stands up and asks everyone present to make a contribution.
I talked to someone recently who rescued his arts organization using this method. It can work, but it appears to be most successful for a crisis or opportunity. People are less comfortable shaking their friends down for money for general operating expenses unless there are children involved or diseases to be cured.
posted by *s at 9:58 AM on December 9, 2010 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: Clarification about the "targeted guest list": The idea is that each of the 3-4 co-sponsors will contribute to the creation of the guest list, adding names of individuals who can probably afford to give, and who they think are well-matched to the organization's mission.
posted by AnOrigamiLife at 10:44 AM on December 9, 2010
posted by AnOrigamiLife at 10:44 AM on December 9, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
I think you can easily invite 3 to 4 times the number of people you can accommodate. Probably more depending on the guest list (unless you've had events before with an exceptionally high turnout rate).
Yes, I would recommend an RSVP. It's very helpful to have a preliminary headcount for the hosts. And generally, it won't deter people who want to come at the last minute. There are almost always no-shows, though. And worst case, it can help you decide if you need to cancel the event. This recently happened to my well-known, well-regarded org... three days before a house party, we only had 3 RSVPs, so we decided to cancel.
As far as language on the invitation, I think you need to explicitly call this a fundraiser. The house parties I've been involved with haven't been this revenue focused. We consider these events cultivations, and hope that they will make the attendees feel more connected to the organization, and in turn, become donors or increase their giving. There are usually a few spontaneous checks at the event , but often the donations come in well after the event. So if you are expecting guests to pony up at the event, you may even want to have some sort of suggested donation on the invite.
posted by kimdog at 6:23 PM on December 8, 2010