Finding new donors

House parties (also known as small cultivation events) all serve one purpose - to help your nonprofit find people who value the good you do.

You can do that in two ways:

1. Introduce people to your mission and the difference the program makes – with the goal of finding people who want to help make this possible. (No “ASK” at this type of event.)

2. Share stories of the good your donors make possible and invite guest to support the mission financially. (This event has an “ASK”, so be SURE people know they will be given an opportunity to make a donation. NEVER surprise guests with an “ask.”)

Both types of events are important. Both are about relationships. Both are avenues to greater support.

Decide which purpose suits you and the people you are inviting.

Ten steps to successful House Parties:

1. Think of something fun. It can be as simple as a cozy dinner or as elaborate as the incredible original play followed by an ask.

2. Ask staff to supply speakers on confirmed date and time.

3. Invite people who may be interested. The event can be as small as 3-4 couples, plus a couple of staff and the hosts, or as large as 50-75 people with four to five staff plus the hosts. Having half the people come that you invite is a good return, so invite more than you actually expect to come. To get eight guests, invite 16. To get 50 invite more than 100.

4. Match guests and staff. When you have your RSVPs, look at the guest list and divide the guests, who likely have the greatest interest and capacity for giving, into groups. This is just on paper. The guests should not be aware of this. Match the guests with staff members based on interests, gender, age, status, etc. – people likely to feel comfortable with each other. For instance, a corporate CEO would be matched with the Executive Director. Again, this is behind the scenes work. Give each staff member their list. It will say something like,” Rachel, please make a point of greeting: John and Suzi Smith, Janice Jones, Phil and Maribel Johnson and Samuel Mitchell.”

5. Have nametags.

6. Greet guests as they come in. Have a host and a staff member greet everyone. Have staff assure that everyone receives a nametag and is directed to the activity.

7. During the mingle time, have staff make a point of chatting with the guests on their list. This should feel organic not like staff checking folks off their list. Staff and hosts are listening to guests. Listening is key. Listen for why they came, what their interests are, what they already know about your nonprofit, what their passions are. Make mental notes, like Suzi Smith is a cancer survivor. She is also a musician. Samuel just returned from Italy. He goes every year and loves the art and the wine. Share your findings with your Development staff.

8. After folks have a chance to mingle, call everyone together. Thank them for coming and tell them about your nonprofit. Staff gives a brief overview of mission (3-4 minutes).

1. If you are introducing your nonprofit: Staff or someone who benefitted from your mission shares a heart-felt story of the life-changing difference your mission makes. (5- 7 minutes) Then have another share by a person in a different role. If the first speaker was a staff member, then this story is a participant. (5-7 minutes) Then staff wraps up: “We’d love to stay in touch. If you’d like to receive our newsletter or get more involved, please leave your contact information on one of the sheets. (Point them out. Have more than one place to sign up. So there is no line or waiting.) Then the host invites everyone to have more coffee, wine, cake - - -

2. ​If you’re making an ASK Follow the directions above, but have the final speaker be a staff person, who invites guest to make a gift to help make more happy endings. Have envelopes and pledge cards for each guest. Have staff pass them out or have them easily available. Have a place for guests to place pledges. Then have host invite guests to have more refreshment.

3. After the party - If you’re introducing your nonprofit: The area Development person follows up with a call asking for feedback and asking if the guest would like to get involved in any way. the Development person will make next day calls thanking donors, and she will call all other guests within a week asking for feedback and seeing if they have any interest in further involvement.

4. Stay in touch with guests, who express interest in your mission. Not everyone will have an interest and know that is okay. They will do good elsewhere.