Werth-It Fundraising Blog

I got a question from a board member about hosting an event to raise money.  She asked me if I had any final tips.  Here’s what I wrote back:

Let’s say you want 20 people there: the two of you should invite about 100 people.  About 80% won’t come.  Also, you’ll want to make it clear in the Evite that it’s a fundraiser, but they choose whether and how much to give, so don’t set a price for coming or a requirement to give: it’s your job to move them. 

Whatever you do at the restaurant, don’t make it too expensive or lengthy.  It’s not about the food; you don’t want to spend too much, or other people will feel that their parties have to be lavish, too.  Coffee/tea and baklava would be fine.  Don’t make it too long, either: one hour is enough for chatting, telling the story, making the pitch, and chatting afterward.  If it’s too long, people arrive late or leave early.

I’ve posted information on my website about fundraising — www.werth-it.com — but if you don’t see what you need there, please write me, Katherine Wertheim, CFRE, at katherin@werth-it.com.