In the default world – worthy projects need to raise money.
Do you find yourself yearning to help but not sure you can? One excellent way to bring this horse to life – and even have some fun – is to throw a fundraising house party. Your personal commitment to host a house party makes a huge difference because every donation no matter how great or small counts. You have the two fundraising skills that count the most: your passion and your relationships.
Fundraising may feel like a daunting task and you may find yourself asking uttering these words: I don’t know where to start. I don’t know any rich people. I feel weird asking for money!
These are normal thoughts, but in reality, you have the means to raise a good amount of money and have a fun time doing it. Why? Because you don’t necessarily need people to give a lot; all you need is to get a lot of people to give.
Easy steps for a successful house party
WHO TO INVITE
Invite everyone you know, whether you think they can donate or not. Invite
people from every area of your world and don’t limit your ask to one particular group in your life. You should invite at least four times the number of people who you would like to show up.
INVITATIONS
Specify on the invitations that this will be a fundraising event. Be direct from the
start that the purpose of the house party is to raise funds for the Trojan Horse Project – that way your guests won’t be surprised or offended that they are expected to reach for their wallets. But make it clear that there is no pressure to donate. If you let people know ahead of time that you are asking them for money, people who don’t want to be asked will self-select out. It will take the pressure off of you and ensure that you have a receptive audience.
When you are sending out the invitations, please include the link to donate through the web site: www.trojanhorse2011.com/donations This means that even your friends who are unable to attend will be able to make a contribution. Be sure to mention that all donations are tax deductible (in the US). Don’t forget the obvious, like the date and time of the event, location, address, phone, and email. If you serve food, you should definitely say so – people love free food.
It is good to send the invitations a few different routes so that people pay attention. Email and Facebook is a free and easy way to get the word out and it allows them to invite others to join them. You will need to follow up with people you don’t hear from after a week. In this age of ubiquitous emails the best way to get people to your event is to make a personal phone call. It adds a personal touch, which people appreciate and respond to. And it is still the most effective way to get people to attend. Don’t be shy about letting them know that this is something that means a lot to you and you’d like them to come if they can. Be sure to send out reminders to everyone two days before and the day before your event.
VOLUNTEERS
While it is possible to do everything yourself, it is easier and more fun with help. You should be free to talk with your guests about the importance of the Trojan Horse project and not have to worry about doing everything. Consider having friends help with food, event set-up and clean-up. It is especially helpful to have a volunteer at the donation and check-in table.
SET UP
Have a small table near the door for check-in. As your guests enter make sure they put their names, and addresses down on a sign-in sheet, along with their email addresses so we can keep them posted on the projects milestones.
It is best to keep everyone in one room or area. Excitement is generated by your guests seeing each other and interacting with each other. At your event provide drinks and snacks for your guests, but it is not necessary to spend extra money on special decorations and elaborate food. If you want to go all out you can, but it is not necessary to spend allot of money to raise money.
THE EVENT
After the event starts leave about 45 minutes for chatting and to ensure your guests arrive. Then it is time for your presentation about the project. This is a wonderful project that everyone needs to know about, but it is your passion and commitment that will encourage the people around you to take that extra step and donate.
Make sure to make a clear and direct ask for money. They came to the house party knowing what it was for – do not be afraid to directly ask for their financial help. Everyone who attended is expecting you to ask and it is what they are waiting for. Have a computer available with the Trojan Horse donation page displayed so people can make credit card donations right on the spot. For those who prefer to exchange in cash, you could always leave a secured donations piggy bank. You’ll find that having a face-to-face contact with donors is a satisfying, powerful, and effective way to solicit new support and deepen commitment to the Trojan Horse Project.
Thank everyone for attending and supporting you in this endeavor. Leave some time for questions and then you are done. It really is that easy!
Have a question or just need someone to talk to: You got it! Call 916.798.8645 and we can talk about fundraising all you want.
Shade
Funding Consultant