House Party/Fundraiser Tips

Preparing

• Make sure to choose a date that you know will work for people you'd like to attend.
• Consider asking a few friends or colleagues to help you plan. You can even list them as a "host committee" on the invitation to attract more people who will recognize the names.
• Send invitations at least 3-6 weeks in advance and ask for an RSVP.

Raising the Money

• Set a fundraising goal ($300, $1,000, $5,000, etc), and don't be afraid to ask for money. People will appreciate your appeal for a good cause!

• Offer people the opportunity to donate funds through their written RSVP in response to the invitation (whether or not they can attend the event) and at the event. Passing around a hat or leaving a basket by the door works in conjunction with someone actually making the pitch verbally.

Being Creative

• The event does not have to be a dinner or a brunch; it can be a wine-tasting, chocolate tasting, tea party, pool party,etc.  
• The event can be in your home or at church or other community setting.

Cutting Costs

• Have a potluck meal for which guests bring the food. Make sure to coordinate who brings what so you don't end up with all desserts!   

Generating Turn-Out

• A week or two before the event, call people you haven't heard from to encourage them to come.

• A few days before the event, call those who have said they will come to remind them of the date and time and to make sure they have directions.

Following Up

• Make sure to take down all participants' names and contact information (including email) and to ask if it is okay to pass it along to Misunderstood.

Sample Planning Timeline for a House Party/ Fundraiser

To help you ensure a successful event, we’ve provided an example timetable for a small to medium-sized houseparty/fundraiser. Keep in mind that depending on when your event takes place, its size and its type, your timetable will be different.

4-8 weeks before -When you decide you want to host an event:

Determine the where, when, who, why and what of the events — Write out an action plan and a to-do list.
Create invitation list.

Develop a budget (how much you have to spend and estimated costs) and a list of things to purchase.

3 to 6 weeks before:
Mail invitations with directions and a request for RSVP.

1 to 2 weeks after mailing invitations:

Call invitation list to encourage people to come (this will increase your turnout).
For a potluck dinner — develop a menu and assign certain dishes to individuals (this will ensure you do not end up with all desserts and no main course).

1 to 2 weeks before:
Plan the meal or refreshments.

Purchase beverages and supplies.

Make sure all guests have directions.

Secure all needed volunteers for greeters, bartenders, servers, cooks, and people to hand out information and collect checks.

1 to 5 days before: 
Clean the house.

Prepare make-ahead food.

Set up the beverage area.

Select music.

Decorate.

Day of event:
Set the table or arrange the room to accommodate the amount of people and the type of event.

Have a place for your guests to place their coats.

Ask all volunteers to arrive two hours before the event to help with last minute details and receive instructions for their job at the party (have refreshments for the volunteers).