Hosting Winning Private Fundraisers

In this continuing series, we explore the results of a survey conducted among over fifty state and local new leaders asking for any voluntary advice they might give to new or inexperienced new leaders seeking elected office.  Part 4 can be found here.

Fundraising is a board category with many definitions, depending on circumstances. At its basic etymological core, it literally means raising money. However, the implementation of fundraising can range from mass mailings, radio advertisement, rallies, or even mowing lawns. The context we will look at today is that of private home fundraisers.

When properly executed, home fundraisers can be a smashing success and not only bring in much needed funds, but a good reputation which, many times, is the difference between victory and defeat.

The first thing required for a successful fundraiser is a nice house. It doesn’t have to be Rockefeller nice with 20,000 square feet of available space but it also shouldn’t be a tent with walls. Never hold a fundraiser in a messy house: even if you are the “average Joe” a messy house insinuates you don’t have enough time to keep your house clean. Why then should people try to get you into elected office? If your house doesn’t fit the criteria, ask a friend, neighbor or fellow candidate.

Secondly, food and drinks are a huge positive. Even something as simple as water and cookies can be sufficient. It doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive, just something that helps create a relaxed environment.

Get a featured speaker or guest. If you are running for anything on a state or federal level, try to get someone on the same or higher level to be a featured guest. Running for your state house? Try to get one of your state’s federal house or senate delegates to headline your fundraiser. Even though you are not the only speaker, remember that attendees want one-on-one time with you as well, so allow time at the beginning and end for casual conversation.

Finally, make sure that most of your invited guests (if doing a “closed” fundraiser) are top dollar donors. It doesn’t do any good to throw a fundraiser using $500 in required expenses to host people that will only donate five bucks. It doesn’t have to be entirely composed of the wealthy, however, it must have a few.

Word of mouth is the best way to spread the word about a private fundraiser. Print out small, inexpensive palm cards or flyers that the host and the host’s friends can pass along to people in the week or two leading up to the fundraiser. Get the names and contact information of those who attended and ask them to not only give, but to volunteer and help spread the word about you and your campaign in the future.