Time to have some parties!

As fundraisers, we're always looking for fun ways to engage our current donors, while at the same time attracting new donor prospects to our organization's mission. Is there a productive and fun way to deepen relationships and create new friendships that will advance the mission of your org?

Yes! And this is the time of year to do it! Some people call them porch parties. Intimate gatherings with a maximum of 12-14 guests with donors and prospects alike. Preferably your Chief Executive(s) will attend with your gift officers but don't overwhelm the guests with too many staff members.

The ideal is to have a board member host at his/her home, have some good wine and hors d'oeuvres and lots of friendly conversation. This is not the time to make an ask! You're relationship building with this party and the "work" comes during your follow up with the guests.

In your invitation, make sure to indicate in a gentle way that there won't be any solicitation during the party. This is strictly a social gathering, but it's one of the most effective cultivations you can do each year.

Your executive director should plan to speak for no more than 10 minutes... and his/her remarks always begin with gratitude for the donors' support. This is now the perfect opportunity to touch on new and bold initiatives your org is launching... present a vision to the guests... get them excited about the work you are planning over the next 24 months and beyond. Make sure you have subject matter experts in attendance to answer questions from your guests... but make sure to keep it informal and light.

You don't need a slide deck, handouts, or any type of collateral... you're simply engaging people who can help your cause, while helping to meet their own philanthropic goals.

One week following the event is the time to reach out and contact your guests. Ask for advice and feedback. Solicit their questions and ask them if they want to learn more about your initiatives. Now the table is set for you to begin working towards the "ask."

We held a porch party a while back at the vacation home of a board member that was a spectacular home overlooking an impressive mountain range. The weather cooperated and it went so well, that donors are still talking about that party four years later.

It's time to party!