Thank you for your interest in Project 515. House parties are the main way for individuals to help spread the word about Project 515’s advocacy work and to help fund its efforts. Guests attend because of their relationship with you so we appreciate your willingness to host! Please review the materials below and then contact Project 515 so we can support your planning.
THE BASICS
1. House parties are as unique as each host.
While some House parties are elaborate, others are very casual. Since the host determines the guest list, it’s up to you! All parties include a brief program element, which includes information about Project 515 and a request for financial support.
2. We are here to help if you need us.
Project 515 volunteers and staff would be happy to assist in the following areas:
- Creating an achievable time line
- Helping draft an electronic invitation
- RSVPs (if you want us to handle them)
- Volunteers on the day of (as needed)
- Speakers for the program including Project 515 staff and/or board members
- Thank you notes and outreach to those who were unable to attend
3. Hosts provide the location, food and beverage.
You are welcome to co-host with someone such as a friend, neighbor, or family member. This can help expand the guest list and share responsibilities.
4. We’ll help you set a realistic fundraising goal.
Some parties will bring in large donors while others may raise less money but still expand the circle of Project 515 supporters and advocates. Please keep in mind that non-GLBT people have been great supporters of Project 515. Think broadly as you develop a guest list.
5. Donations to Project 515 are not tax deductible.
Gifts to Project 515 support our political advocacy work and are not tax-deductible.
GETTING STARTED
- Pick a date at least eight weeks out and contact our development director, Jake Blumberg, at jake@project515.org
- Determine what kind of party you want to have and how many people you can host. Have fun! It can be a garden party, movie night, dessert party, bowling party, brunch, formal dinner or whatever you would like to host. You are welcome to co-host an event with one or more person/s.
- Create an invitation list. Project 515 will need a copy of the invitation list for several reasons. First we are happy to assist you with mailing out invitations and taking RSVPs. Lists are also used to create name tags (if the host wants tags) and to follow up with people who were unable to attend.
- Create an invitation. Project 515 has invitation templates that we ask hosts to use.
- Send out invitations four to six weeks prior to party date. Some hosts choose to include a personal letter or note about why they think it is important to support Project 515.
- Arrange a meeting with Project 515 development volunteer to set fundraising goals, determine where and when people will gather for a brief program, and what your volunteer needs are. Suggested volunteers include someone to set up an information table and to be a “greeter” keeping track of who attends; a board and/or staff member to share information on Project 515 and to ask for support; someone to assist with dispensing envelopes following “the ask”, and assistance with clean up. A volunteer will also take donations after the event and report back to you.
- Arrange for food and beverages and other logistical arrangements.
- Check in with guests who have not RSVP’d 10 days to a week prior to event. This is an important step. A gentle coax encourages guests to attend.
- Host event and have fun!
- Thank guests for contribution and attending. Project 515 will contact those who were unable to attend and ask for contribution (Project 515 staff or volunteers). We will make sure to send you a list of contributors so you can personally thank guests.
