Boards: The Secret Superheroes of Fundraising

A small social can take several formats. It can be hosting a coffee get-together, tea, dinner, a porch party, cookout or cocktails. It can be breakfast meetings or luncheons. It can include three people or 100.

Follow these rules for a successful small event:

• A board member or volunteer invites people and hosts it.
• There is no charge.
• It is a cultivation event designed to fire up people about your cause.
• A plan is in place for following up after the event; if not, don't do the event at all.

Small socials always have a short presentation in the midst of the socializing. The board volunteer host should welcome everyone, and the CEO should give a short, high-impact message with a clear call to action at the end.