The Fundraising Houseparty: How to Get Charitable Donations from Individuals in a Houseparty Setting [Paperback]

Morrie Warshawski (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0971278903 | ISBN-13: 978-0971278905 | Publication Date: May 10, 2002

THE FUNDRAISING HOUSEPARTY is a complete and detailed, A-Z, guide to this flexible and powerful way to raise donations from individuals in a houseparty setting. The book is appropriate for both large and small fundraising efforts for any type of nonprofit project. Book contains an extensive Appendix with sample invitations and pledge cards, and an extensive Bibliography.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"... eminently practical. Packed with checklists, annotated outlines, attractive and informative ... samples. I definitely recommend reading THE FUNDRAISING HOUSEPARTY." -- Charity Channel Review, Marc A. Pitman, September 2002

"Applicable to every category of donor from grassroots neighborhood guests to wealthy, upscale, clients and associates ... practical, accessible, authoritative...." -- James A. Cox, The Midwest Book Review, August 2002

"If you're going to organize a fundraising houseparty - or you're even thinking about it - buy this book!" -- - Mal Warwick, Author of How to Write Successful Fundraising Letters, Revised Edition

... a slew of practical tips that can make the difference .. between a pittance and pot full of money. -- Mal Warwick,author of SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISING LETTERS, quote on back of book

This is a practical and attractively-designed guide from an expert with years of experience. -- Chicago Jewish Star, July 19, 2002

From the Author

I wrote this book because over the years many of my clients have used it with great success to raise funds for their projects; and yet, there is no other book that provides a clear description of the step-by-step techniques that help make these houseparties actually work. I hope the information can help all types of nonprofit groups and individuals raise the funds they need for worthy programs.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 58 pages
• Publisher: Morrie Warshawski (May 10, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0971278903
• ISBN-13: 978-0971278905
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #678,095 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very practical guide, June 19, 2003

By 

Marc "Fundraisingcoach.com" (Waterville, ME, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Fundraising Houseparty: How to Get Charitable Donations from Individuals in a Houseparty Setting (Paperback)

The Fundraising Houseparty is primarily for filmmakers seeking funding for their work-Morrie Warshawski's primary clientele. However, as a fundraiser for a secondary school, I found this brief book to be informative and eye-opening.

The Fundraising Houseparty is expensive for its size and is hard to find on sites like Amazon.com (even with the ISBN number). Nevertheless, it a can be a worthwhile investment of time and money for the potential relational and financial rewards of a fundraising houseparty.

Warshawski is quick to admit that not all houseparties are financially successful. Care must be taken. But it's hard to imagine losing money if following his detailed advice. Someone brand new to personal asks will find this work helpful. I believe an experienced fundraiser may find it beneficial as well.

The process begins with a planning committee to work out event details and host/hostess who personally signs event invitations. Invitations are sent to potential donors, clearly stating that the gathering will be a fundraising event. Houseparties start with a time of mingling and light refreshments. Then the person seeking the funding makes a brief presentation describing the project. Working with film projects, Warshawski is a proponent of using some form of video presentation-to showcase the artist's prior work and to, ideally, tug at the hearts of the participants. The key to the whole event is the solicitation by a well-respected peer. Follow-up is an important final stage of the fundraising houseparty.

Warshawski's work is eminently practical. Packed with checklists, annotated outlines, attractive and informative (and humorous) samples of invitations, and even scripts for the presenter and peer solicitor. It's easy to read in 30 minutes and fits very conveniently in your pocket.

I definitely recommend reading The Fundraising Houseparty, although you might want to loan a copy from someone rather than purchase it yourself. I'm excited to see how the fundraising houseparty concept will fit into my school's fundraising efforts!

Chapters include:

Introduction
Key Elements
Pre-Party Checklist
The Party
Some Last Notes
Appendix
Bibliography
About the Author

5.0 out of 5 stars Biggest little fundraising book on my shelf!, April 14, 2009

By 

Gayle Roberts (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Fundraising Houseparty: How to Get Charitable Donations from Individuals in a Houseparty Setting (Paperback)

For its size, it is the biggest little fundraising book on my shelf. I use it all the time time. Have bought multiple copies to share with community volunteers. This updated step-by-step guide makes producing a house party easy for first timers, and it can help seasoned pros tweak their game.