Posted inAdvice Community Engagement

Host a Salon or Friend-raiser to Connect and Inspire Giving

Posted inAdvice, Community Engagement

If you’re looking to foster deeper connections and inspire more support for your ministry, Salons and fundraisers might be just what you need. These intimate gatherings, hosted in a supporter’s home, create a welcoming space for potential donors to engage personally with your church’s mission. This week, we’re diving into how to plan and execute these powerful events, turning conversations into meaningful connections and support.

How to Host a Successful Salon or Friend-raiser

1. Find the Right Host
A supportive, well-connected host can set the tone for the evening. Ideally, this person is already passionate about your ministry and can warmly introduce new friends to your cause.

2. Create an Inviting Atmosphere
Keep the setting casual and conversational. Arrange seating for easy interaction, and start with introductions before sharing a short presentation on your ministry’s impact. Make the event feel like a relaxed family gathering.

3. Share a Personal Testimony
Nothing resonates more than real stories. Invite a church member or someone from the community who’s benefited from your ministry to share their experience, giving attendees an emotional reason to support your work.

4. Highlight Specific Goals
Share a clear picture of how donations will be used, like funding youth programs or community outreach. When attendees know exactly where their support will go, they’re more inclined to get involved.

5. Follow Up with Gratitude
After the event, send each attendee a personalized thank-you note. Expressing your appreciation keeps the connection strong and shows them that their support is valued.

Get the Full Picture with Our Video

To see these strategies in action, check out this week’s YouTube video, “Hosting Salons and Friend-raisers to Build Church Support.” We share real-life examples from Black churches that have successfully used these gatherings to connect deeply with potential supporters and increase donations. The video offers step-by-step guidance and tips on how to make these events truly memorable and impactful.

[Watch the Video Here]

Salons and friend-raisers aren’t just fundraising events; they’re opportunities to build a supportive community around your mission. If you’re ready to strengthen your connections and inspire giving, this week’s video will show you how.

Stay tuned for next week’s topic: Creative Ways to Encourage Giving Beyond the Offering Plate!

-Paul Hosch

Author

  • Paul Hosch is the Founder and CEO of Nonprofit Fundraising Management (NFM), a firm dedicated to helping religious institutions grow their financial capacity. With over two decades of experience and more than $50M raised, Paul has led fundraising efforts for organizations such as Verbum Dei Jesuit High School, USC’s Keck School of Medicine, and The Emory Fellowship. He holds a B.S. in Business from USC and is pursuing a master’s in Nonprofit Management at the University of San Francisco, with a thesis on fundraising in the Black Church. Paul also serves on the TACSC Board and is Chairman Emeritus at Santa Monica College. Outside of work, he enjoys art, vegan cooking, travel, reading, and proudly holds the title of “world’s greatest uncle."