If you watched Part 1 of our Donor Salon series, you already know the success of your event depends on one key decision: who hosts it.
It’s not about who’s the richest.
It’s not about who’s the loudest.
It’s about who your people trust.
Let me tell you a quick story.
A Host Who Changed Everything
A few years ago, we planned a salon in a small East Coast city. It was for a youth mentorship program — not a flashy cause, not a huge org. The executive director called me and said, “I have no idea who would even come to this.”
We asked her to think about someone in her circle who fit three criteria:
- They believe in the mission
- They’re already connected to people who trust them
- They’d be willing to open their home
She said, “Well, there’s Denise.”
Denise wasn’t a major donor. She wasn’t on the board. She wasn’t even on staff.
But she showed up to every event, volunteered without being asked, and seemed to know everyone in her neighborhood.
We helped her set the tone, invite 12 people she already had real relationships with, and host the salon in her backyard.
Fast forward 6 months:
- 7 out of those 12 attended a site visit
- 4 of them became monthly donors
- One introduced the ED to a funder who helped secure a $25,000 grant
That’s the power of the right host.
What Makes a Great Donor Salon Host?
You don’t need someone with a mansion or media contacts. You need someone who’s respected, trusted, and already has people’s attention. Here’s what to look for:
1. They show up
They’ve been to your events. They’ve donated. They’ve volunteered. They’re already invested — emotionally and relationally.
* Bonus sign: They’ve brought friends to something before.
2. People enjoy being around them
Not everyone is warm and magnetic — and that’s okay. But your host should be someone people say yes to. Their name on an invitation makes people curious (in a good way).
*Ask yourself: Would you want to spend 90 minutes in their living room with people you didn’t know?
3. They’re willing to open their home
If they’re not comfortable hosting at home, the vibe will be off. You want someone who loves hospitality — even if it’s snacks and folding chairs.
*If their home isn’t available, they should still be eager to be the “social center” of the event.
4. They don’t need to lead — but they need to care
The host doesn’t have to speak or fundraise. That’s your job. But they do need to be proud to put their name on the invitation.
*They’ll say things like, “I want my people to see what we’re doing.”
5. They follow through
Salon events are simple — but not casual. You need a host who will invite, remind, and welcome. Not disappear after saying yes.
*Choose someone who does what they say they’ll do.
Need Help Asking Them?
Once you know who to ask, how you ask can make or break the moment. That’s why we created a resource to make the conversation easier:
Get the Salon Host Recruitment Script + Email Template →
It’s simple, conversational, and designed to help you reach out with confidence.