A backyard cookout. A dinner party. A happy hour with ten neighbors. These are not small gestures — they are how elections are won. When someone opens their home for a candidate, people give, people stay involved, and the movement grows. Host one.
Why HOST
Research consistently shows that people give more when asked by someone they know and trust — a neighbor, a coworker, a friend — than when they receive a cold email from a party organization. You are the most powerful fundraising asset we have. Your network, your credibility, your living room.
DINNER PARTY
8–20 guests,
Seated or buffet. Intimate. Conversation-driven.
Highest average giving of any format.
Suggested ask: $150- $500/person
BACKYARD COOKOUT
20–60 guests,
Casual and community-oriented.
Great for first-time hosts. Friendly to all demographics.
Suggested ask: $50–$150/person
HAPPY HOUR
15–40 guests,
After-work.
Works well for professionals, young Democrats, and business networks.
Suggested ask: $75–$250/person
COFFEE & CONVERSATION
6–15 guests,
Weekend
morning.
Low-pressure, highly personal. Perfect for newer community members.
Suggested ask: $25–$100/person
BUSINESS
EVENT
Host at your workplace for colleagues and professional contacts.
Works for small business owners and employers.
Suggested ask: $100–$500/person
HOW IT WORKS
STEP 1
Fill out our short interest form below— takes two minutes. Tell us roughly when, roughly how many people, and what format interests you. No commitment required at this stage.
STEP 2
A member of our leadership team will reach out personally to discuss goals, logistics, candidate attendance, and what support we'll provide. We'll match you with the right candidate or cause for your network.
STEP 3
We create a personalized ActBlue page for your event — branded to you, tied to your specific date and goal. Guests can give online before, during, or after the event. Every dollar is tracked and attributed to your event.
STEP 4
We send talking points tailored to your audience, suggested ask amounts, a run-of-show for the event, and answers to the hard questions. If a candidate is attending, we brief them on your guests. You'll feel prepared.
STEP 5
Run your event your way — we're there in whatever role you want, from silent support to full presentation. After the event, we personally thank every attendee, collect any outstanding pledges, and report your total to you within a week.
Before the event
✓ Personalized ActBlue fundraising page with your event details and goal
✓ Customizable invite template for email and social media
✓ Party Leader or candidate confirmed for attendance (on request)
✓ Guest talking points and suggested ask script
✓ Printed materials, palm cards, and branded signage
✓ RSVP tracking and guest list management support
During & after the event
✓ FCDC leader on-site to speak and take questions
✓ Collection of checks and cash on-site if needed
✓ Personal thank-you outreach to every attendee within 48 hours
✓ Pledge follow-up for guests who committed but didn't give on the night
✓ Final fundraising total report with breakdown by donor
✓ Recognition as an official FCDC Host in our annual report and website