8 Ways to Host the Ultimate Donor-Appreciation Event

Imagine hosting an event where you don’t sell tickets or ask for donations—instead you simply give your top-tier prospects a night to remember. It’s an exclusive gathering, it sparks interest and, if done right, it’s a great way to revive your donor list. This type of donor-appreciation event is known as a cultivation event, an opportunity to highlight your organization’s mission and needs in a creative way, without coming right out and asking for donations.

A cultivation event is held in a fun, comfortable environment, typically in the form of a house party or a cocktail reception, in order to engage in high-level mission interactions that will leave your guests feeling emotionally gratified and more invested in your mission.