Hosting a Fundraiser
Legal Considerations
Planning the Fundraiser
Be Organized
Sample Timeline
There is no more effective way to cement a good relationship with a lawmaker than to participate in his or her election or reelection campaign. In this era of term limits, the cost of running a State Assembly or Senate campaign has become increasingly expensive, at times exceeding $1 million. Candidates must spend a significant amount of their time fundraising, even after they have been elected. They appreciate and remember those who have helped them in their efforts.
You may choose to hold your fundraiser in any number of venues (your home, a restaurant, a meeting hall). Having the event in your home adds a very personal touch and can also save on costs ensuring that most of the money raised goes directly to the candidate’s campaign, where he or she needs it most.
Planning and executing a successful fundraiser is hard work. You must be willing to put in the time and effort needed to make it successful. Before you agree to hold an event, talk with CalDPAC staff to determine your fundraising goal (after expenses). You must feel comfortable that you can meet the candidate’s expectations.
Legal Considerations
If you hold a fundraiser on behalf of a candidate for state office, you
must be aware of certain provisions in state election law. CalDPAC
support staff in Sacramento can
assist you as you plan the event.
- There is no limit to the amount of money you can contribute or raise for a candidate unless it is in support of a special election (outside the normal election cycles), in which case you should consult CalDPAC staff.
- Do not accept cash contributions. Although cash contributions under $100 are legal, it is recommended that you ask your contributors to make their check payable to the candidate’s campaign.
- Your invitation should include a contribution card so that all information required by law (name, address, and occupation) will be provided by those making contributions of $100 or more. CalDPAC staff have sample invitations and will assist you in developing yours.
- Expenses incurred by the host cannot be reimbursed by other people or by CalDPAC – it is illegal to do so. If you have arranged, for instance, for CalDPAC or another dentist to pay for food, beverages, or decorations for the event, then they must arrange to pay the vendor directly. CalDPAC reports such expenses as “in-kind contributions” to the candidate.
Planning the
Fundraiser
Once you have decided to host a fundraiser, your next step will be to
decide what type of event to sponsor. Your primary goal is to raise the
largest amount of money for your candidate for the least amount of
expense. Hosting a dentists-only event achieves the highest visibility
for organized dentistry, and is preferable. If, however, this is not
financially feasible, you may wish to organize the purchase of a table or two
at a local event and coordinate attendance by local dentists and spouses.
In deciding what type of event to sponsor, consult with your candidate’s campaign as well as CalDPAC. The price of the ticket is based on a variety of factors: the size of the event (the larger the event, the smaller the ticket price), the type of event (dinner, cocktails, breakfast), and whether or not the candidate is an incumbent.
Be Organized
The first step in hosting a fundraiser is to let the candidate know you
would like to host it. Arrange the event with the candidate, the campaign
manager, and scheduler.
If you are planning a large event, develop a steering committee to assist in selling tickets.
Develop an agenda for the event and stick to it. Make sure that:
- The candidate has enough time to meet and speak with everyone attending the event. You or a designated person must help the candidate circulate through the crowd and avoid being monopolized by just a few people. You or this designated person can be extremely helpful to the candidate by letting him or her know who each person is and providing some information about each attendee.
- The candidate has time to address the Public Policyup at large and answer any questions.
- You present the checks to the candidate. This is the main reason you have held the event, so make it a show.
- Any campaign literature is distributed or placed on a table accessible to all attendees.
- Discuss event with CalDPAC.
- Determine date, time, location, ticket price, and fundraising goal.
- Confirm the event in writing with the candidate/staff.
6-8 weeks:
- Recruit individuals for the steering committee.
- Draft invitation and ask CalDPAC to review.
- Compile invitation list: past contributors lists of dentists and spouses in component targeted lists from campaign neighbors and friends
5-7 weeks:
- Print invitations.
- Purchase postage.
4-6 weeks:
- Mail invitations.
- Conduct steering committee meeting.
- Set up date for phone bank.
3-5 weeks:
- Write script for telephone bank.
- Follow up with CalDPAC on progress.
- Evaluate status of ticket sales.
1-4 weeks:
- Continue to make follow up calls.
- Confirm event details with candidate.
Day of fundraiser:
- Check physical arrangements and logistics
- Set up microphone if needed
- Have name tags available
- Have master list of invitees
- Display candidate’s campaign material
Post fundraising activities:
- Mail all checks received late to the candidate’s campaign.
- Follow up on all pledges.
- Send thank you to candidate.
- Send thank you to volunteers.
- Forward list of attendees to CalDPAC and report on event.