Building Community, Maximising Impact Through Donor-Led Events

"The way we gather matters." — Priya Parker, The Art of Gathering

At EMpower, we believe in the transformative power of bringing people together—to forge connections, inspire action, and catalyse change. Donor-led events are central to our community, helping deepen and widen our collective impact. Whether it’s an intimate salon dinner or a flagship Annual Dinner, these gatherings are about more than raising funds (although that is important!): they’re about building relationships, sharing purpose, and creating ripples of influence that go far beyond the event itself.

The Unique Role of Donors as Hosts

The most impactful events don’t happen by accident. They are shaped with intentionality—a clarity of purpose that guides everything from the guest list to the conversations. When donors and Board Directors step forward to host an EMpower event, they do more than lend their name or space; they set a tone of leadership, passion, and authenticity. They send a powerful message: This cause matters, and I invite you to share in its importance.

Events hosted by our donors resonate deeply, both personally and professionally. EMpower’s individual donor community is largely drawn from emerging markets finance—a niche, close-knit group where relationships are key. Our events provide a neutral, non-competitive space for meaningful conversations: about emerging market opportunities, and about the challenges and opportunities faced by young people in those countries.

Doing Well by Doing Good

Purpose-driven leaders know that doing good and doing well are not mutually exclusive. Hosting an event for a cause aligns personal values with professional networks, creating opportunities that are both fulfilling and advantageous.

Again and again, we see this play out. A conversation at an Annual Dinner sparks a new job opportunity. Professionals who might not typically connect discover common goals. A casual introduction leads to a new business partnership—or even a lifelong personal one! These moments of serendipity come from shared purpose: a collective desire to invest in something bigger than ourselves.

As Eric Dannheim, an EMpower Leadership Council member, puts it: "...it's not just about writing the check, because that part is helpful and necessary. But giving your time and energy—or putting some of your focus on something other than your own life—is really necessary and is really healthy for all of us."

The intentionality behind these gatherings cannot be overstated. As Priya Parker notes, “Gatherings that are designed with a clear purpose create experiences that are transformative, rather than simply transactional.” EMpower’s events are designed to create exactly that: spaces where people don’t just network, but connect deeply around ideas and action that matter.

Leadership That Inspires

Our donor and Board community plays a vital role in leading these events. By hosting or championing EMpower’s mission, they inspire their peers to get involved, amplifying the reach and impact of our work. 

At our recent London Annual Dinner, for example, donors, Board Directors, and friends of EMpower came together to raise over $2 million—an extraordinary achievement made possible by the energy and leadership of those who championed the evening.

Across the pond, EMpower’s Next Gen Cocktail Party in New York brought together 70 mission-driven young professionals, part of EMpower’s under-40 community. This vibrant young group brings fresh ideas, energy, and networks while fundraising to expand EMpower’s reach. 

And, EMpower’s recent Women’s Lunch focused on advancing girls’ futures in emerging markets exemplified how tailored gatherings can create special environments for powerful conversations. From smaller events, such as inviting EMpower to present to your firm, to large ones, like our signature Annual Dinners around the globe—our events showcase the power of collective action, driven by dedicated individuals committed to meaningful change. 

Why Hosting Matters

The power of donor-led events lies in their ability to bring people together for a common purpose. For hosts, it’s an opportunity to align their values with action, inspiring others to join them. For guests, it’s a chance to connect, contribute, and be part of something bigger.

We’ve seen how impactful these gatherings can be. They are where ideas take root, connections are made, and lasting change begins. Their effects will ripple outwards to impact the futures of marginalized young people across emerging market countries.

To our hosts and supporters: your leadership matters. And to those considering it, we encourage you to take the step—to create space for connection, purpose, and impact. Because when people come together for something good, amazing things happen.

To learn more about EMpower’s events or explore opportunities to host, please get in touch with our team.