Common Questions
We've got answers. And if you don't see your answer here, email us at info@hiving.net and check back here for our response.
What is a referral code and how do I get one?
For now, membership into hiving::party with a purpose is by referral only, via other hiving members and through some special offers via other organizations or readerships (hint: if you read about hiving somewhere, check to see if it mentioned a special referral code.) The reason for this is simple: so that authentic hiving::partiers with purpose, who are in it for the right reasons, and really really want to do cool things, meet interesting people, and donate to charities will be given the ability to do so with other like-minded folk -- not just any old Joe Schmo (or worse: a mean or malevolent or automated Joe Schmo.) If you have been referred by a member through the website (or heard about hiving some other pre-destined way), you will receive a proper referral code in order to sign up. If you believe that you should be a member of hiving.net, but you are lacking this all-important code, you can feel free to contact us at info@hiving.net and state your case (no more than a couple of sentences, please.)
Why should I buy (or upgrade to) a paid membership?
To show your allegiance to the United States of Hiving.
Just kidding. The reason you would become a "Purposeful" member would be to take advantage of offers, promotions, and hiving parties that are in the offing only for paid members. For $25 a year, this will pay off in one offer alone (think: free tickets to a film festival, e.g.) The reason to be a "Founding" member would be to profess your undying love to hiving and its founder, and to allow yourself to go to as many hiving parties in one year that you can handle, without paying another dime. But PLEASE do not buy or upgrade to either of these levels if you are uncertain. Don't let us convince you - try out hiving for a while, go to a hiving party and have a good time, and then upgrade when/if you see fit. We're thrilled to have you as any kind of member!
Where does hiving take place?
Right now, we're only hiving in the Los Angeles area, but it's possible we may expand elsewhere. Let us know if you're interested in being a hiving::host in your hometown, and we'll get back to you when we plan on hiving there.
How do you choose the charities that each hiving::party contributes to?
Most of the time, we choose the charity based on: 1) our previous knowledge of it as a worthy cause, 2) an appropriate choice based on the kind of party (like: giving to the LA Regional Food Bank at the Market to Table Feast), 3) the interest of the venue at hand (Feed the Children is the official charity of the Magic Castle, so that's where we contributed at that event), or 4) all of the above. We are thrilled to receive suggestions of charitable beneficiaries - email us at info@hiving.net if you know of a good one.
How do I receive a tax deduction for hiving's charitable giving?
You don't. Unfortunately, hiving is not set up as a 501(c)(3), and is thus not exempt from taxes as a charitable organization. Right now, we draw $5-10 off of every ticket sale and match those funds with a personal donation to the charity. You won't get a tax deduction for a donation unless you give us a separate check made out to the organization, which we will happily send in for you. The good news? You can still feel GREAT about attending hiving::parties, because you'll be helping out great causes (while having a great time.)
Why wasn't my question answered here?
Good question. Apologies. Please contact us, and we'll make sure to answer it! And check back here periodically to see if your Q&A has been posted.
How many hiving::parties do you plan per month?
Right now, we're holding steady with approximately 2 parties per month (it's still a small operation), but we hope to increase that number by leaps and bounds in the future.