If your nonprofit is planning a charity auction, the most involved part of the process will likely be procuring items. You’ll need to approach businesses and providers that are willing to support your mission and offer products or services that your supporters will be excited to bid on, all in time to build out and release your auction catalog prior to the event date. Although finding the best auction items is your team’s top priority, how you solicit item donations is just as important in ensuring you secure those items. Businesses will be impressed by a professional approach, and your organization is looking to maximize the value you gain from items while minimizing risk in procuring them.

Because we know how challenging this time may be, we wanted to provide some guidance and clarity during this challenging time. Our Director of Product Development, Jason Champion, Director of Sales, Kevin Spykerman, and Director of Marketing, Lou Prisco, sat down with Bobby D. Elhert, Benefit Auctioneer and Fundraising Professional from Inspire Hearts Fundraising, to answer live questions sent in during our live webinar Q + A.

With the postponement of a gala event, much work needs to be accomplished in a short period of time and approached with flexibility and care. Our good friends at JDRF shared with us some tips for postponing an event that includes a checklist of activities and strategies to be considered and executed.

Imagine you just had your annual gala supporting an incredible cause for your Nonprofit organization. You ensured every detail was perfect, from the live band to the gourmet meal you served. You created flyers, posted to social media, and even sold the most tickets you have ever sold for an annual gala. But, for some reason, you were unable to reach your fundraising goals. You leave confused, wondering why your efforts did not result in the outcome you were hoping for.

Once your fundraiser is over, it can be tempting to bask in the excitement and, frankly, relief that your major event went well. However, even if you met your donations goals for the event, the time right after the event is critical. This time is a chance for you and your staff to reach out to donors and make it clear just how much you appreciate them. 🙌

Nearly all fundraising events can benefit from incorporating a fund-a-need or special appeal into the agenda - but a recent Winspire webinar poll revealed more than 1 in 5 organizations are missing out.

Whether or not you utilize a mobile bidding provider for the silent auction, bid cards are imperative for the two interactive portions of the night: the live auction and special appeal. These fundraising heavy-hitters rely on momentum, peer pressure and emotion, all of which are best evoked through the use of bid cards.

With fall fundraising season on the horizon, your nonprofit may be gearing up for a special event. And while selling lots of tickets to the general public is great, your development team has an even more critical task: to identify and attract high net worth guests who could become major gift donors.

Organizing a profitable fundraising event is all about best use of time. To take your event to the next level, focus your time and energy on the most time-efficient money-makers:

Are fundraising events going extinct in 2018?