Fundraising “thermometers” have long been a staple of fundraising because they get people excited about achieving the goal. We love, once upon a time, when we scribbled the latest progress with marker on a foam board. But now, we have a lot more flexibility with on-screen displays—often known as “leaderboards”—on websites, and even at live… Read More »
It’s a new year, with new challenges and opportunities to increase fundraising goals and create memorable events. Turn a fresh eye towards event planning with these eighteen fundraising themes for 2018. Go on a Treasure Hunt Treasure hunts are always popular with people of all ages, because they’re exciting and interactive. Map out a fun… Read More »
Just as in the business world, a non-profit’s appeal messaging to their donors requires ongoing updates to keep communication engaging enough to motivate donors to act. Predictable, rehashed appeals fail to grab attention and will often fall on the proverbial “deaf” ear if it’s too similar to pitches they’ve seen before. Lucky for us, the… Read More »
If you manage benefit auctions, finding the best way to communicate with bidders en masse at events is an important aspect of a successful event. How do we let them know the silent auction’s about to close if they’re in the bathroom and can’t hear the emcee? And trying let guests that you’ve extended the… Read More »
Have you considered additional revenue opportunities? At your next fundraising event, you are likely planning on incorporating a silent auction, live auction, and donation appeal. But, Items like raffles, wine pulls, and games can add a lot more than just dollars to your event. Here is a look at the five W’s – why, who,… Read More »
Long lines aren’t just a problem at Disney World, they can be an instant auction killer. When I ask someone if they’re considering an auction, live or silent, as part of their annual fund to raise money for the nonprofit or school they’re closest to, I usually get one of two reactions: We used to… Read More »
This is the fifth in a series of posts about running a successful fundraising event night, written by event service professionals. Event service professionals help troubleshoot technology, advise on using event software, and ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible at auctions. Professional event services consultants like me, working the front lines of fundraising events, have witnessed… Read More »
This is the fourth in a series of posts about running a successful fundraising event night, written by event service professionals. Event professionals help troubleshoot technology, advise on using event software, and ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible at auctions. Working as an event professional isn’t always easy—but it’s a labor of passion. We love… Read More »
We know there’s a lot to do leading up to an event. Getting guests onto your guest list, adding last-minute packages, making sure everyone has a bid number. All necessary stuff! Good data integrity can literally make or break an event. But don’t neglect the physical and logistical elements of the guest experience!… Read More »
Have you had the same fundraising event year after year? The same chicken dinner? The same gala venue? The same silent auction? How do you change things up this year? Are there new and creative ways to generate revenue? Yes, they do exist! One way to mix it up is to have a Pay-to-Play fundraiser…. Read More »