By: Scott Jones, Senior Partner Raising Paddles, MPA, CFRE, CAI, BAS Thursday Galas: A Bold Move or a Missed Opportunity? When planning a fundraising gala, one of the biggest decisions a nonprofit faces is choosing the perfect day to host the event. While Fridays and Saturdays are traditionally popular, Thursday galas are emerging as [...]
By: Erin Williams, Partner Fundraising Auctioneer & Consultant Let’s be honest: many in nonprofit leadership roles wear multiple hats. You're focused on programs, fundraising, compliance, board relations—and somewhere in that mix, technology often gets put on the back burner. But according to recent reporting from The Chronicle of Philanthropy, it’s time to move tech [...]
By Dan Campbell, Senior Partner Fundraising Auctioneer Every non-profit is fully aware of the need to engage younger donors, as our core demographic baby boomers start to age. Strategic thinkers want to be ahead of the inevitable decline in giving from this golden generation and find ways to excite new donors who are just [...]
By Dan Campbell, Senior Partner Fundraising Auctioneer The current climate for non-profits have many of us on edge, with uncertainty on how our funds will be impacted by any changes to government funding. This has brought a lot of attention to our private fundraising efforts, so I would like to share some insight on [...]
Scott Jones, MPA, CFRE, BAS, CAI, Senior Fundraising Auctioneer We are the heart of our communities, tirelessly working to make the world a better place. Yet, the path to fulfilling our missions has grown more difficult as funding challenges increase. While navigating government cuts, growing competition, and the pressure to demonstrate impact, we have [...]
By Erin Williams, Partner Fundraising Auctioneer & Consultant Mission drift—when an organization veers away from its core purpose—is one of the biggest risks nonprofits face during high-profile events like fundraising galas. These events bring energy, attention, and funding, but they can also unintentionally shift the spotlight away from what truly matters: your mission. The [...]
By: Dan Campbell Senior Auctioneer & Consultant Raising Paddles 2025 is just upon us, and as you think about your mission focus for the new year, it is likely time to start thinking about meeting your fundraising goals. Managing your time and energy towards fundraising is an imperative, as you decide which fundraising [...]
By: Scott Jones, MPA, CFRE, CAI, BAS Senior Auctioneer & Consultant Raising Paddles The holiday season offers nonprofits a wonderful opportunity to express gratitude to their donors and stakeholders. Here are some heartfelt ways to show appreciation and strengthen these vital relationships: 1. Personal Thank-You Notes A handwritten thank-you note can convey genuine [...]
By: Erin Williams, Professional Fundraising Auctioneer & Consultant As we reflect on the years following the COVID-19 pandemic, one trend was unmistakable: donors were eager to return to in-person fundraising events. Many nonprofits saw a "bumper gala" year, breaking records and raising more money than ever before. Now, as we approach 2025, the question [...]
By: Shannon Eason, Fundraising Auctioneer Gen Z: The New Kids on the Block! There's a new generation making waves, and they're called Gen Z. They're young, they're online all the time, and they care about making the world a better place. Nonprofits need to pay attention to them because they're the future of giving! [...]
