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: 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: Dan Campbell, Fundraising Auctioneer The world of fundraising has become harder as we compete with other spending habits of our donors. The economy has tightened wallets, interest rates have risen, and businesses have struggled to maintain their success from just a few years ago. Where do we go to retain the level of [...]
By: Scott Jones, MPA, CFRE, CAI, BAS Expressing gratitude is a powerful way to strengthen relationships, especially with donors. Showing appreciation not only demonstrates that you value your donors but also makes them feel like an essential part of your team. Personalized thank you messages can create goodwill and increase donor engagement. Here are [...]
By: Shannon Eason, Fundraising Auctioneer "Ok, our goal is to keep our program mission focused, the timeline tight, a fabulous guest experience, and break records in our fundraising!" said everyone in the nonprofit world holding a gala. But then, there's a slight mention of a "KEYNOTE SPEAKER". "Wait, did you just say you're having [...]
By: Erin Williams, Fundraising Auctioneer Websites, social media, email, and mobile fundraising are interconnected components in the digital fundraising landscape. While each channel plays a unique role, they should operate with one mission and message. Websites: Central Hub: A website often serves as the central hub for an organization's online presence. It provides detailed [...]
By: Shannon Eason I was doing an introductory call with a new client. Something they said really resonated with me and I wondered, "Why aren't I hearing this more often?" Yes, you're wondering what they said, aren't you? "Our event last year was....well, forgettable. How do we make our event this year UNforgettable?" That's a [...]
By: Dan Campbell Do you know the rules for Raffles and Games of Chance? Many nonprofits use games of chance and auctions as fundraising vehicles – without realizing that “legalized games of chance” are regulated activities, and indeed illegal in many states. So that poker night or silent auction that created such a buzz…make [...]
By: Gloria Kelley Our overarching belief is that “everyone can do something.” Committees are a meaningful avenue for that to happen, especially with your special events. Some volunteers have limited time and resources. That’s fine. We appreciate their working on one event, maybe if only to help create packages, set up or just greet [...]
By: Shannon Eason Are you thinking of including children at your next event? Trying to be proactive in teaching philanthropy to our young people? Generation Alpha are defined as those born from 2010-2024. A little math help will tell you that includes children from birth to age 14. While that’s a big gap, some [...]
