How to Prepare Donors for a Successful Fund-A-Need at Your Fundraising Gala How to Introduce (or Re-Introduce) a Mission-Driven Ask at Your Fundraising Event By Erin Williams, Professional Fundraising Auctioneer & Consultant If you are planning a fundraising gala and wondering how to run a successful paddle raise — also called a Fund-A-Need or [...]
Scott Jones, Senior Fundraising Auctioneer, MPA, CFRE, CAI, BAS In the nonprofit world, mission delivery often hinges on two distinct but interdependent forces: operational execution and fundraising strategy. While many organizations are staffed with passionate professionals focused on logistics, programming, and service delivery, the lifeblood of their impact—funding—requires a different kind of expertise: one [...]
By:Scott Jones, MPA, CFRE, CAI, BAS, Senior Fundraising Auctioneer With each new year of strategizing and planning for upcoming events, I am being asked more of my thoughts on the reception-style event. This month’s article will provide my perspective from my experiences with both style events. Planning a major fundraising event means making one [...]
By: Erin Williams, Partner Fundraising Auctioneer & Consultant Fundraising events are often the most visible expression of a nonprofit’s mission. They bring together donors, community partners, and advocates in a room filled with possibility. But too often, one of the nonprofit’s greatest assets – the Board of Directors – isn’t fully activated in the [...]
By: Erin Williams, Partner Fundraising Auctioneer & Consultant Whether you're planning a gala, luncheon, or cocktail reception, your sponsorship packet is more than a list of benefits—it's your first opportunity to spark meaningful partnerships. Recently, I had the opportunity to review a sponsorship package from Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri, and the experience reminded [...]
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: 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: Scott Jones, MPA, CFRE, CAI, BAS Effective storytelling is a powerful tool for nonprofit fundraisers, transforming statistical data and white paper narratives into compelling stories that resonate with donors on an emotional level. The key is to simplify the message, making it as digestible and appealing as a 'juicy cheeseburger' rather than an [...]
If you are looking for ways to increase visibility to your mission, there is a program thru Google that offers non-profits grants to help them promote their cause and increase visibility to attract more donors and supporters, as well as increase visibility to those who might become recipients of your mission. Of course, you [...]
The short answer is….BOTH! While most non-profit galas include both a live auction and a paddle raise, some will stick with one or the other. You will see one organization that is uncomfortable asking their donors who support them throughout the year to give again at their gala. Another organization will express concern that [...]
