Frog Blog!

Live, Silent and Online Auctions Are Great School Fundraisers

January 31, 2011

Posted in Organic Food Online >>> Read Original Post>>>

Does your school hold an auction to raise funds? If not you might want to consider it. Many private schools, and even some public schools, hold dinner/auction nights to raise funds. It’s a fun way for parents to support the school, socialize and even go home with some great prizes.

Schools can have a live auction, silent auction, online auction or any combination of all of them. When there is more than one type of auction going on you are more able to reach out to everyone’s interest and price levels.

A silent auction can provide a way to offer many different auction items. The auction items can be valued anywhere from $20 to $500 or even more. With so many auction items, there can be something for everyone. From sports, to kids, gourmet foods, gift baskets, and many other interests can be included in the silent auctions.

A live auction is a great interactive event, that many attendees will enjoy. The auctioneer interacts with the crowd to make the auction fun and exciting.  A professional auctioneer can often drive up the final bid price of the items higher than they would be with a volunteer auctioneer or if the items were on the silent auction table.

Internet based auctions are very popular and many parents are already buying items online on eBay. So why not have one for the school? An online auction can happen during the same dinner/auction night or a week before.  You could even have the onine auction instead of an in-person event. If the online auction is stand alone they are often held over a 1-3 week period.

No matter what type of auction or combination of auctions you have, make sure you start planning well in advance. Organize into committees so volunteers can participate in a variety of ways.

Have some really high priced, premium items in the live auction. Big vacation packages, a motorcycle or gourmet dinner party are all good ideas for a live auction. Ticket packages for professional sports teams are also great auction items. Even if it’s not a super high priced item, if it will bring in lots of excitement and bids, put it in a live auction.  Also have less fancy items that start at lower prices in the silent auction so everyone has an opportunity to participate.

Auctions can be a fun, great way to raise funds. Consider all of the different auction formats available and how they can fit into your school’s fundraising plans.

Angela Costas -
About the Author:

Angela Costas writes for the school fundraisers.

>>> Read Original Post>>>

Getting Started with Social Media

January 24, 2011

Posted September 8th, 2010 on FundraisingCoach.com

By Frank Barry, manager of professional services at Blackbaud and blogger at NetWits Think Tank. Frank helps nonprofits use the Internet for digital communication, social media, and fundraising so they can focus on making a true impact and achieving their mission. Find Frank on Twitter @franswaa.

Make sure to check out the slides on “How ‘Going Social’ Can Unlock the Door to Greater Fundraising Potential” and the Nonprofit Social Media Primer after you’ve read this post.

Social media continues to grow in both popularity and reach. It accounts for 22.7% of time spent on the web. Newspapers and television shows are constantly referring to Twitter and Facebook. It’s even been said that Nonprofits are among the leaders in social media adoption. With all the buzz it’s likely you’ve started asking yourself “how can my organization use social media to enhance our online efforts?” I’ve got a few thoughts and ideas for you.

Pursuing objectives using social media

Having a social media strategy is not its own objective. Rather, social media strategies can support existing objectives. Reflect on your organization’s current objectives: Do you want to build cause awareness, connect with new supporters, cultivate supporter relationships, or build a private space on the web for your community? Those are all things social media can help support.

Here are a few examples …

CULTIVATE RELATIONSHIPS: COLLABORATE WITH YOUR SUPPORTERS

In 2008, the Brooklyn Museum created an exhibit called Click! where the public got to be both the artist and the jury. Through an online system, members of the Museum’s web community submitted photographs and then selected those that would be included in the show. A total of 3,344 people participated, and the show was a great success.

READ MORE >>> BUILD CAUSE AWARENESS: BOOKMARK YOUR CONTENT — SOCIALLY!

READ MORE >>> BUiLD A SPACE ON THE WEB FOR YOUR COMMUNITY: CREATE A PRIVATE SOCIAL NETWORK

5 Step Social Media Plan

Now that you’ve got an idea for how social media can be used let’s take a look at five steps that will set you get you on your way to leveraging social media

1. PICK AN EXISTING GOAL TO PURSUE.

Identify something your organization wants to accomplish. Many organizations find that social media provides good support for:

  • Building cause awareness
  • Connecting with new supporters
  • Soliciting online gifts
  • Cultivating supporter relationships

If you are just starting, pick one of these to focus on and let that objective guide you every step of the way.

2. MAKE SUCCESS SOMEONE’S JOB.

Someone has to own it. Take a look at organizations like the ChildFund (Virginia Sowers), National Wildlife Federation (Danielle Brigida) and Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (Allison Nassour). What’s the theme? Each nonprofit has a person who owns their social media efforts.

Making an overt assignment (like you do with direct mail, email, etc) will let a person or group of people on staff develop the focus, comprehensive view, and skills needed to leverage these new techniques effectively. No ownership equals limited success.

3. LISTEN.

With your team identified and your initial goal in mind, it’s time to learn how to “listen” in the social media channels. The concept of “listening” is also known as “monitoring”. What does that mean you ask? It’s the activity of finding out what is being said (by you and others) online about you or something you are interested in.

There are at least three reasons for this:

  • Social media is a two-way channel. You need to be ready to listen before you speak.
  • Organizations like yours are already participating. Learn from them.
  • Once you start to contribute, a disciplined framework for listening will be used to measure reach and impact.

Some starting points for regular monitoring include:

Track the number of mentions for your organization name, your staff, and events you are currently running in each of these mechanisms. This will help measure your organization’s current social media footprint and prepare you to measure the reach of your future initiatives. Here are a few more ideas onhow to set up a social media listening dashboard for free.

4. ESTABLISH A BASELINE SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE.

After establishing your organization’s ability to “listen” in the social media channel, the next step is to establish a baseline presence that you can use as a foundation. Facebook and Twitter are, in most cases, good places to start, but remember that your objectives and the insight you’ve gained from “listening” should guide your choices every step of the way. Don’t just go out and get on Facebook because everyone else is doing it.

If you’re thinking about Facebook and/or Twitter here’s a few resources:

5. EVOLVE.

Now you have an objective, dedicated staff, a way to listen and to measure results, as well as a foundational presence in the social media landscape. Reflect on what you’ve learned, review the program examples talked about in the “Pursing Objectives” section above, and formulate the plan for your first social media campaign. It’s time to really go for it!

See the original post and read more >>>

Start the New Year off right and start planning your 2011 Online Benefit Auction fundraiser with Auction Frogs!

January 20, 2011

Auction Frogs has helped hundreds of nonprofit organizations and schools just like yours raise more money through our Online Benefit Auction service!

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No Up Front Fees
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Auction Frogs provides custom web site design, experienced dedicated Auction Specialists and marketing support with social media integration…for less!

What are you waiting for? Call today 208.321.5515

NEW FUNDRAISING TOOL CREATING NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR NATIONAL SKI PATROL

December 9, 2010

ONLINE AUCTION WILL EXPAND FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES TO A WIDER AUDIENCE

LAKEWOOD, COLORADO – The National Ski Patrol and AuctionFrogs have teamed up again for the 2nd annual NSP online Auction. The auction will open up November 25th and will be available through December 9th at 8:00 p.m. MST.  The auction page can be found by going to www.nsp.org and clicking on the auction link.  National Ski Patrol expects to add significant funds to supplement its program and education development essential to the creed of the National Ski Patrol – “Service and Safety since 1938.”

The National Ski Patrol programs provide crucial skills through credentialed education and training in outdoor emergency care, transportation, avalanche and mountain travel and rescue services to more than 23,000 volunteer and 3,000 paid ski patrollers in the United States and abroad.  ”Auction Frogs will allow the general public to bid on some great ski items and encourage more people to contribute towards our fundraising efforts”, says Norris Woody, Fundraising Committee Chairman.  “The public support to the future of our organization by creating financial stability through fundraising will help us continue our goals and mission of the NSP to the skiing Public.”

With the success of last years auction clearly seen, NSP turned again to AuctionFrogs, an Idaho-based company that specializes in online auctions for fundraising organizations, to create a simple, yet effective web based tool. By hosting an auction online, organizations are able to lengthen the bidding period, increase the pool of bidders, and earn more revenue for their fundraising efforts.  “National Ski Patrol came to us with the desire to raise more funds for their ever expanding commitment to increasing public awareness about slope safety and skiing and snowboarding responsibility”, says Kristi Saucerman, founder of AuctionFrogs, “National Ski Patrol has a large support base, both locally and nationwide, and an online auction allows them to tap into audiences that otherwise wouldn’t have a chance to support the organization at their annual fundraiser.”

NEW FUNDRAISING TOOL CREATING NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR NATIONAL SKI PATROL

NEW FUNDRAISING TOOL CREATING NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR NATIONAL SKI PATROL

About the National Ski Patrol

The National Ski Patrol is a Federally Chartered nonprofit membership association dedicated to serving the public and the mountain recreation industry. For more than 65 years, the NSP has been at the forefront of safety and emergency care education programs. The association’s 27,000 members represent 98 percent of the nation’s patrollers. For more information go to www.nsp.org.

Auction Frog sighted at Cole Valley Christian School

November 9, 2010

Auction Frog hops room to room with the elementary kids at Cole Valley Christian School.

Auction Frog hops room to room with the elementary kids at Cole Valley Christian School.

Auction Frogs named as finalist in 7th annual Stevie® Awards

October 14, 2010

Stevie Award Winners to Be Announced in New York on November 12

BOISE, IDAHO– October 14,2010 – Auction Frogs was named a Finalist in the Community Involvement Program of the Year and Technology Innovator of the Year – Computer Software category in the 7th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business.

The Stevie Awards for Women in Business honor women executives, entrepreneurs, and the companies they run – worldwide.  The Stevie Awards have been hailed as the world’s premier business awards.

Nicknamed the Stevies for the Greek word “crowned,” winners will be announced during a gala event at the Marriott Marquis hotel in New York on Friday, November 12.  Nominated women executives and entrepreneurs from the U.S.A and several other countries are expected to attend.   The presentations will be broadcast live on radio in the U.S.A. by the Business TalkRadio Network.

More than 1,200 entries – a record for the competition – were submitted this year for consideration in 54 categories, including Best Executive, Best Entrepreneur, and Best Community Involvement Program.  Auction Frogs is a Finalist two categories, Community Involvement Program and Technology Innovator of the Year- Computer Software.

Auction Frogs is an innovative company that helps fundraising organizations ‘leap into online fundraising’ and avoid many of the hassles and pitfalls of traditional silent auctions. They provide far greater reach online that brings greater returns and with less volunteer hours. This year Kristi Saucerman, the founder and president of Auction Frogs, was also nationally recognized earlier this year when awarded the Wells Fargo and National Women’s Business Organization Trailblazer Award.

Finalists were chosen by business professionals worldwide during preliminary judging.

Members of the Awards’ Board of Distinguished Judges & Advisors and their staffs will select Stevie Award winners from among the Finalists during final judging.

“It was harder than ever to be recognized in the Stevie Awards for Women in Business this year,” said Michael Gallagher, president of the Stevie Awards.  “Receiving a high score from the judges this year illustrates how well many women in business are doing despite the stiff challenges they face.”

“I am truly honored to be part of the prestigious award that recognizes women and their accomplishments in business,” said Kristi Saucerman.

Details about The Stevie Awards for Women in Business and the list of Finalists in all categories are available at www.stevieawards.com/women.

About Auction Frogs

Auction Frogs unites extensive fundraising experience with innovative technology to help you avoid the hassles, challenges and pitfalls of staging a silent auction at a live event. With

Auction Frogs, you can utilize an outstanding, easy, fun, user-friendly ONLINE AUCTION platform to promote and execute an effective fundraising event that will draw more bidders, more auction items, and more sponsors with less volunteer resources than a traditional “live” silent auction event.  Auction Frogs provides the knowledge, tools, and resources you need to create your own auction easily with a comprehensive approach coordinating and administering all phases of an online auction event.

About The Stevie Awards
Stevie Awards are conferred in four programs: The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service.  Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide.  Learn more about The Stevie Awards at www.stevieawards.com.

Sponsors of the 7th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business (as of October 11) include the Business TalkRadio Network and KeyBank.  Localization partner of the 2011 Stevie Awards is Lionbridge.

Auction Frogs: Coolest thing to happen to fundraising!

September 14, 2010

Friends In Action 2009 Online Auction

Auction Frogs is the coolest thing to happen to fundraising in a very long time! Auction Frogs online auction system is easy and fun to use for the bidders, provides much more exposure for the donators and raises more money for the beneficiary than any traditional auction I’ve experienced. Kristi and her staff are obviously dedicated to the success of their clients and were there to answer questions or provide guidance at any time throughout the process. I highly recommend Auction Frogs as a technology backbone to a successful fundraising experience!

~Rebecca Rebecca S. Standerfer Answer Idaho 208.938.0769

www.answeridaho.com rebecca@answeridaho.com

Compass Charter School raised double with Auction Frogs

September 14, 2010

Compass Charter School 2009 Online Auction

AuctionFrogs on line auction was a great way to earn funds for our school. We raised more than double the money with this auction versus our live auction which had more items the previous year. The online auction was easier to do with less hours involved vs. the live auction. This was a great way for people to have fun and get useful items while supporting our school. Thank You AuctionFrogs! Janice Christensen PFA Vice-President for Compass Public Charter School.

Boys and Girls Club raises more with Auction Frogs

September 9, 2010

Boys and Girls Club – spring 2009

“AuctionFrogs provided us with a seamless and professional auction solution. Their outstanding level of service and personal involvement helped us to exceed our goals and earn more from our items than ever before. Their commitment to non-profits brings a perspective which recognizes our donor’s value and strives to extend our relationships with the people who support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Ada County. It is a partnership that we value and trust.”

Richard Johnson Marketing & Development Director Boys & Girls Clubs of Ada County 610 E 42nd St • Garden City, ID 83714 phone 208.639.3162 |fax 208.321.9158 richard.johnson@bgclubidaho.org | www.bgclubidaho.org

Arts West makes first online auction a success with Auction Frogs

September 9, 2010

Arts West Fall 2008 Auction

Auction Frogs was so helpful with our first online auction! It was success and we would definitely do it again! I am thankful for the Auction Frogs team and all of their support of our event.

Jade Hatfield Director of Special Events

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