Engaging Donors Beyond the Gala

In the world of nonprofit fundraising, sustaining momentum after a gala or a major event can be challenging. Donors’ enthusiasm may wane, and the funds raised can start to plateau. That’s where the magic of peer-to-peer fundraising comes into play. Fundly offers a valuable post-event fundraising tool that can help you keep your donors engaged and the contributions flowing long after the glittering gala lights have dimmed.

Peer-to-Peer Fundraising: More than just an Event Companion

While nonprofits often associate peer-to-peer fundraising with events like walk-a-thons, marathons, or charity runs, Fundly’s powerful fundraising approach doesn’t have to be tied to a specific event. It can serve as an independent strategy to fuel your ongoing fundraising campaigns.

Unlike traditional event-focused fundraising, peer-to-peer fundraising is not bound by a particular date or location. It empowers your supporters to fundraise for your cause at any time, creating a sustained stream of contributions. Using Fundly, peer-to-peer fundraising opens doors to donors of all shapes and sizes. Your supporters become “brand ambassadors”, rallying friends, family, and colleagues to support your nonprofit. This inclusive approach broadens your donor base.

It's not just about the Funds—It's about the Personal Connection

Fundly’s Peer-to-peer fundraising allows your supporters to share their passion for your cause, adding an emotional dimension to the giving process. By engaging multiple individuals as fundraisers, you can multiply your outreach and impact. Each fundraiser brings their network into the fold, extending your reach far beyond what traditional methods can achieve.

After the Gala or Major Event, harness the Energy and Goodwill generated

Encourage your gala attendees to become peer-to-peer fundraisers and keep the fundraising momentum going. With peer-to-peer fundraising, you can extend the impact of your gala beyond a single night. It transforms your donors into active participants in your ongoing campaign, fueling your mission with enthusiasm and generosity.

So, don’t let the gala end when the music stops. Embrace the power of peer-to-peer fundraising to engage your donors and keep the fundraising spirit alive throughout the year. Together, we can achieve greater heights and create a lasting impact for your cause. Book time with us now, to learn how these strategies can work for you too!

Get Started Today

Our goal is to help your fundraiser run as efficiently as possible. Knowing your laws can save you valuable time and money. So be sure to consult your legal counsel, accountant, and local agencies for best practices and to check any necessary permits off of your list. 

Get in touch today to see how we can help make your next fundraiser a successful one!

Hybrid Events: Are they a Good Fit?

Hybrid Events-Are they a Good Fit Blog Banner

Hybrid events are the latest craze in the fundraising world, but what are they and how did they come about? In 2020, during the pandemic, the virtual event concept was born. While all nonprofits were making a necessary pivot, the benefits of this new virtual environment came as a surprise to many.

In addition to the versatility and marketability virtual production provides, there are additional benefits, as well. Here are just a few of them:

Fast-forward to today—many nonprofits are headed back to their traditional in-person event strategy, but thinking that a virtual component could still be a powerful addition to their fundraiser… Hybrid Events to the rescue! But, what exactly is a Hybrid Event?

“Hybrid” is a buzzword that is defined in a multitude of ways. While many people assume it means donors at home bidding against guests at your event, there can be a lot more to it.

Distinguishing a Hybrid Event from a Traditional Gala

Here are a few questions to ask yourself about your upcoming event in order to distinguish it as “hybrid.”

If you have answered “Yes” to all three of these questions, you are planning a Hybrid Event! While Hybrid Events have great benefits and potential, the truth is that they are not a fit for every nonprofit.

Determine if a Hybrid Event is a good fit

When deciding if a Hybrid Event should be in your fundraising future, first consider the five points below:

Get started Today

Our platform is feature-rich, simple to use, and yields great results. It allows for an unlimited number of item and image uploads, plus it can be customized to reflect your brand. And, with a mobile-friendly user experience, bidders can participate on any smart device.

So, get in touch today to see how we can help make your next gala event a successful one!

Mobile Bidding: Is it a Good Fit for Your Next Event?

Mobile Bidding Is it a Good Fit for your Event Banner

Now more than ever, electronic, touchless bidding is being highly sought after as the experience of choice for fundraising auctions. But, is Mobile Bidding the right solution for your next gala event? Read on below to find out!

What is Mobile Bidding?

Mobile Bidding allows your event attendees to bid and donate right from their smartphones. And, all without leaving the comfort of their seats! Instead of using paper and pen, silent auction bids, purchases, and donations are captured via a custom branded microsite—a small, streamlined website with a mobile-ready, app-like feel.

How does Mobile Bidding work?

When guests arrive at your event, they check-in just as they typically would. Upon check-in, your attendees will receive a text message with their unique log-in credentials and a hyperlink to your custom-branded microsite. Guests can then log in, add any missing contact and payment information, and start bidding—simple as that!

Your supporters no longer need to peruse tables crowded with bid sheets, pens, and elbows. They simply click on items that interest them, read up on the details, and submit their bids. And, forget guests not knowing when they are outbid! Instead of needing to run back to review bid sheets, your supporters will receive text notifications encouraging them to bid again.

Guests can also utilize our AutoBid feature to set a maximum bid for an item. Doing so lets our system bid for them until their maximum bid is reached. And, once bidding ends, guests can review their winnings and make their payments right from their seats.

Why is electronic bidding so beneficial?

Mobile Bidding can be extremely beneficial to your event and your team for a number of reasons. Below, we’ve outlined the top three!

What to think about when considering Mobile Bidding

Mobile Bidding is a great addition to a lot of events. However, it will not be a great addition to EVERY event. When deciding if Mobile Bidding will work best for your event, consider and question the points below.

Get started Today

With the increasing preference among attendees for digital platforms, Mobile Bidding is a great tool for your next event! If you’re looking to eliminate bid sheets, or want to streamline check-in and check-out, Mobile Bidding has got you covered! Our Mobile Bidding platform is feature-rich, simple to use, and yields great results. It allows for an unlimited number of item and image uploads, plus it can be customized to reflect your brand. And, with a mobile-friendly user experience, bidders can participate on any smart device. So, get in touch today to see how we can help make your next gala event a successful one!

The Pros & Cons of Public-Facing Fundraising Goals

Pros & Cons of a Public-Facing Fundraising Goal Banner

Did you know that Americans gave $471 billion to charities in 2020? This large number shows the sheer volume of people that wish to do good. Many people like to find a cause to donate to that is impactful to their personal life—hopefully, that’s your cause!

One fundraising strategy you can employ is to state a public-facing fundraising goal, where potential donors can see how much money you are raising. There are several pros and cons you should consider when deciding to use a public-facing goal as part of your fundraising strategy. Read on to find out if this is the right option for your organization!

Pro: Fundraising Goals motivate Donors to give more

People love collaboration, and feeling like they are working together to make something big happen for your organization can be a great motivator. When donors see the progress you are making towards your goal, they have a visual of how much more needs to be given. This incentivizes them to do their part, so they know they made a difference.

A great example of this is a building being built. Let’s say the goal is to raise $250,000. Donors know that each contribution they make will go toward that building. Being able to eventually see the result of the funds they contributed—the finished building—can be of great help.

Con: Donors may question what the Funds will be used for

When you publicly state your fundraising goal, donors have the opportunity to question what that money will be used for. Without knowing the specifics of your foundation’s operations, they may reason away that the amount of money stated as your goal is not needed.

Many people do not realize that successful nonprofits also have operating costs. For example, spending money marketing a fundraiser will make the campaign likely to bring in more money. Paying executives more than average may bring in stronger talent that can lead to a better fundraiser with a higher donation rate.

When your financial goal is displayed for the public to see, it is also open to the public’s opinions. People not well versed in nonprofit operations can easily decide not to donate to your fundraiser because of their incorrect perceptions of how the funds will be used.

Pro: If your Goal is not met, you can extend your Fundraiser

Fundraising campaigns often run for a range of dates. Once that time has elapsed, your campaign comes to a close, and the time to welcome standard donations begins. However, setting a public-facing fundraising goal can allow your organization to push the event beyond its planned timeline.

Having a set dollar figure as your goal is a great reason to extend your fundraising campaign for longer. Your organization can clearly state how much more needs to be earned, and incentivize donors to finish the goal together.

Con: Fundraising Goals may cause big Donors to scale back their Donations

There are five main types of donors: loved ones, casual givers, cause contributors, community crusaders, and big fish. The big fish category makes up big foundations and corporations that often contribute the largest dollar figures to your fundraising campaigns.

Let’s say Company Blue wants to donate $25,000 to the local animal shelter in 2022. If the animal shelter sets a fundraising goal of $20,000, Company Blue may scale back its contribution. Setting a public-facing fundraising goal may make donors think that amount is ALL your organization needs.

Pro: Public-Facing Fundraising Goals create buzz within your target Group

Having a public-facing fundraising goal is a great way to create buzz about your fundraising campaign! Keeping the public apprised of your progress towards your goal will make them feel like part of your process.

This can be a great tool to use in social media campaigns as well! Interactive posts can allow your donors to see the contribution they make as they give. Creating a buzz around your fundraising campaign keeps people talking about it, and motivates people involved to work together and reach your desired goal.

Con: Once your Goal is met, Donors may not be motivated to give more

With a public-facing fundraising goal, there is often a lot of hype and collaboration in reaching that magic number. However, after your goal is met, donor support quickly drops off.

If you are part of a nonprofit organization, you know that the goal is to raise as much as possible for the cause you care about. Though a fundraising goal is met, you want to see generous donations continue to flow in to support your cause.

With a goal amount set, potential donors that see the amount being met may choose not to give. They could easily decide that your cause is taken care of and that their finances are better given to a cause that needs the funds more.

Happy Fundraising

We hope this article helped you understand the pros and cons of a public-facing fundraising goal! There is no right or wrong way of running your fundraising campaign. It simply depends on your organization’s needs and financial goals.

As you develop a fundraising goal for your organization in 2022, reach out to the team at Auction Frogs for support! We offer amazing guidance on online auctions, event fundraising, mobile bidding, donation campaigns, and so much more. Contact us today to learn about how we can help your team this year.

Six Fundraisers to Explore in 2022

Six Fundraisers to Explore in 2022 Banner

As you ring in the New Year and begin to look ahead at what 2022 has to offer, you may be wondering… what types of fundraisers you should be planning? Owing to creative solutions to fundraising struggles faced by many nonprofits during the pandemic, there are more options than ever before! So, what’s new? And, are the classic fundraising staples still viable options?

Keep reading for our list of the top six fundraisers we recommend for 2022.

Online Auction Fundraisers

Online Auctions are often an underrated fundraiser choice. Using a customizable Online Auction site, you can raise money in several ways—not only with auction items. Keep in mind, sponsorship opportunities, merchandise sales, and donations can all occur within the same site!

If you have never planned an online fundraiser before, it’s normal to have reservations. But, now more than ever, donors are primed and ready to try something new, especially in a digital environment. With a strong marketing campaign and a little extra education for hesitant donors, you may find that Online Auctions are a new favorite for you and your audience!

Pros of Online Auctions

Cons of Online Auctions

Traditional Gala Fundraisers

Traditional Gala fundraisers vary widely in cost. Meaning, their price tag may range anywhere from $5,000 to well above $30,000. Ultimately, their cost will be dependent upon the number of guests, venue, and the catering choices you make.

Galas also vary widely in theme and structure, but most typically include dinner, keynote speakers, a live and silent auction, and a paddle raise. Keep in mind, while they are a great choice for any nonprofit organization, traditional Galas work especially well for those with a localized audience.

Pros of Traditional Galas

Cons of Traditional Galas

Golf Tournament

Golf Tournaments are a fun fundraiser to add to your calendar. These outdoor events reach a different demographic than other fundraising events as they appeal more to business-centered audiences. Therefore, they are a great way for nonprofits to build new relationships with local businesses within their community!

Golf Tournaments vary largely in price based on course location, food selection, swag, prizes, etc. Like with any event, Golf Tournaments offer great opportunities for sponsorships, helping to cover costs. Remember, businesses are more likely to buy sponsorships that include ample marketing opportunities during the event. So, get creative and make sure to advertise your sponsorship packages well!

Pros of Golf Tournaments

Cons of Golf Tournaments

Virtual Event Fundraisers

Virtual events combine the power of Online Auctions with a live or pre-recorded broadcast. On average, the cost of a high-quality Virtual Event is between $5,000 and $10,000. They are a great match for nonprofits with state, national, or international reach as they create a unique fundraising experience for a widespread audience.

Pros of Virtual Events

Cons of Virtual Events

Hybrid Event Fundraisers

Recently, “Hybrid Event” has come to mean many different things. At Auction Frogs, we define a Hybrid Event as an in-person fundraiser combined with a virtual experience. This virtual experience is typically a live stream of your event program for stay-at-home donors and includes simultaneous bidding in your auction.

Most importantly, when planning a Hybrid Event, keep your expectations realistic. The “sky’s the limit” approach can often make these fundraisers more work than they need to be.

Pros of Hybrid Events

Cons of Hybrid Events

Donation Campaigns

You may have a donation form on your website that sits there all year long. But, a Donation Campaign like those used for GivingTuesday can be a great asset to your fundraising strategy.

There are many different forms that a Donation Campaign can take, from a peer-to-peer model to a direct mail campaign. To determine which fundraiser style is right for you, consider factors like your fundraising goal, audience demographic, and the time of year when your campaign will be held.

Pros of Donation Campaigns

Cons of Donation Campaigns

Whether you plan to try a new fundraiser in 2022 or return to a favorite model from the past, we wish you a successful year of fundraising and hope you have fun along the way!

Use Auction Frogs for your fundraisers in 2022

Our platform is feature-rich, simple to use, and yields great results. It allows for an unlimited number of item and image uploads, plus it can be customized to reflect your brand identity. And, with a mobile-friendly user experience, bidders can participate on any smart device.

So, get in touch today to see how we can help make your next gala event a successful one!

Themes to Kick-Start your next Gala Event

Themes to kick-start your next Gala Event Banner

There is a lot to think about when you start planning a fundraising event. The venue, food, drinks, music, run of show. But all of those things are centered around one thing: your gala event theme!

Whether it’s a throwback to ages past or an homage to your favorite flick, every organization and audience loves a great gala event theme they can get behind! But as many have experienced, it’s not that easy to put a new spin on a common theme. So, to help kick start your idea sessions in the new year, here is a quick list of some of the most unique themes we’ve ever spotted at fundraising events.

Tips for Choosing a Theme

Seasonal Gala Event Themes

These season and holiday-related themes are fun and will appeal to any audience!

Pop Culture Gala Event Themes

What has been trending lately? What movies are coming out this year? Check social media to see what everyone is talking about and consider these iconic pop culture themes.

Geographic Gala Event Themes

No matter where you are located, these geographic themes will be a hit!

Generational Gala Event Themes

Nostalgia is a powerful tool (and a lot of fun!). Consider these generational gala event themes when planning your next fundraiser. Don’t forget to take into account the median age of your guests!

Your options for gala event themes are endless! Keep in mind the need to balance your budget with design and practicality, and don’t forget to get creative with it! Your creative touches will make your event (and the event planning process!) a lot more fun.

Use Auction Frogs for your next Gala Event

Our platform is feature-rich, simple to use, and yields great results. It allows for an unlimited number of item and image uploads, plus it can be customized to reflect your brand identity. And, with a mobile-friendly user experience, bidders can participate on any smart device.

So, get in touch today to see how we can help make your next gala event a successful one!

Dates to Plan your Fundraising Around in 2022

Dates to plan your fundraising around in 2022 banner

Funds are flooding forward. Americans donated more than $427 billion to non-profit organizations in 2018. Yet this money did not come at once. Some days saw higher donations than others. If you are planning on fundraising in 2022, you have to be mindful of when people will donate.

What are occasions that you should never run a fundraising event on? What are local or religious occasions you should avoid? How can you take advantage of certain holidays without running events on the same dates? Answer these questions and you can become a master at  planning your fundraising in 2022!

New Year's Day

January 1st may seem like a good time to run virtual fundraising events. Many organizers like to “ring in the New Year” with galas and fundraisers. This is exactly why you should not hold a fundraising event on New Year’s Day in 2022. It is hard to stand out in the crowd, even if you are fundraising online.

Even if there are only a few fundraising events near you, many people are celebrating the holiday and cannot attend your event. If January 1st falls on a weekend, you should not run an event on the same weekend at all. Consider doing a start-of-the-year drive that covers the entire month of January instead. You can run a few small fundraising events throughout the month instead of one big one on January 1st.

The Grammys

The Grammys will take place on January 31st in 2022. Though it is not as big of an event as New Year’s Day, it still takes up a lot of attention. This makes it hard to run a fundraising event, regardless of the cause you promote.

January 31st also falls on a Monday in 2022. Many people spend their Mondays preparing for the workweek, and they do not want to attend charity fundraising events. Try to avoid scheduling your fundraising in 2022 on Mondays or Tuesdays. Fridays and Saturdays tend to be ideal days, though you can schedule events for weekdays if weekends are packed with events.

The Oscars

The Oscars will take place on March 27th in 2022. Pre-shows for the Oscars run for hours, so viewers may be unavailable for the evening of the 27th.

If you run a nonprofit that helps filmmakers, you may be able to take advantage of the Oscars. Hosting a screening party and inviting an Oscar nominee to speak are two unique fundraising ideas. But you may want to schedule your Oscar-related fundraiser for a different day so your attendees can give your fundraiser their full attention.

Easter Sunday

Easter takes place on April 17th in 2022. Those who celebrate Easter will likely spend the day with their families, in church, or performing religious ceremonies and are unlikely to attend fundraisers. While religious groups may find success fundraising in 2022 before or after Easter—giving food to the hungry and building homes for the homeless are good works that associate with the holiday well—fundraising events should not be held on Easter Sunday itself.

Consider also that Passover week begins at sunset on April 15th and ends at sunset on April 23rd in 2022. If your nonprofit serves a geographic area with a high Jewish population, you should avoid fundraising in 2022 during Passover week.

It is generally a good idea to avoid holding fundraisers on any religious holidays. Muslim, Buddhist, and Hindu holidays are also dates you should research when planning your fundraisers.

Friday the 13th

Friday the 13th falls on May 13 in 2022. Most people regard the date with suspicion, believing actions they take on that day will lead them to bad luck. You should avoid planning any nonprofit fundraising on that Friday.

Independence Day

Independence Day is July 4th. It is a federal holiday, with nearly all businesses closed for the day. Most people like to spend time with their family and friends. You should not plan to run any fundraising events on that day. Veterans organizations could sponsor firework shows and other occasions to build their name recognition, but they should not ask for donations.

Election Day

Election Day in 2022 falls on Tuesday, November 8th. It is a midterm election day, so all seats in the House of Representatives will be contested. One-third of Senate seats will also be contested, along with many gubernatorial and local seats. Your local area may have one or more primary days. Visit the National Conference of State Legislatures website to check when your state primary days are.

Primary days and Election Day eat up a significant amount of attention. A lot of people that may otherwise donate to your cause may be planning to give donations to political candidates and parties. Wait for a different day to fundraise in 2022.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 24th in 2022. It is a federal holiday that nearly everyone in America celebrates. Many families make a four-day weekend out of Thanksgiving, taking the Friday after Thanksgiving off from work to spend with their families. They will not be able to attend events you hold, so plan not to schedule any fundraising events for that weekend.

Around this same time of year, GivingTuesday takes place on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, which will be November 29th in 2022. You should prepare your nonprofit for GivingTuesday and then plan to spin your GivingTuesday campaign off into a year-end drive. This is a great way to cap off your fundraising in 2022.

Christmas

Christmas is another extremely popular holiday. December 25th is a federal holiday, and many nonprofits close their doors for the day. December 24th is another day that many Americans take off to be with their families. Some will attend church services or throw parties. Try to avoid running any fundraising events on December 24th and 25th.

Local Events

Be sure to be mindful of popular local events when you plan for fundraising in 2022. Football games and school vacation weeks can take up a lot of attention, especially in suburban areas with a lot of families. Try to research when people may be out of town or busy, then schedule your fundraisers for other dates.

The Worst Days for Fundraising in 2022

To sum up, there are definitely days you must plan around when fundraising in 2022. Don’t plan to hold a fundraising event on major holidays like Independence Day and Thanksgiving. Try to avoid religious holidays as well—Easter and Passover are two examples—as they typically take up a lot of people’s time. Be mindful of local and regional events, such as football games and election dates. And, don’t forget, many people may be busy watching award ceremonies on certain nights, like the Oscars and Grammys.

Use Auction Frogs for your next Online Auction

Our platform is feature-rich, simple to use, and yields great results. It allows for an unlimited number of item and image uploads, plus it can be customized to reflect your brand identity. And, with a mobile-friendly user experience, bidders can participate on any smart device.

So, get in touch today to see how we can help make your next virtual fundraiser a successful one!

5 Ideas for Live Auction Items

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What are good live auction items to be considered, and why does a benefit auctioneer work the best at events?

Our clients often ask us, “What items should I have at my live auction?!” With so many options, it can be hard to know where to start, and even more difficult to know what your audience is looking for. To make the planning process a bit easier, we’ve put together five ideas to get you started on the right path. We’ll also discuss the value of having a Benefit Auctioneer at your event, and how these individuals influence the bidding process.

  1. Identify Your Audience – For success at your live auction, you must know your audience. Begin brainstorming items to offer by creating a profile of your average supporter. Consider their lifestyle: Do they have families? What kind of jobs do they hold? Do you have more male or female supporters? What do they do in their downtime? What are their hobbies? A high-end auction will not be as successful if you are giving your guests low-end items. On the other hand, a public school auction may not do well if you are auctioning off trips to the wine country that might be out of your bidders’ budgets. Knowing your audience allows you to plan for success. Figure out what they want and find a way to deliver.
  2. Create Your Item Roadmap – Now that you’ve identified your audience, make a roadmap of items you predict will be most successful at your auction. This is where a wrap-up meeting after your events can come in handy. After every auction you hold, make a summary of the items that went fastest and those that took more “selling.” If there were items that didn’t get any attention, make sure you avoid those and similar items for future events. If this is your first event or your first year acting as an organizer and you are unsure of the outcome of previous auctions, it may be helpful to speak with past committees or a few of your supporters you have good relationships with. They can help point you in the right direction.
  3. Offer Unique and Cause-specific Items – One of the most successful items that we see for smaller auctions, such as schools or small nonprofits, are items specific to the cause. We have often witnessed “Once-in-a-lifetime” experiences going for the most money. For school fundraisers, you may auction passes for “Principal for a Day” or the prime parking spot right in front of the school. These are items that cost you nothing and are ONLY available at your fundraising event.
  4. Leverage Your Locale – The next most successful items are those connected to popular spots in your city. For example, Auction Frogs is based in Boise and many of the events we support are centered here, as well. That means that the guests at our local charity events are very interested in Boise items, such as Boise State University Football packages, staycation/date nights in downtown Boise, or nearby adventures in our beautiful outdoors.
  5. Give Them An Experience – For larger auctions with elite attendees, we often find that trips are hot ticket items. Vacation packages perform amazingly well because the bidder is often getting a great deal on a getaway while supporting their favorite cause. It’s a win-win situation! While trips are hard to solicit, we do have resources to help. (Ask us how you can utilize our consignment partners, Winspire.)

Keep in mind that these items only perform well if they are being auctioned off properly. This is where skilled and experienced Benefit Auctioneers can make all the difference in the success of your auction. These professionals know your crowd and how to work the room to get bids moving out of pure experience and enticement. Benefit Auctioneers are perhaps the single best investment to ensure the success of your fundraising event. Not only do they add an element of fun and entertainment to your live auction, but they are especially talented at reading your audience, encouraging bids, and increasing your revenue.

If you have any questions about items specific to your auction or need a good recommendation for a Benefit Auctioneer, please reach out. Our team is always willing to chat via phone at 208-321-5515 or email to [email protected].

 

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