Parent-teacher organizations have a unique set of needs when it comes to fundraising. They often raise money for both large projects and smaller classroom needs. Most school fundraisers need to reach an audience far beyond their local community to meet their goals. Online auctions are a great way to make this possible. As you consider an online auction for your next school fundraiser, keep these ideas in mind:
Getting Started
Conduct a thorough review with your organization to set clear fundraising goals and strategies. This preparation enhances future events by establishing realistic targets and identifying the best approaches to achieve them.
Form a Strong Planning Committee
Don’t go it alone. Assemble a team to handle tasks like delivering items, collecting payments, and managing online activities. This prevents burnout and makes the process more enjoyable. Plus, working with a team can help you connect with more people in your community!
Start Early with Donation Requests
Businesses often support nonprofits but need sufficient notice and paperwork. Begin soliciting donations three to four months in advance. Target amusement parks, museums, theaters, sports teams, and other businesses that frequently donate tickets, merchandise, and more. Prepare your tax information for online requests.
Develop a Robust Communication Strategy
Clear communication is crucial for a successful auction. Ensure everyone knows when and how to participate. As auction items arrive, build excitement through social media, newsletters, and email updates showcasing your upcoming items.
Give your community ample notice to save the date and send reminders leading up to your fundraiser. Leverage digital tools to create flyers and QR codes, making it easy for your community to access your auction, learn how to bid, and understand the purpose of your fundraiser.
Expand your reach by sharing auction details on your website and community Facebook pages. Engage your feeder schools to spread the word. With the right items, you can attract interest beyond just school families!
Align Auction Items with Community Interests
Tailor your auction items to suit your community’s preferences and budget. Choose items that will appeal to your audience and fit within their price range to ensure active bidding.
Smart Pricing Strategies
Pricing auction items can be challenging. Start bids at 30-50% of the item’s value, especially if it was donated. Community interest will ultimately determine the final price. For unique items like class projects, consider listing them as “priceless” to generate more interest.
Clearly state a “Starting Bid” and minimum raise amount to guide bidders. Starting with lower bids can stimulate more activity. For some items, set a “Win it Now” price slightly above their value, which works well for tickets or gift certificates. Avoid this for high-interest items that could spark bidding wars, like prime parking spots or front-row event seats.
Strategic Auction Closing
The closing phase is key to maximizing your profits. Close your high-value items first (e.g., teacher experiences and premium parking spots). Then, stagger closing times for other items, allowing bidders to redirect their funds if they didn’t win the top items.
Keep the auction period brief—no more than two weeks. Most bidding happens on the first and last days. Ensure the closing date doesn’t conflict with major community events to maximize participation.
By implementing these strategies, you can create an engaging and profitable online auction that supports your PTA’s goals. Connect with us for more tips and a demo of our platform!!
