Raise More in Your Silent Auction with Lucky Line

Lucky Line Feature Image

Silent auctions are a fantastic way to raise funds for your cause, but keeping bidders engaged throughout the event can be a challenge. That’s where the Lucky Line feature on Auction Frogs bid sheets comes in! This simple yet powerful tool adds an exciting twist to traditional silent auction bid sheets, encouraging more participation and higher bids.

What is the Lucky Line?

The Lucky Line is a designated spot on each bid sheet that gives bidders an extra incentive to participate. If a guest places their bid on the Lucky Line, they are automatically entered into a special prize drawing or given some swag from the organization. This creates a fun and strategic element to bidding—giving guests another reason to bid and stay engaged.

How Does the Lucky Line Help?

Bidders increase their offers just to land on the Lucky Line, leading to more competitive bidding and ultimately raising more funds for your cause!  With an incentive to bid on the Lucky Line and receive a prize or chance to win a prize, it’s a good way to help to increase the bids! Some attendees may hesitate to place a bid, but the chance to win a special prize can be the extra push they need to get involved. Silent auctions can sometimes feel routine, but adding a Lucky Line turns bidding into a game! The thrill of landing on the lucky spot keeps guests engaged and entertained.

How to Use the Lucky Line at Your Event

    1. Designate a Lucky Line – Pick a specific line on each bid sheet where a bidder can qualify for the special drawing. Auction Frogs feature will automatically highlight the line.
    2. Promote It! – Make sure guests know about the Lucky Line by announcing it at the event, adding a sign near auction items, and including it in your event program.
    3. Choose a Desirable Prize – The incentive doesn’t have to be extravagant, but it should be something attendees will want—a gift card, a bottle of wine, or even a swag item from the organization.
    4. Hold the Drawing – At the end of the auction, gather all Lucky Line  winners and randomly select the recipient of the special prize.

Make Your Next Silent Auction More Engaging!

If you’re looking for a way to boost bidder enthusiasm and maximize fundraising at your next event, the Lucky Line is a fun and effective tool. By adding this simple incentive, you can turn a standard silent auction into an exciting experience that keeps guests bidding and engaged!

Want to learn more about auction strategies that drive success? Contact Auction Frogs today and take your fundraising to the next level!

Sweet Strategies for Fundraising Success

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Dessert Dash vs Dessert Auction 

When it comes to fundraising events, desserts aren’t just the cherry on top of the evening—they can be powerful tools for raising money for your cause. Two popular approaches are the Dessert Dash and the Dessert Auction. While both are centered around enticing treats, they differ in structure, audience engagement, and fundraising potential. Let’s break down the key differences and help you decide which one is the best fit for your event.

What is a Dessert Dash? A Dessert Dash is an exciting and fast-paced group activity that combines competition, teamwork, and delicious desserts. Here’s how it works:

  • Each table works together to pool donations into a collective bid.
  • Tables are ranked based on their total contributions.
  • When bidding closes, the table with the highest total gets the first pick from the dessert table.
  • A designated runner from each table “dashes” to the dessert table to claim their chosen treat.
  • The dashing continues until the lowest bidding table picks their treat.

This high energy approach encourages friendly competition that often inspires guests to give more generously to secure their preferred dessert. This format works particularly well in large galas where table dynamics are strong, and it adds an interactive and playful element to the evening.

What is a Dessert Auction? A Dessert Auction focuses on individual bidding, with desserts being auctioned off one at a time. Here’s the process:

  • Desserts are displayed beautifully, often with descriptions highlighting unique ingredients or special bakers.
  • An auctioneer invites attendees to bid on each dessert.
  • The highest bidder wins the dessert and sometimes additional perks, like a bottle of wine or a special table setting.
  • This can be done in both a live and silent auction settings. The key is to make sure to have a dedicated time in the program that brings the focus to the desserts closing.

Dessert Auctions often highlight premium, one-of-a-kind desserts.  This approach works best smaller scale or more intimate events.  Events with individual guests that are eager to outbid each other for a truly special treat can also be ideal for this approach.

Key Differences at a Glance:

  • Group vs. Individual: Dessert Dash focuses on group contributions by table, while Dessert Auction relies on individual bids.
  • Pace: Dessert Dash is fast and energetic, whereas Dessert Auction is slower and spotlight-driven.
  • Audience Engagement: Dessert Dash encourages team spirit and table interaction, while Dessert Auction spotlights individual generosity.
  • Revenue Strategy: Dessert Dash often raises funds collectively from tables, while Dessert Auction depends on high bids from individual guests.

Which One is Right for Your Event?

Choose Dessert Dash if:

  • your goal is to create a lively, team-focused activity that gets the whole room involved.
  • your audience consists of tables purchased by businesses. Sponsored tables that are more likely to pool their funds as opposed to having one primary bidder.

Choose Dessert Auction if:

  • you want to highlight premium desserts
  • you have an audience ready for individual competitive bidding.

Want to Try Both?

You could combine both strategies, too!  Kick off with a Dessert Auction for a few standout desserts and then transition into a Dessert Dash for the rest.

No matter which approach you choose, both the Dessert Dash and Dessert Auction offer a delightful way to sweeten your fundraising results. After all, who can resist giving generously when there’s dessert on the line!

Selecting the Right Online Auction Platform

Selecting the right auction platform

Online auctions have become a powerful tool for nonprofits as they strive to raise funds and engage their communities. With a bunch of companies offering online auction services, picking the right one can make a world of difference in your fundraising success. Here’s what to keep in mind when scouting for the perfect online auction company to help your nonprofit’s fundraising efforts. 

Fee Structure 

Just because their website says “its ‘free,” doesn’t mean it’s actually free.  Software usage may look “free” but really look at the fine print.  Software isn’t free to build or support, so how does the platform you are looking at make money?   

  • High Merchant Processing Fees: Pay attention to the merchant processing fee structure.  Many platforms simply charge a higher merchant processing fee.  Sometimes what would normally be 3% of your total raised is upwards of 8-10%.  That means upto 10% of your auction proceeds are paying for the use of the platform.  Beware of contracts that say “Interchange plus a percentage or flat fee.”  It can be really hard to budget how much running your auction will cost with options like this. 
  • Support Costs Extra: Do they charge extra for tech support or training?  Some companies have excellent knowledge bases for DIY support but offer little else.  Others offer an actual human to talk to.  Think about what is the right fit for your organization when it comes to support. 
  • Miscellaneous Fees: Are there other fees unrelated to card processing?  Think about admin fees, batch fees, transaction fees, service fees, etc. Some platforms charge extra for auctions with more items.  Others charge additional fees for access to essential tools like reports, user contact information and more.  This is data you will need and you should not have to pay extra for.  
  • Multi-Event or Multi-Year Contracts:  Check for language about additional required auctions.  Sometimes the first event is free but you may be locked in to doing a specific number of additional events, or a multiyear contract you are now locked into for the card processing. 

Understand the company’s fee structure and make sure it aligns with your budget. Comparing different pricing models will help you find a solution that offers the best bang for your buck. 

Site Simplicity 

Nobody likes clunky websites! A user-friendly platform ensures that both organizers and bidders can cruise through the auction with ease. Look for a company that offers a sleek dashboard, straightforward bidding, and clear instructions. A smooth user experience can turn casual clickers into enthusiastic bidders. 

Customization and Branding 

Your nonprofit’s brand should shine bright! Choose a company that lets you go wild with customization options, including logos, colors, and personalized messages. A snazzy, well-branded auction page not only looks professional but also keeps your mission front and center. 

Mobile-Friendly 

In this mobile-first world, your auction platform needs to be as flexible as the screens it will be displayed on. Participants should be able to bid from any device, whether they are on the couch or out and about. A mobile-friendly platform can boost participation and keep the bids rolling in. 

Security and Compliance 

Security is no laughing matter, especially when handling sensitive donor information and transactions. Make sure the company uses top-notch security measures, like encryption and secure payment gateways. Also, check that the platform plays by the rules and complies with all the legal and regulatory standards to keep your nonprofit and its supporters safe. 

Customer Support 

Got a tech glitch? No worries! Reliable customer support is essential for tackling any issues that might pop up during the auction. Look for a company that offers stellar support, including live chat, phone assistance, and detailed FAQs. Prompt and effective support can keep the auction running smoothly. 

Reporting and Analytics 

Knowledge is power! The chosen platform should provide detailed reports and analytics on bidder behavior, item performance, and overall auction results. This treasure trove of information can help you assess the auction’s success and fine-tune future fundraising strategies. 

Integration Capabilities 

Consider whether the auction platform can play nice with your existing donor management and CRM systems. Seamless integration can streamline operations, allowing you to sync donor information, track engagement, and keep accurate records. This integration enhances efficiency and ensures a holistic view of your fundraising efforts. If you are using a platform that does not have the specific integration you need, make sure it can export and import data in the format needed for your admin systems. 

Reputation and Reviews 

Word of mouth is gold! Research the company’s reputation within the nonprofit community. Look for reviews and testimonials from other organizations that have used their services. Positive feedback and success stories can give you insights into the company’s reliability and effectiveness.  Don’t be afraid to ask for referrals from the Platform’s sales team.  Call their clients and get real feedback. 

Features and Tools 

Evaluate the range of features and tools offered by the auction platform. Key features might include advanced bidding styles like auto-bidding, BidWars, or Second Chance Offer.  Additional item types like buy-it-now items for selling swag items, tickets or opportunity drawings may also be a plus. Extra tools like automated reminders, social media sharing, and customizable donation forms can jazz up the auction experience and drive higher engagement. 

Choosing the right online auction company, can be a game-changer for your nonprofit’s fundraising potential. By considering factors like ease of use, customization, security, and support, you can find a partner that not only meets your needs but also supercharges your fundraising strategy.  

Need help sorting through the best option for your nonprofit?  Let Auction Frogs help! Chat with us about your needs or book a demo today!

Online Auction Tips for PTAs and PTOs

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!!

Top 8 Reasons Our Customers Think Auction Frogs ROCKS!

The results are in—Our nonprofit customers love Auction Frogs! Here are the top eight reasons why.

8 | Connections

We love to connect with your organization and share your cause. Leveraging our social media following we can promote your event or campaign. Just let us know how we can help!

7 | Raise More Money

By working with Auction Frogs, you can learn how to raise more funds year after year. Over the last two and a half years alone, we have helped our customers raise over 60 MILLION DOLLARS!

6 | Flat Rate Pricing

We don’t charge a percentage fee on the funds you work hard to raise. Pay one flat rate to run your auction. As times have changed, Auction Frogs’ pricing has stayed the same.

Interested in subscription or multi-auction pricing? We have that too!

5 | Expertise

Our team has over 75 years of combined fundraising experience. We know a thing or two about fundraising. Chat with us about your goals and find new strategies that can work for you! 

4 | Constant Improvements

We are always improving our product and its features. With an in-house development team, we adapt and evolve our product by listening to our customers,  understanding their needs, and acting on their feedback.

3 | Great Reporting

Get easy access to your data anytime, even if you stop using our platform. Using a donor management or accounting system? Import your auction data in just a few steps.

2 | We Give Back!

Auction Frogs teams up with community partners and organizations to do good in the areas we serve. Check out the annual Auction Frogs Gives Back campaigns on our website and social media.

1 | Customer CARE

Year after year our customer retention stays high because our customer service team truly cares about your success. Each team member knows the ins and outs of our platform and wants to help you succeed! Working on your fundraiser after hours? Get 24/7 access to our robust Knowledge Base library.

These are just the top eight reasons, but there are many more!  Book time to chat with us and learn more about what we do and how we can help you exceed your fundraising goals!

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

  • Inexpensive & requires fewer volunteer hours
  • Larger target audience & longer bidding timeframes
  • Multiple ways to enhance your offered sponsorships

Cons of Online Auctions

  • Small learning curve for those who have never participated in an online auction
  • Requires more time upfront as you set up your auction site & build your item list

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

  • Fun & interactive for donors to gather in the same room for a common cause
  • Industry proven moneymaker
  • Provides direct & specialized mission messaging
  • Larger opportunity to offer VIP experiences & sponsorship perks

Cons of Traditional Galas

  • Can become very expensive very quickly
  • Impactful for only a short period of time
  • Potential liability & social responsibility issues can arise, particularly during the pandemic
  • Misson messaging can get lost in the “party”

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

  • Reach a business-centered demographic
  • Requires moderate cost & effort
  • Offers the opportunity to tap into business dollars typically reserved for marketing
  • Creates more personalized small-group networking

Cons of Golf Tournaments

  • Challenging to gross more than $50,000 in most markets
  • Limited by season & subject to weather
  • Mission messaging can get easily lost in the tournament play

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

  • Less expensive than traditional Gala fundraisers
  • Larger target audience & longer bidding timeframes
  • Livestream remains online in perpetuity & can be repurposed as a marketing tool, extending impact

Cons of Virtual Events

  • Can be difficult for certain audience segments to participate
  • Requires a strong marketing strategy
  • Need for A/V team with the experience & equipment to make a broadcast possible

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

  • Allows at-home & in-room bidding to give your entire audience a chance to participate
  • Auction can be opened early to support a longer bidding timeframe
  • Donations can still be received & recognized from at-home donors

Cons of Hybrid Events

  • Small learning curve for those who have never participated in electronic bidding
  • Time delays will exist for at-home bidders, so auction activity will not match your broadcast
  • Auctioneers need to move slower so live auction will take longer

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

  • Combines resources you already have to drive traffic to your website & increase donations during slower giving times
  • Can be utilized with marketing & social media to create content that lives on to be repurposed in future
  • Stories can be gathered & created year-round

Cons of Donation Campaigns

  • Needs a strong marketing foundation
  • Really important to stick with a strategy & connect with your audience
  • Requires use of brand ambassadors to be successful

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!

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!

How to source Auction Items for a Winning Virtual Fundraiser

How to source Auction Items for a Winning Virtual Fundraiser Banner

Auctions are one of the best ways for nonprofit organizations to raise funds. Courting businesses and individuals willing to donate or sponsor auction items is a crucial part of that process. The quality of goods and services you’re able to acquire is integral to the success of your fundraising initiative. 

Let’s explore some methods you can use to procure great auction items for your next event!

Strategize for Success

Once you have a strategy, you can actively seek and solicit auction items. Build your game plan based on:

  • Strategies that worked well in previous years
  • New ideas that work with your target market's income level and budget

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

First things first, you need to assemble an item procurement team. Your team should be comprised of committee members who have the gift of the gab. Look for people with charm and diplomacy who can call on a vast social network to obtain coveted goods and services.

If your team is small, don’t worry. Be sure to plan early (preferably a six months to a year in advance). You’ll be surprised by how much even a one-man show can accomplish! Sound people skills can help you distinguish between donors who are short on time and those who want you to invest time in exchange for a high-impact donation.

Lay it All Out

Put together a PR kit with brochures and links depicting what your organization does. Include facts about previous auctions you’ve held such as the number of bidders that participated. Don’t forget, explain how your virtual event works. This includes what would be expected of donors when it comes to fulfilling their end of the transaction.

Your PR kit can provide auction items suggestions to give your business donors inspiration. Customize these ideas for your wishlist businesses in the body of an email or on a phone call. Just remember, it’s easy to ignore emails, so try and make a call first to establish a personal connection.

Warm-Calling

Colleagues, stakeholders, previous donors from a database, friends, and family are all good sources of auction items. They’re familiar with your cause and have likely witnessed the positive outcomes of your organization’s fundraising projects.

If you’ve thanked them appropriately in the past, there’s a solid chance they will be willing to proffer bid-worthy items again. Your loyal donors and supporters are your first port of call.

Cold-Calling

Cold-calling and cold-pitching can reap rewards so don’t shy away from approaching businesses out of the blue. Highlight the advantages of participating as an item donor. For example, advantages could be greater brand exposure or an enhanced reputation via visible corporate social responsibility or sponsorship.

Remember, the community you engage doesn’t necessarily have to be local. It can include companies from further afield who have an online presence that resonates with your core audience. As long as you’re not trying to ship items across the world, it should be a-okay.

Harness the Power of Social Media

If your campaign messaging is creative, you can tug on the heartstrings and purse strings of hundreds of potential donors via social media. Crowdfunding and crowdsourcing are remarkable elements of the internet age. In the digital world, the generosity of clicktivists and regular folks alike acts as a counterbalance to vicious trolling. Craft a compelling narrative and it can find its way to people in the mood for a random act of kindness. 

Cast your net wide and you’ll find treasure. You can group smaller items in lovely gift baskets and hampers so no contribution is too small. Don’t forget, stipulate that you’re not looking for second-hand items. High-end thrift items and antique auctions are niches that don’t work for everyone.

Cash donations are welcome too. You can use these to curate vacation items, or organize discounted sports tickets, live performances or any other experiences you feel are missing from confirmed offerings. By doing so, you’ll be able to stretch donations even further and maximize the good you can ultimately do with those funds.

Record-Keeping for the Win

Be sure to use pledge and procurement forms to record important details. Log physical goods and intangible items such as gift cards, donor particulars, starting bids, and any other relevant logistical information. Collate and meticulously track received goods that your organization will need to warehouse and distribute. The best part, virtual gift vouchers and codes can be stored in a secure folder in the cloud!

Key Takeaway

Auction item acquisition is a challenging but satisfying aspect of planning your fundraising event. You can score fantastic items for an online, silent, or live auction. A little planning and determination will serve you well, as will an enthusiastic and polite procurement team. Good luck!

Try Auction Frogs for Your Next Online Auction

Our platform is feature-rich, simple to use, and yields great results. It can be customized to reflect your brand identity. Our platform allows for an unlimited number of item and image uploads. And, with a mobile-friendly user experience, bidders can participate on any smart device. You can streamline your auction item procurement with site-integrated donation forms. And there’s even a dedicated space for donor advertising!

So, whether you’re a school or a nonprofit organization, get in touch to see how we can help make your next virtual fundraiser a successful one.