How can you create a successful auction to raise funds for your non-profit organization?

In any nonprofit fundraising, it begins with relationships. Who do I know who might provide items to bid on, mostly through their business, and then who might be interested in that auction who is a supporter of our organization? I've found sports and vacation items especially good for silent auctions for our nonprofit. Our high-net-worth supporters love the opportunity for an experience versus buying another "thing".

It's an interesting concept which I have not fully used in this sense. I guess that this would be perhaps similar to me offering different packages and therefore selling them at different prices. Bidders would therefore pitch their bid at what they could afford or of course hope to get a better package at a lower cost.

Asking for donated items is a great way to broaden your nonprofit’s network. Many local businesses will donate in-kind as a first step to supporting your org. Make sure they get plenty of publicity for their donation. Silent or live, depends on how much you want to raise and how many staff/volunteers you have access to.

Las opciones me parecen interesante e innovadoras, Pero la opción que para mí sería más efectiva es la que es en vivo, dónde existe un subastadora que lidera la oferta y venta. Por qué ahí se está viendo en vivo el objeto y se puede dar una idea más directa y clara

Para que una subasta sea exitosa y quizás es uno de los objetivos, debe contarse con un equipo bien conformado y comprometido con la causa. Luego tener bien definido a qué personas va dirigida y quizás comprometida con la causa que se quiere impulsar. Una vez claro esto, los artículos a subastar debería representar interés en términos generales para el público objetivo, pero a la vez comprometidos con la causa.

Yo elegiría con arte y Joyas y dar canastas de regalo al mejor postor para hacerlo más dinámico y así interesar más en la subasta a los asistentes

Don't dismiss art, products and other categories that are produced by your target beneficiaries or people in related fields. Tell a story of each category and item. You can offer a % to the supplier or ask to be donated to the cause.

Una subasta definitivamente es una experiencia, y en eso debemos basarnos. Es clave tener un interlocutor con talento y conexión con los asistentes, contar con artículos de gran interés y crear una dinámica entretenida, emocionante pero sobre todo objetiva para la meta establecida.

Aparte de los artículos, la persona encargada de dirigir el evento, debe poseer el carisma necesario para conectar con el público, establecer una corriente de cordialidad, estableciendo un ambiente positivo para crear interés. Una vez logrado esto, puedes vender hasta piedras...

It is important to know your audience before selecting your items. If you know majority of the people who will attend are big into sports, you may want to acquire collector items. If the bidders are mostly families, you could consider travel packages.

Promocionar el evento, es fundamental. Utilizar todos los medios disponibles para darle visibilidad y fomentar el entusiasmo por la participación. Convertir el acto en una reunión socialmente atractiva es relevante. No sirve una buena organización, unos excelentes artículos, si no va nadie.

In my experience, the key to a triumphant auction lies in the art of promotion. An example of this transformative power is through strategic promotion across multiple channels. From compelling emails that tug at heartstrings to the magnetic allure of social media, we craft a narrative that sparks curiosity and fuels anticipation. I agree, the timing is crucial. Starting at least a month before the event, we sow the seeds of anticipation, ensuring our story infiltrates the minds and hearts of potential bidders. Reminders and updates serve as gentle nudges, keeping the momentum alive as the date approaches.

Al ser una subasta para una entidad sin ánimo de lucro, pueden mirar entre los beneficiarios de la misma, si hay personas que fabriquen productos o elaboren artesanías para incluirlas en la subasta, aprovechar el evento para contar la historia que hay de tras de los artículos, de esta manera promueven su trabajo, despiertan interés o empatía y mejoran la situación por la que estén pasando.

Quizás enviar promocionales o peque?os detalles que hagan alusión a lo que se subasta, de esta manera crearles interés por la asistencia a los posibles postores, y utilizar estratégicamente el tipo de publicidad que sería personalizada, como mensajes por email, muestras fotográficas en una página Web, Instagram y hasta Facebook

Se de fato for beneficente, tem grandes chances de receber a ades?o dos canais de notícia da cidade e regi?o, sejam os portais na web, rádio, jornal e até televis?o. Para isso um bom release, enviar aos editores, ligar e tentar marcar e treviata vai ajudar muito. Ganha credibilidade e muita visibilidade.

Days, or even weeks in advance, I like to get a team of eyes on the run of show document. This gives the entire team the opportunity to point out any overlooked aspects of coordination for an event. Have all artists and donors review item descriptions, send out drafted language to partner organizations who will help promote the event and draft language for the artists or donors to share with their audience. And please, do test submissions if you are using an online platform to ensure the system captures the appropriate data and everything is running smoothly! Run a mock auction with the team if this is your first time setting something like this up for your organization. I promise you'll learn something despite the groans and giggles.

Aquí yo utilizaría una plataforma y una aplicación, de manera que pueda ser interactiva y fácil de utilizar para que puedan tener la información, datos y desarrollo de los objetos a su astar

In my experience, the true measure of success in a live auction extends beyond the event itself—it lies in the thoughtful follow-up. Expressing genuine thanks, confirming payments promptly, and ensuring swift delivery of items are pivotal steps in solidifying the trust and goodwill we've cultivated during the event. Sending detailed receipts, acknowledgments, and tax information not only showcases transparency but reinforces the value of their contribution. I agree, the post-auction phase is an opportune moment to foster relationships. Soliciting feedback, testimonials, and referrals from our bidders is not merely a formality but a sincere effort to improve and build lasting connections.

Aquí yo les pediría, los testimonios opiniones, comentarios o referencias de manera personalizada, quizá en un libro que estaría al alcance de todos por un medio electrónico en la sala de subasta.

In my experience, this is absolutely key. I use nonprofit fundraising events, not just as a way to make money, but as a way to attract and recruit new donors. Once people have supported an auction, I believe they are more likely to become a consistent supporter of an organization in the future.

HUGE…Many stop engagement after the event, but the follow up is so paramount in the equation of cultivating a healthy thriving Donor base. So much can be said of relationships built by following up and surveying etc after.

Make easy, on the spot payment (credit card, transfers, cash...) Bidders may bid for fun and then, not follow up on payment; so having different ways to pay during the event, and having a waiting list, will lower your risks of staying stuck with unpaid items.

The real work takes place forming an event committee with the primary focus of having the right people in the room. People who can afford to bid/pay on your top items and who understand the mission behind the event.

Solo me gustaría a?adir que en las subastas como en cualquier otro evento sin fines de lucro y que sea para apoyar a alguna asociación Benfica, todo debe ser detallado y perfectamente claro, para lograr el éxito deseado

Consider your purpose and return on investment. If this is a true fundraiser, you need to keep your costs down (by getting in kind donations) in order for the funds to come back to the organization. Keep in mind that your staff time is also a cost of the event. If this is a friendraiser, make sure you have a plan to track and follow up with all bidders!

Donor Engagement: During the event, engage with attendees. Share impactful stories about your nonprofit's work and the difference their support makes. This helps in building long-term relationships with donors. Follow-Up: After the auction, send thank-you notes to participants and share the impact of the funds raised. This can encourage future support and maintain a strong donor relationship. Evaluation and Feedback: Post-event, evaluate the success of the auction and gather feedback from participants. This can provide valuable insights for improving future events.

First, know your audience and curate your auction items to suit them. When putting together auction items, it’s important to know someone, or hopefully more than one someone, in your audience will want what’s being offered. Second, I find it better to have fewer great packages that will bring a lot than a lot that will only bring a little. Third, pacing is everything. Have a “run of show” and clue everyone in on it (even you wait staff). Keeping the event moving will keep your audience engaged and interested.