Is Your Organization Ready for a Charity Auction? Not every organization needs another bake sale, raffle, dinner, or fundraising event. Sometimes there is another possibility sitting right in front of them: an online charity auction.
But here’s something I found especially interesting as I learned more about charity auctions: The organizations that do well aren’t necessarily the ones that need money the most. They’re often the organizations that already have people who care deeply about what they do.
My friend and teammate Don Lamoureux has spent time training our team about Charity Auctions, and one of the points he made really stayed with me. Successful auction organizations often have several things in common. They have people who already care
Check out the Following Video Below to see a basic overview of How A Charity Auction Works:
These groups often already have something incredibly valuable: a community of supporters who believe in their cause.
Think about an animal rescue.
A school.
A church.
A historical society.
A youth sports organization.
A local foundation.
Those supporters may include volunteers, parents, former students, donors, local businesses, community leaders, and people who simply have a personal connection to the organization.
That existing network can become the starting point for a successful auction.
They Have an Active Team
A successful auction still needs people willing to participate.
An organization with an active board, staff, volunteer group, PTA, booster club, or fundraising committee already has people who can help spread the word.
And with an online auction, those supporters can share the fundraiser through email, social media, websites, and their own personal networks.
Learn More
Imagine Being Able to create a Benefit Package and yet have it create a way to benefit a Fundraising Need in addition. Yes, there are some creative things here. And once you begin the process, you will get the attention and guidance you need to be a part of it all.
They Are Willing to Get Involved
One of Don’s descriptions made me smile.
He called them “go-getters.”
I think that’s a pretty good way to put it.
The strongest organizations aren’t simply looking for someone else to raise money for them. They’re excited about their cause and willing to help promote the auction.
Their Supporters Love the Cause
This may be the most important ingredient of all. People don’t support organizations simply because an auction exists.
They participate because they care. They may love the animals being rescued. They may care about the children at the school.
They may believe in the work of a nonprofit. They may have been personally touched by the organization.
The auction gives those supporters another way to help.
Real Organizations Have Raised Significant Money
During Don’s Charity Auction training, he shared examples of organizations that had successful fundraising results, including historical societies, schools, animal organizations, foundations, and community groups.
Some raised tens of thousands of dollars through their auctions. Those examples reminded me that Charity Auctions aren’t limited to one particular type of organization. The common thread is people, participation, and a cause worth supporting.
Could Your Organization Be a Good Fit? Here are a few questions to consider:
Do you have an established group of supporters?
Do you have an active board, staff, or group of volunteers?
Are people willing to share and promote the fundraiser?
Do local businesses already support your organization?
Do people feel strongly about your mission?
Do you have someone who can help champion the auction?
If several of those answers are yes, an online charity auction may be worth exploring. You don’t have to know how to build an auction yourself. You don’t even have to know where all the auction items will come from before asking questions. That’s what the consultation is for.
Start With a Conversation
Sometimes the first step isn’t launching an auction. It’s simply finding out whether an auction makes sense for your organization.
If you’re involved with a school, church, nonprofit, animal rescue, community organization, foundation, or other worthwhile cause, I would be happy to help you learn more.
Reserve Your FREE Appointment to Speak With a Fundraising Expert
Organizations considering a charity auction should also review applicable fundraising rules and tax guidance. The National Council of Nonprofits provides information about charity auctions and fundraising regulations, while the IRS explains tax considerations for auction purchases and donated items.
This article was inspired in part by Charity Auction training developed by Don Lamoureux. I appreciate Don allowing me to share some of the lessons and ideas I’ve learned through our team training.
From The Front Porch
Sometimes the best fundraising idea starts with one good cause, a few willing hands, and a community that cares.”
