Raising funds means obtaining financial assistance for a specific objective or group. It is a vital part of operating any nonprofit organisation or charitable initiative, enabling these entities to continue their meaningful work. Without fundraising, many groups could not provide the assistance and resources they currently do to those who need them.
There are various ways organisations and causes can raise funds, including through events, contributions, grants and more. Each approach has its pros and cons, and organisations must carefully evaluate the most effective methods. Furthermore, in recent years, digital platforms, such as social media and crowdfunding have become increasingly prevalent, providing additional fundraising options.
Fundraising is essential for ensuring the success and longevity of any organisation or cause. Let’s find out what are good fundraiser ideas you can consider in your next event.
Examples of Fundraising Ideas
Fundraising events are common for organisations to collect funds for different causes. If you’re planning for one, here are a few fundraising ideas to try.
Charity Run/Walk
A well-known type of fundraiser is a charity run or walk. These events usually involve individuals raising money through sponsorships and then completing a particular route, either on foot or bicycle. Charity runs and walks are an excellent way to raise awareness for a cause whilst encouraging fitness and healthy living.
Bake Sale
Another popular type of fundraiser is a bake sale, where individuals or groups bake and sell goods, with the proceeds going towards a specific cause. These events are a great way to raise money and unite a community.
Auction Fundraisers
If you’re curious about what are good fundraiser ideas, then you need to know about auctions.
Auction fundraisers are becoming more common fundraising ideas for organisations to raise money whilst providing participants a fun and interactive experience. These events bring together community members to bid on various items, such as artwork or vacation packages, all whilst supporting a good cause. There are different types of auction fundraisers to choose from, each with unique features.
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Silent Auctions
A silent auction is a type of auction in which bidders write their bids down on a sheet of paper or card, as opposed to bidding verbally as in a traditional auction. The highest bidder is typically the person who writes down the highest bid, and the auctioneer will often announce the highest bid at regular intervals, but the actual bid amounts are not disclosed. Silent auctions are often used as a fundraising method for charitable organisations and non-profits, and can also be used to sell goods or services.
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Live Auctions
Another type is the live auction, which is more formal and typically led by a professional auctioneer who conducts the bidding process in real time in front of a live audience. These auctions can be organised in various locations, such as auction houses, museums, galleries and even online.
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Online Auctions
Online auctions allow bidding to happen remotely, often through a website or software, where bidders can participate from anywhere with an Internet connection. These auctions may be timed, with a fixed period during which bids can be placed, or they may be ‘live’ auctions, where bidders can see the current bid and place their own bid in real-time.
To plan and organise an auction fundraiser, it’s crucial to establish a clear goal and budget for the event. Sourcing items for the auction can be done through donations from local businesses and community members and procuring items at a discounted rate. Setting up the auction can be done through physical bid sheets or online bidding platforms, and promoting the event can be done through social media, local advertisements, and email marketing.
Fundraising Best Practices
A clear fundraising idea and a well-planned budget are vital for the success of an event. Defining a specific goal enables the organisers to focus their efforts and track their progress towards achieving it. On the other hand, a budget ensures that the event remains financially viable and helps organisers make informed decisions regarding expenses.
To maximise revenue in an auction, there are a few best practices that organisers can follow. One approach is to set the price low for items or experiences. This can generate more interest and bidding activity. Another effective strategy is to group items into themed lots. This can increase the perceived value of the items and motivate bidders. Offering unique experiences like behind-the-scenes tours or VIP packages can also boost revenue. Other suggestions include the following:
- Providing various payment methods to customers can increase their convenience and likelihood of purchasing.
- Highlighting a product’s limited availability or time-sensitive deals can create a sense of urgency and drive sales.
- Collaborating with other nearby companies can help to expand your customer base and support the local community.
- Social media platforms can be a powerful way to connect with potential customers and promote your products or services.
- A clear and compelling call to action, such as ‘buy now’ or ‘sign up today’, can encourage potential customers to take the desired action
Helping Hand Group Auction Services: Lending You a Helping Hand
To sum up, organisations can choose from many fundraising ideas, but it’s crucial to pick one that aligns with your group’s purpose and objectives. What are good fundraiser ideas? Some of the most common choices include silent auctions and live auctions, which can be quite effective when executed correctly.
If your organisation is seeking a reliable and seasoned provider of auction services, check us out at the Helping Hand Group. We are specialists in live and silent auctions. We offer a full range of services, from planning to advertising and execution, that will make your event a success.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.