There are many categories of high-end items that can be auctioned especially well online. One school we worked with had a Safari theme and the Chair gave each person on their team a green folder titled On the Hunt for Great Auction Items! with the solicitation information, a small pair of toy binoculars, and a safari hat. 30 Silent Auction Items That Don't Cost A Dime - GiveSmart Donation request letters are essential for building your auction. Look at managers, sponsors, organizers, and marketers. Ensure donors are displayed prominently in your auction catalog and on other promotional materials. Designate which team member or volunteer is responsible for reaching out to each business. that can maximize your fundraising efforts right at the end of your event. The trick to making your silent auction successful is to take advantage of the anonymous nature of the bidding process during the event. Learn about our pricing tiers, which start at Free, Check whether your organization is one of our partners, See how we got our start, or get in touch with us, Call or email us for a live demo, troubleshooting, and more. In short, you should leverage your charity auction committees existing connections before cold-calling businesses for donated auction items. Discover the 6 essentials to look out for when choosing the right peer-to-peer fundraising software for your organization. When brainstorming which companies to reach out to for your silent auction, ask yourself the following questions to see if you can come up with 2025 businesses to reach out to: Soliciting donations for a silent auction is a straightforward process, but its one that requires consistent effort. Learn from fundraising experts and connect with other changemakers. How to Run a Silent Auction: Your Ultimate Guide Whether you want items for a silent auction, an in-house raffle, or you just want to find a website where you can organize and set up an online auction for free,weve got you covered. The Step-By-Step Guide to stop leaving thousands on the table. The letters are the first introduction to individuals and businesses that youre having an event, need silent auction items, and what recognition and visibility is included for auction donors. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Determine starting bid amounts, bid increments, how bidders will place bids (bid sheet or mobile bidding), and set any auction rules. Create your item tiers and upload them to your page. Leverage Social Media and Maximize Your Fundraising Profits. They mostly follow these best practices. There is no limit on how many items you can upload. You should write in such a way that helps attendees envision themselves using the prize. This gives them the opportunity to return to the page and bid again. Ask for Donations & Silent Auction Items. Step by Step Guide on How to Run a Silent Auction - Donorbox 30 Silent Auction Ideas: The Ultimate Guide | Classy (i.e., Please support our school by sharing this on your timeline). For in-person silent auctions, committee members should immediately collect the bid sheets and announce the winning bid for each prize. Much like in a traditional English auction (also called an open ascending price auction), attendees bid against each other for an item. Offers auction donations as well as beverage discounts: perfect for your event! Click the question to get fast answers, right here. Here are some rules you might want to set for a smooth bidding experience: Bidders can only bid up from the previous bid. In general, school auditoriums and cafeterias are perfect for such silent auction fundraisers. Use it as a stepping stone for ideas for other, similar places that might donate to your cause. Software like MixMax and Yesware can help you personalize your drip campaign with merge fields and exit rules, so recipients dont think they are one of hundreds on a mailing list. How to ask for auction items - GiveSmart Not only can your silent auction take place online, but thanks to silent auction software like ours, there are multiple new ways you can organize silent auctions to enlarge the pool of bidders and raise more money. Why? For this specific example, we would suggest that you set the bid increment to $50. Explore what kind of local organizations Hilton will support, and how. Depending on the event, they will often rent or even donate the space. Please call or email me anytime with questions. 2023 CharityAuctionsToday. If you have a batch of items that you would like to sell, to raise money for a cause the silent auction model might be exactly what you need. as a nonprofit, you have one of the most impactful stories there is. In many cases, you won't get a "Yes" on your first Ask. Take a look at our article on, the benefits of running a silent auction online, . Well walk you through how to organize both traditional and online auction events, and point out the differences, so you wont miss any details. Your Ultimate Guide to Running a Silent Auction, Compare and Contrast Online Auction Sites. Plus, leaning into a theme makes the item more desirable for bidders. No bids will be accepted after the auction ends. Your Ultimate Guide To Running A Silent Auction. to choose from. Do you need help soliciting auction items? Once you have chosen a group of dedicated individuals, you will need to assign leadership roles. Featured Package Regardless of whether you filled out a form, sent a drip email campaign, or mailed a letter (or all three), its OK to continue following up until you get a reply. These silent auction rules will help you put together an event that runs smoothly. Auction Item Procurement Letter In your auction item procurement letter, provide clear information about your nonprofit and how the items you're requesting will further your mission. Now that you know WHO to ask, think about WHAT you should ask for. All they should have to do is sign and provide any marketing materials that you cant access on your own. In this easy guide for beginners, we explore what they are, how they work, and give you some amazing ideas for your first successful silent auction. A press release is a detailed account of your event that presents important information in an objective rather than a promotional manner. Here are three straightforward steps to get donated items for your silent auction without cold calling! Take a look at our auction travel and experience packages! Weve put together tips and best practices for the perfect silent auction donation request letters to send to corporate sponsors and individual donors. Dont know how to do this? This chain is a great sponsor for sporting fundraising events. Give us a call at (972) 238-0249, 42 Games And Activities To Increase Profits. 25+ Places to Get Charity Auction Items Personal Connections. Always ask for something specific. 65 Best Silent Auction Items (and 13 Items to Avoid) Written by Hazeltine National on Feb 13, 2018 8:01:00 AM Here are proven silent auction winners that generate great financial results. We've discussed earlier on this blog how to get donated silent auction items without cold calling. Put their business names in your event program and on the slideshow running during the event. Here is a starter list of fundraising auction sources. Of course, let the donor suggest an alternative if your first choice isnt an option. , on the other hand, the silent auction software will confirm the winning bids and notify the winner and the competing bidders. You can fill in the details later. They dont want to bother the person, but the success of this process is all about how YOU think about it. so that you can include the kids in the festivities. This type of closing creates a slow build of action throughout the event. Its essential that your request gets into the right hands. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Your Ultimate Guide to Running a Silent Auction, Compare and Contrast Online Auction Sites. 2022 Murad Auctions. Nonetheless, no matter the format, organizing a silent auction is not only a fun way to raise funds but is also a great way to bring communities together. Consider the promotional period that must come before the event, then how long the event itself will last. Auction off an exciting experience at your next silent auction! Packaging, or grouping, prizes increases the perceived value, so donors feel free to give more. A simple post is all it takes. Choose an employee, board member, or key personnel to represent you. Likes to focus on food access, nutrition, and childrens health. Step 3: Add Unlimited Items to Your Auction. He also has years of experience in helping nonprofit organizations grow their supporter base. But unlike the more common auction, there are some very distinct differences that make silent auctions unique. Do we need to assign bidding numbers? What Is and What Isnt a Great Silent Auction Item. Choose your team and community, and then donations, to see offers. If you dont have the capacity to personalize each letter, you can segment your donors based on how youve interacted with them in the past: We arent saying you should write a novel about your organization or your event. Heres a list of more than 30 donation opportunities for nonprofits and how to apply. Most committees start the procurement process by looking at what they want to include in their auction: Lets get a cruise. Or tickets to a ball game. Lets find a villa in Tuscany. How about golf at a country club?. Learn about our pricing tiers, which start at Free, Check whether your organization is one of our partners, See how we got our start, or get in touch with us, Call or email us for a live demo, troubleshooting, and more. Its not uncommon for organizations to host a variation of both during one fundraising event to maximize the amount of money raised. When you focus on WHAT you want, you will soon be frustrated and disappointed because you dont know WHO to ask to get it. You are asking your reader for a significant donation on behalf of your cause, so make sure it motivates them to act. Not knowing when the bidding will end, creates a frenzy of activity among bidders that makes them put their best bids in and stay at the top of the bid sheet. Weve done the legwork for your silent auction by partnering with generous businesses who love supporting great causes. Additionally, sometimes picking up the phone and saying Im checking that you got my letter. is all you need to get a business over the hump. Three business days after Drip 1, if not replied to. You must submit requests for donations, gift cards, sponsorships, and program ads on the letterhead of your non-profit, tax-exempt organization. It does not store any personal data. When a participant is outbid, you can enable automatic text messages that will inform them that their bid is no longer on top. Where do you buy specialty food items (butcher, bakery, local restaurants, etc.)? Instructions on how to complete and return the enclosed donation form, When volunteers will pick items up during the week of the event. In just a few clicks your silent auction page is ready to go. Not only do attendees have lots of fun while bidding on items, but they also donate to a worthwhile cause, hence fostering a strong sense of community. Closing your silent auction bids, either online or in-person, may seem straightforward, but there are. Prizes: Audience members will donate more when prizes are exciting, so getting the right gift donations or writing compelling item descriptions can increase a silent auctions success. See how changemakers are using Givebutter to make the world better. Many people dont know how to solicit donations for auctions. How to Price Silent Auction Items: 6 Rules to Follow - OneCause Silent Auction Donation Request Sources | CharityAuctionsToday Please dont hesitate to contact me at [phone number/email]. Simple as that. Below is an overview of the key positions: but of course, if you dont have the people for all of them, or if youre flying solo on all of this, take heart! (MLB) Choose your team and see what they have to offer. Make sure theyre present in social media posts when possible and include them in all follow-up materials, especially the ones that celebrate reaching your goal and funding your cause. If its too low, it might put off some of your bidders. From creating the auction committee and soliciting silent auction items to determining bidding rules, these are just some stages our step-by-step guide will walk you through. It can also depend on the visual depiction of your items. Plus, compare the cost, features, and support for the 8 highest-rated platforms. Be selective when choosing your silent auction software, and make sure its easy to use! The Step-By-Step Guide to stop leaving thousands on the table. You might be tempted to include every item at your disposal in your silent auction. Create unlimited donation forms designed to delight donors. as you want everyone to feel comfortable bidding. You can find our silent auction donation form and event flyer enclosed. If your event focuses on conservation/outdoor recreation, health and human services, or culture/art, you might be eligible to work with L.L. Weve also included a sample letter to show you what this template looks like in action. Working with volunteers will not only lighten the workload but it will also make the experience more enjoyable. A local cigar shop can bring in cigars for sale and give you a percentage of the sales. Make sure the description card is uncluttered and has a balance of pictures and words. Include some great images and add a description for each item to motivate bidders. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Written by Alex McDonald in Plan Your Gala, Promotion & Procurement. Businesses often indicate preferred causes so you can stress the right details. Its no wonder that so many non-profits hold them annually. If you dont receive a response, that doesnt mean the answer is no. That being said, a silent auction software will make planning and running your event easier. They're simply pieces of paper placed next to each auction item that include 10-15 rows for bidding. Thank you Sharon Smith for soliciting this auction item. Its such an important element of a donation request and sometimes overlooked in the craziness of auction prep. 13 Silent Auction Strategies: The Ultimate Guide for Nonprofits - OneCause How much time do you have to pull this together? Pro tip: Include a P.S. Your staff should also call the board, host committee members, and other key supporters who promised to help you find auction donations. Set a Minimum Bid at 30-50% of an Auction's FMV. Together, we raised $X for [insert your mission or goal, e.g., to buy new playground equipment for our school]. Here are some guidelines when creating your drip emails, followed by an example: Heres a drip sequence you can leverage for your campaign. Many organizations have donated or sponsored items to auction, but these need to be tiered to get the most out of your bidders. Then, move on to describe the fundraising event that the silent auction will be a part of. Prizes should be as diverse as your audience. Weve discussed earlier on this blog how to get donated silent auction items without cold calling. Thank you for your consideration. Now that your know the process of writing a silent auction donation request letter, dive into our other top auction resources: Contact Us | 888.729.0399 [General] | 888.475.5214 [Sales], Powerful Fundraising Solutions | Copyright All Rights Reserved 2023 | Privacy & Security Policy, What is Peer-to-Peer Fundraising? At the end of the evening, hand out the items to your winners! By the end of the post, you will have everything you need to plan, launch, and run a successful silent auction of your own. Make a copy of the silent auction donation request letter template and customize it to your organization and event. You will be surprised at how connected people are, or what hidden treasure they may be able to give. Essentially, the prize leader and volunteers are. Who is already affiliated with your organization? Can offer a limited amount of donated gift baskets, get your request in early! Think laterally when putting together your high-end auction. The highest bid wins and the proceeds go to the organization or cause. Top 5 Silent Auction Donations to Make Your Event Profitable - OneCause An efficient and fun way to raise money for organizations, the silent auction is a favorite of both fundraisers and donors. It is never an imposition to help a friend, so you are not imposing. Read the instructions. After all, the best fundraisers are always based on a strong premise, a theme, or a collection of original ideas. Some popular and successful baskets include: a golfers gift basket, a craft beer gift basket, a plant-based snack hamper, a pets accessories gift basket, and a travel bug gift basket. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Whether live or online, your silent auctions need a set timeline. Companies such as John's Crazy Socks and Birchbox are just some of the places heavily involved in nonprofits and might be willing to collaborate with you. This information will be important for creating online item descriptions or bid sheets. This yarn and knitting/crochet accessory company will donate auction items to nonprofits. To fully understand silent auctions, you need to know how they differ from their live auction cousins. I can opt out at any time. May 11, 2023. June 4, 2022 Companies That Donate to Silent Auctions Do you have a charity auction coming up and need some donations? Is there good mobile and/or Wi-Fi connectivity available so that silent auction software and mobile bidding can be used? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Write your letter, starting with a compelling story hook. Avoid spammy tricks like Re: checking in. For example, you could post about the cause, the event itself but also about who will be there or what special activities will take place. Ask a local bakery if they would like to provide the desserts for the event and hold a dessert raffle or just display a different cake on each table to be enjoyed for dessert. Generate a special link to share in your marketing materials and newsletter. Many organizations have a limited amount they can donate each month. A womens clothing boutique can offer a lunch and learn for 20 ladies to have a bite to eat while learning how to dress for success, accessorize, or how to make 5 basic clothing pieces into 10 outfits! Moreover, since the auction software gathers bids and payment details for the auction items, it will be easy for you to process payments. Focus your evening on auctioning team merchandise, experiences with the team, and special team-related perks. Contact your local hotel for a donation request form. People want to help; they just need to know how. You can, of course, go old-school and organize an in-person live auction using paper bid sheets. Emphasize that you take partner promotion very seriously and provide examples. Here is the math for that: $50 x 13 = $650. Silent Auction Donation Request Letter Advice and Templates Take time to make inquiry phone calls or perform Google searches. The templates include
Talk Of The Villages News,
How Long After Death Can Drugs Be Detected,
Will Thomas Swimmer High School,
Wilson Tobs Baseball Tournament 2023,
Articles H