In the uncertainty of the pandemic, now is a good time to brush up on your reading about best practices for benefit events. Whether you are considering a virtual event or simply want to optimize your in-person gala for once it is safe to do so, it is always helpful to take a word from the pros. […]
Benefit auctions have long been reliable event options for nonprofits of all sizes, and for good reason! Both live and silent auctions are engaging for donors and can deliver substantial returns on the time and resources you invest in them. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic and its wide-sweeping effects, we’re in a brave new world when it […]
The Coronavirus crushed the Nonprofit and Education live fundraising event industry overnight. Thousands of organizations across the globe were forced to cancel or postpone their events, in many instances, these events were their largest means of fundraising of the entire year. These event shutdowns amplified business closures from venues to auctioneers, caterers, set design, AV, and entertainment […]
As school fundraisers wrestle with the idea of a virtual live gala (VLG), I thought it would be helpful to share my experience as a benefit auctioneer who just hosted two of them. Spoiler Alert: VLG’s rock! “FIRST SCHOOL” (March 13, 2020) On March 13, 2020—in response to the safety measures in place to slow the spread […]
Your live fundraising gala may be cancelled. Do you have access to a studio space, a professional audio-visual team and the ability to recreate your event for the whole internet to experience? How will you take advantage of the moment? Virtual events provide an opportunity to increase awareness, garner new audiences and raise much needed funds. Your […]
Thousands of nonprofits are hosting virtual galas, leveraging modern technology to engage their donor base and raise vital funds. In our virtual gala guide, you’ll learn about: Virtual gala programming Web-sharing technology Online auctions & fund-a-needs Much more Considering a virtual gala? Read on, or watch our recent Webinar. What Is a Virtual Gala? A virtual gala […]
Do you have a bunch of smaller silent auction items that don’t really “pop” on their own? In this post, you’ll learn how to bundle your silent auction items into baskets so the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. We’ll cover: Choosing items to bundle Setting the minimum bid Presenting the bundle Let’s dive […]
In decades past, perhaps you’ve sold tickets to your big gala through direct mailers and ticket tables. Over the last 20 years, you’ve incorporated email into your marketing campaigns. Now, there is a new dominant marketing channel that you cannot ignore for your fundraising event: Facebook In this post, you will learn the basics of Facebook event […]
So you’ve decided to avoid serving rubber chicken and dry potatoes at this year’s gala. Great! But now what should you put on the menu? You have to weigh broad appeal, cost, and friendliness to dietary requirements, not to mention match the ambiance of your event. Let’s explore seven alternative food options that will have your guests […]
If you are holding a silent auction for a fundraiser, you may be having a difficult time determining how many items you should put up for bid. Too few and you risk not raising enough money, but too many and you stifle competitive bidding and spread the same amount of money across more items. What is the […]
