$20 Million fundraised for nonprofits, schools & charity organizations.
Here are a few trends we saw in our partners fundraising events & galas:
- Donor stewardship is most important. Calling donors within 3 days of our event and/or sending personal hand-written thank you notes is crucial. Mailing a nice new donor welcome packet to donors who gave for the first time in our fund-a-need is key for retention for next years gala. In addition, 6 months after our fundraising gala, sending a note with video/photo about how you’ve been good stewards of funds is best! If our fund-a-need was for scholarships or bathroom upgrades at a school… show donors how their funds impacted your mission.
- Run of show is critical to our success. First, having enough time for guests to socialize is important. Second, sharing your story and mission is very important. Assume every donor in the room is new and this is the first time they are hearing about your cause. Yes, President of the board is a good person to share 1 to 3 key points but a video is gold! Video shares the story. Sometimes one video can say who we are, what we do & how we do it. Sometimes a second video shares the emotion and why it’s important. If you can blend the two under 3 mins and 30 seconds even better! We can’t start a live auction or paddle raise until donors understand and feel connected to why we’re fundraising.
- Auctions. Silent auctions are trending away and/or fewer lots. Live auction lots that are best are dinners/experiences then travel. Fund-a-needs, we are finding more and more unique ways to increase us towards 100% participation and maximizing funds raised.
Bonus: make sure AC is set to 65 90 mins before doors open, if you have a mission speaker make sure they write a script (don’t wing the most important part of the event) and book us early to be your fundraising auctioneer and partner towards success!
Inquire with your date now, email me at freddie@FSAauctions.com
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