Thank you very much for your explanations. But I still would love to know how silent auctions are conducted because I want to try it out here. I would also like to know some of the “9 tactics” you mentioned. Your help will be highly appreciated.

I agree that non-profit events should honor the demographics of the donors (no golf tourneys for ladies sewing circles?) and the event GOAL should be to galvanize the supporters and volunteers, inspiring further involvement and contributions.

In retail it’s the difference between bullying the customer into a single immediate purchase (never to be repeated) or developing a go-to relationship with the customer. The event itself is not your biggest revenue generator, but if done right, could be one of your biggest catalysts for community involvement and major giving.

I agree with Karin’s comments. Financial goal setting is OFTEN haphazard at best. Too many organizations produce mediocre fundraising events with no bearing on the organization itself (I once attended a golf outing for a woman’s organization – none of the board members even PLAYED golf & the event had no tie in with the organization).

My experience as both development director and consultant to smaller organizations, has been that resources are best directed otherwise. I can spend 15 hours drafting grant proposals bringing in $250,000 as opposed to spending weeks pulling together an event that might net $5,000 after expenses.

When I have planned events in the past four years, they have been low-key community-type events planned primarily for exposure, rather than revenue – or small introductory-type donor events held at someone’s home.

I work solely for smaller organizations though and recognize the value of a marvelous signature event (here in Philadelphia we have a wonderful yearly event – Stop Child Abuse Now’s Scantastic, where the city’s restaurants band together and produce one heck of a fundraiser!).

Kathy – is your event one where attendees pay for a ticket? or is it strictly an event where they are asked to donate? I attended a dinner and concert several years ago where the corporate sponsors underwrote the costs. I was given two free tickets. Donation envelopes were included in the program they handed out, there was a no-pressure ask toward the end of the night and a drop off basket was provided at the door. I was happy to donate b/c during the evening I had learned about the organization, supported the mission and had paid $0 for the ticket.

I think people are more likely to not want to donate if they had to pay for tickets and/or if they didn’t know it was a fundraiser from the get-go. So when people invite their friends, they need to emphasize it’s a fundraiser and describe what to expect during the evening. This could also be taken care of in the wording of a printed invitation. Then those making the invitation just need to follow up by phone.

Also help board members identify which of their friends, family or acquaintances are most likely to share their passion for the cause. So thinking about your suicide resource center, I have several friends who are counselors, teachers or have otherwise expressed concern about mental health issues in past conversations. These are the people I’d invite to such an event. On the other hand I know people whose passion is the arts. That’s not a good match.

You may want to look at Morrie Warshawski’s houseparty book, which has examples of event invites and scripts for the actual ask that happens at the party.

Thank you.
Kathy
Board Member of SRC

This year we are not only having a silent auction but a 50/50 raffle and a chinese auction.

I am trying to determine the best way to get items in a timely manner. Does mail work? email? one on one? We do need more unique donations. Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

This is an important opportunity to let you know dear Partners, that many people are waitng to do of their best to face challenges whenever an auction is announced. I would like just say my gratitude and my congratulations to Step by step founder Mrs Sandra SIMS and you, entrepreneurs and non profit workers… Have a sincere thank for all your donations, grants, giving or purchases.
Emmanuel from Benin Republic.

You’re a community theatre and that’s why your donors support you. For your special event I see an elegant buffet set up and a chance for your donors to meet other theatre enthusiasts- specifically, if the event sponsors a group of young drama students by giving them season tickets, and at the event your subscribers can meet these young (possibly urban poor) theatre enthusiasts they are sponsoring, or helping to sponsor. This creates a sense of passing on their passion, and a chance for older subscibers to mentor and connect with your future supporters.

Also, check your subscriber list for executives who can contribute a few really nice gifts (a golf or spa weekend?) that your 50 and older subscribers would love.

Make sure the event is elegant enough to warrant party dresses and manicures. And especially … Talk, talk, talk to your subscibers. Events are a two-way interaction, a chance for you to get to really know the hobbies, passions, and wants of your most loyal constituency, and use that knowledge in your follow-up campaigns.