If you're searching for some fundraising auction ideas that have an impact on the live auction, this is a simple but good one. Sometimes auction catalogs are misplaced before the live auction begins. Other times a catalog isn't printed. Some groups print a catalog, but forget to include the live auction items. Other groups can't include their live auction items into a catalog because the items weren't yet confirmed by the printing deadline. Whatever the reason, guests should have ... Read On >
Splurge or save? Benefit auction ideas for printing
With many groups trying to cut expenses, it's worth taking a look at how to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to printing. Printed auction materials tend to consume a large part of a budget, so here are some benefit auction ideas on to splurge and when to save. Auction Invitation: WORTH IT, depending on ticket price The formal printed invitation has not yet been made obsolete by the "evite," and many guests will expect to receive their copy in the mail (especially if you have a ... Read On >
Free publicity for your nonprofit, thanks to The Chronicle of Philanthropy
Anyone who follows me knows that we here at Red Apple Auctions are fans of LinkedIn. It's rich with great information on ideas and people. (I recently sent a LinkedIn connection to one of my clients who was soliciting a nonprofit auction donation from the producer of a popular TV show.) Here's a recent gem we spotted for our Washington, D.C.-area readers. Peter Panepento, Web Editor for the Chronicle of Philanthropy, is offering the chance for you to star in a Chronicle of Philanthropy ... Read On >
Creative names for your fund a need / appeal / paddle raise
A prospective client called me a few days ago. "We conduct a silent auction, a live auction, and a reverse auction," she said. A reverse auction? That was a new one for me. Perhaps more than any other activity during an auction fundraiser, cash appeals are called a variety of names. Let's describe it so we all understand what it is: A cash appeal is a direct request of the audience, asking them to make a cash donation to fund the organization. Similar to a street busker passing a hat ... Read On >
How to write your silent auction descriptions to make more money – Part 2
This is Part 2 of a 2-part series examining how missing information on silent auction descriptions costs you donations. Read Part 1 here. My floor team are outstanding sales support in any auction. They find an item and work it until it has bids or they've sold it outright to a guest. But if a silent auction description is lacking key information, my sales reps must leave their post to find someone in the marketing department who knows about this item and can provide the missing ... Read On >