Tim Stansbury | Givergy Blog

Silent auction rules

Posted on February 21, 2025August 29, 2025 by Tim Stansbury

Are you about to attend your very first silent auction? Perhaps you’re considering hosting one to raise funds after hearing how exciting they can be. If so it’s important that you brush up on your silent auction rules, as they may have changed over the years, especially with the introduction of mobile bidding and virtual events.

Events with any type of bidding require clarity for those in attendance, so it’s important you brush up on your own knowledge beforehand!

If you need more help and advice for your auction, see our recent blogs on how to run a silent auction and silent auction bid sheets.

Running a silent auction?

Knowing exactly what type of fundraising event you’re running is the first step in the right direction. Silent auctions aren’t the same as your typical auction. Guests won’t have a paddle to wave around, there isn’t a man standing behind a lectern rambling numbers, and more than likely, there won’t be rows of seats filled with random guests.

A typical silent auction event requires you to imagine more of a gala. Tables with seating arrangements, a three-course dinner and an impressive dress code. Any successful silent auction will have all three, plus a wide variety of fantastic prizes to bid on.

A silent auction is conducted throughout the evening and often with prizes on display for all to see. Each auction item will be in clear view and approachable (to a certain extent). Those in attendance will be able to walk around each item throughout the evening and bid on those they wish to take home. Often the bidding process is done in secret – hence the title of ‘silent’ auction.

Paper-based silent auction

For a paper-based silent auction, bids are submitted alongside a bidding name or number and placed in a sealed box, with winners confirmed at the end of the night.

The winning bidder is the person who made the highest bid. It’s a great way to get a bargain but also a safer way to ensure your bid isn’t driven up by competitors.

Mobile bidding for a silent auction

Mobile bidding for a silent auction is exactly that – guests are able to use their mobiles to bid on the silent auction electronically. Using this method has a number of great advantages:

Guests don’t need to continue to leave their seats to few the different auction items, all images and descriptions can be shown online
Guests can be notified if they are outbid via a sms message and/or email
Payment can be instantly collected

The big difference here is that instead of the auction now being ‘silent’, guests can see if they are the winning bidder and informed if they are outbid. For the majority of events history shows following this method drives up bidding, competition and funds raised! That said, if guests do want to remain anonymous, they are able to do so.

Sealed bidding using mobile technology

The final option to consider for a silent auction is to actually combine the two – the secrecy of a paper auction, but the ease, fun and engagement of mobile bidding. This is called sealed bidding!

Sealed bidding using mobiles involves only showing the number of bids placed on an item, as opposed to the highest bid and name of the current winning bidder. Throughout the auction, the number of bids received will be displayed on an item, but bidders won’t be aware who the highest bidder is. The idea is that bidder’s are encouraged to place their best bid first, however when a guest sees a lot of interest in an item they have also bid on, it encourages them to ‘up’ their bid, which they can do as many times as they want to.

See here for more information on sealed bidding.

Signing up to mobile bidding

Registration rules for your bidder should be written in a format where they can electronically sign and acknowledge during the bidding process. This might appear like typical terms and conditions but will be essential in enforcing the rules of the event.

The rules surrounding bidding should be stated on your fundraising site. Let attendees know how long they will have to bid on an item and allow them to sign up for notifications on when bidding will end. We would also advise that you create a mechanism whereby payment information must be submitted alongside a bid, rather than waiting for bidding to close. This way payments are securely held and there is no issue receiving payment.

Mobile auctions are designed to be streamlined so in order to make sure the checkout process is as quick as possible, but as a rule, guests will need to enter some personal information. Don’t be surprised that an online silent auction will ask for personal details in order to make the event run smoothly.

Silent auction rules for your event

Having rules for your event is essential if it is to go ahead without any confusion. So be sure to notify all your guests of them upon their arrival. They can either sign a disclaimer to say they have read and understood, or it’s a tick box if you’re using mobile bidding. This is a rule within itself, but here’s a few more for consideration:

Items may be added or withdrawn without notice. This means that even due to the most unforeseen circumstances, you will be covered when it comes to last minute withdrawals and additions. While some guests may be frustrated, having it written in the rules of your event gives your event security.
All sales are final. When the hammer comes down in a traditional auction, payments must be made. It is essential that all sales are final in a silent auction also. In some cases, you may need to resort to the second highest bid, but we would suggest keeping ‘all sales are final, no refunds or exchanges unless noted’ in your rules to help prevent any returns.
List all of your items ‘sold as seen’. This removes any doubt for what the bidder is bidding on. The last thing you will want is to sell an item only for the bidder to claim they no longer want the prize because they ‘didn’t notice an imperfection’. This clause will allow you to enforce a rule of ‘all sales are final’ with a clear conscience that it was down to the bidder to inspect the item, not for you to point flaws out to them.

Silent auction rules for your bidder

Of course, while your event has rules that are to be upheld, each bidder will also have rules for them to note. Their actions throughout the event are essential if it is to go ahead without incident. Make your guests aware of the following rules:

For paper bidding, bids must be submitted alongside name and bidder number and kept secret to the rest of those in attendance. The whole point in a paper silent auction is to ensure that bids are done in secret. Whispers cannot be uttered to one another during a time when bids are being placed in order to prevent rumors.
Other rules should also be set out for your guest. Before attending they should be made aware of basic information such as how much a minimum bid is, how to bid, what information is required for each bid and how many bids they may make on a single item (if needed).
Guests should also follow any checkout rules in place. Noting that no items will be exchanged without evidence of payment, all items should be collected on the night of the auction unless special arrangements need to be made. We also recommend noting in your rules that any items left at the auction without such arrangements or payments will be claimed back by the organization or sold onto the next highest bidder at the next opportunity.

So there you have it, lots of information on silent auction rules and options! Take a look at our silent auction features to help you run your fundraising event, or simply get in touch to discuss further.

The Power of Appeal Moments: Complete Guide

Posted on January 26, 2024September 17, 2025 by Tim Stansbury

In the world of fundraising, appeal moments hold an exciting special place. These strategic and well-timed opportunities have the potential to make a significant impact on your fundraising efforts. Audiences need to build an emotional connection with a charitable cause in order to give which is sometimes hard to guarantee. With the support of an appeal moment, this is made possible.

In this blog, we will explore why appeal moments are crucial for fundraising success and how they can help you forge deeper connections with your donors.

What is an Appeal Moment?

An appeal moment is a specific time during a fundraising event when an organisation makes a targeted and compelling request for donations or support. It is a strategic opportunity to engage donors, inspire action, and generate a sense of urgency around a particular need or opportunity. Appeal moments are carefully planned and executed to maximise impact and encourage supporters to contribute to the cause.

During an appeal moment, a Fundraising Host or Auctioneer typically builds on a compelling message that has been delivered from an organisation’s Founder or Board Member, highlighting the importance of the cause and the impact that donations can make. The goal is to connect with donors on a deeper level, evoke empathy and motivate them to take immediate action.

Click here to watch a video that explains in more detail what an appeal moment is.

Why are Appeal Moments Important?

Creating a Sense of Urgency:

Appeal moments are designed to create a sense of urgency among your supporters. By highlighting a specific need or opportunity, you can inspire donors to take immediate action. Urgency compels donors to act swiftly, increasing the likelihood of donations and driving momentum for your cause.

Enhancing Emotional Connection:

Appeal moments tap into the power of emotions, allowing you to connect with donors on a deeper level. By sharing compelling stories, case studies, or testimonials, you can evoke empathy and compassion in your supporters.

Showcasing Impact:

Appeal moments provide an ideal opportunity to showcase the impact of previous donations. By sharing success stories and tangible outcomes, you can demonstrate the positive change that donations have brought about. This not only builds trust and credibility but also inspires donors to continue supporting your cause.

Building a Community:

Appeal moments bring your supporters together, creating a shared sense of purpose and community. By rallying donors around a specific goal or campaign, you foster a sense of belonging and encourage collaboration. This sense of unity strengthens donor loyalty and motivates them to continue supporting your cause.

Enhancing Donor Engagement:

Appeal moments provide an opportunity to engage donors beyond financial contributions. Post event you can encourage supporters to participate in your campaigns by sharing their own stories, organising events, or volunteering their time. Active involvement fosters a deeper connection with your cause, leading to increased loyalty and continued support.

Cultivating Relationships:

Appeal moments are not just about obtaining donations. They also offer an opportunity to cultivate relationships with your donors. Personalised follow-ups, thank-you notes, and updates on the impact of contributions from the Fundraising Host or Auctioneer that delivered the appeal can make donors feel valued and appreciated. This thoughtful approach helps build long-term relationships built on trust and mutual understanding.

How Can Givergy Support in Creating Appeal Moments?

At Givergy, we offer access to a range of expert Fundraising Hosts who know exactly how to liven up an event with a brilliant appeal moment. Thanks to the wide variety of events that we cover, we have secured access to a series of professionals ideal for helping you raise more. Aside from helping you create a donation-enriching appeal moment, our fundraising hosts also offer many other benefits that will culminate in your achieving more.

In the world of fundraising, appeal moments serve as catalysts for connection, engagement, and impact. By leveraging the power of urgency, emotions, and community-building, appeal moments ignite the potential for increased donations and long-term engagement. Embrace the strategic nature of appeal moments to create memorable campaigns, capture donor attention, and propel your organisation toward its mission and vision for a better future. Take advantage of these powerful moments to inspire, enlighten, and create a lasting impact for your cause.

Combine this with our fabulous and flexible fundraising leaderboards, you will be well-set to smash your fundraising goals.

Summary

In the world of fundraising, appeal moments serve as catalysts for connection, engagement and impact. By leveraging the power of urgency, emotions and community-building, appeal moments ignite the potential for increased donations and long-term engagement.

Embrace the strategic nature of appeal moments to create memorable campaigns, capture donor attention and propel your organisation toward its mission and vision for a better future. Take advantage of these powerful moments to inspire, enlighten and create a lasting impact for your cause.

Fundraising Ideas for Remembrance Day 2023

Posted on October 30, 2023September 17, 2025 by Tim Stansbury

Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day or Veterans Day in some countries, is a memorial day observed on the 11th November every year to honour armed forces members who lost their lives in the line of duty during times of war. The day serves not only as an opportunity for people to reflect on the sacrifices made by military personnel and to show gratitude for their service, but also for charities within the sector to raise valuable donations for causes that impact this community.

Things To Consider For Remembrance Day

When organising a Remembrance Day fundraiser, it’s important to ensure that the funds raised are directed to reputable veterans’ charities or organisations that provide support and assistance to veterans and their families. Some other factors that should be considered are as follows:

Purpose and Goal: Clearly define the purpose of your fundraiser and set specific fundraising goals. If available, be sure to use insights from previous fundraisers to inform your new goals.

Transparency: Be transparent about how the funds will be used and where they will be directed. People are more likely to donate when they know their contributions are going to a reputable cause.

Community Involvement: Engage with the local community, veterans and their families to build support for your fundraising efforts. Seek their input and participation.

Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of the diverse backgrounds and experiences of veterans and their families. Ensure that your fundraising efforts are inclusive and respectful of different perspectives.

Givergy’s Fundraising Ideas For Remembrance Day 2023

Here are some of our top ideas for raising money in honour of Remembrance Day 2023:

Themed Silent Auction

A silent auction is a great tool to use when you want to raise money in honour of an occasion but not take away from the meaning of the day. Auction lots can be specially selected for their links to the occasion to further anchor the message of remembrance. This could include artificial and real poppy flowers, themed artwork, experiences, and donated souvenirs.

Remembrance Dinner

Hosting a fundraising dinner with guest speakers, veterans or their families to share stories and experiences is another brilliant way to raise money for associated causes. Money can be raised through event ticketing and the integration of other fundraising methods that would suit the occasion, such as a live auction or prize draw/promotional contest.

Veterans Art Exhibition

Host an art exhibition featuring the work of veterans or local artists. You can sell the artwork, with the proceeds going to veterans’ causes. This is also a brilliant idea if you want to integrate storytelling into the campaign as each lot can be outlined with a story about the person and/or inspiration behind the work. You can get an idea of what this might look like for your cause by checking out some of our fundraising sites.

Remembrance Day Ceremony Donations

If your community hosts a Remembrance Day ceremony, encourage attendees to make voluntary donations during the event. You will be surprised at how much this method can raise.

For more fundraising ideas or to experience Givergy’s fundraising platform, contact our team today.

Complete Guide to Fundraising Hosts

Posted on September 27, 2023August 29, 2025 by Tim Stansbury

Including a fundraising host is still a drastically underused element of fundraising events, but we’ve seen first-hand the amazing results that can come from focusing on this part of an event. If you have not included an engaging fundraising host, you may be missing a large piece of the puzzle!

Keep reading to learn all about these vibrant and game-changing individuals so that you can decide how best to use them for your future fundraising events.

What Is a Fundraising Host?

A fundraising host is a person who can provide consultative support to organisers and committees pre-event, plus then be responsible for hosting the fundraising activities at the actual event. Simply put, at an event, a fundraising host is responsible for engaging donors to raise the most funds possible.

Pre-Event Support?

The role of a fundraising host can include a variety of tasks. Still, it should always start with several pre-event, statistically-driven meetings to discuss the best possible approach for fundraising at your event.

Looking back at data from previous events, such as the amount raised in the Live Auction, Silent Auction and Pledge moment, the number of bids and donations made, popular levels and timings of giving, are critical to get the perfect strategy in place.

At The Event

Fundraising hosts should be responsible for running the auction and/or donation drive; they should know how to work a crowd and engage with an audience. The events they host can range from small gatherings and golf days to large galas or auctions. The goal of a fundraising host is to create an enjoyable and engaging event that encourages attendees to donate generously to the cause at hand.

Do Fundraising Hosts Work?

Absolutely. And we’ve got the stats to prove it. We’ve seen some simply astounding increases in funds raised by including a fundraising host. Get in touch, and our team would love to chat this through with you.

Brilliant fundraising hosts allow guests to indulge in giving – that amazing feeling of doing something positive for others. Altruistic DNA is in all of us; giving makes you feel better. People want to give, and an engaging fundraising host allows them to do it.

We continue to say that fundraising is not a spectator sport – you shouldn’t be relying on 10% of the room to give 90% of the funds. For a donation moment or pledge drive, fundraising hosts allow a collaborative nature of giving. Using the fundraising leaderboards, they can get everyone involved.

Event Host or Fundraising Host?

We strongly recommend that your Fundraising Host is not also your Event Host. Your audience must connect with the Fundraising Host during those crucial moments of giving. To do this, it’s best they are kept back to do their job, drive fundraising on the night, and not mix that message with other elements like introducing speakers or explaining where the fire exits are.

Having a skilled host focused on fundraising can help make the event substantially more effective and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Image: Fundraising Hosts North America from left to right – Harry Santa-Olla (HSO Productions), Chuck Mutz (Black Tie Auctions), Sherry Mulhar (Red Apple Auctions) and Layne (The Auctionista) – Find out more by clicking here.

How Can a Fundraising Host Elevate an Event?

One of the most crucial roles of a fundraising host is to help create a positive and engaging atmosphere for donors. A good host will help keep the event running smoothly, ensuring that everything is on schedule.
A fundraising host can also help build a sense of community and shared purpose among donors. By creating a positive and engaging atmosphere, focused on a common goal that the whole room can commit to and hit as part of a collective, you are more likely to hit that target.
A host also helps donors to feel more connected to the cause and become motivated to give. This can be especially important for fundraising events that are aimed at building long-term relationships with donors rather than just raising money in the short term.

The ‘Why’ or The ‘How’?

A charity founder, board member or event Chairman should discuss the ‘why’. Often followed by an emotive film or speaker, this is the message ‘why’ guests should support the charity and get involved in giving. This message is far more authentic from these individuals than from a fundraising host.

The host is there for the ‘how’ to give; the ‘why’ should have already been covered by the time they get on stage. To learn more about this, listen to our recent podcast episode, ‘Fundraising Hosts & Appeal Moments’, where auctioneer and fundraising host Harry Santa-Olalla spoke about the task in length.

How to Choose a Host?

Every charity will decide upon their desired fundraising host for different reasons, but below are some of our top considerations you should make:

You should always decide what areas you want the fundraising host to focus on and assess their suitability based on previous experience.
A fundraising host also needs to represent your organisation. While they can adapt to your tone of voice and messaging, you should always select someone who is the ideal brand advocate for you in terms of styling and presentation.
Choose your fundraising tools in advance and ensure the host has the right experience. For example, you may want to run an auction, so you must find someone to run auctions professionally.
Check the host’s references and online reviews to ensure they have a good reputation in the industry.
Consider the host’s fees and whether they fit within your budget. Remember that a good host can help you raise more money, so it may be worth investing in a quality host.
Ensure the host is available on the event date and has enough time to prepare.

At Givergy, we are always looking for ways to help our clients raise even more which is why we are huge advocates of using fundraising hosts. If you’re based in the United States, check out our recommended hosts here.If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Wine Pull Raffle

Posted on April 7, 2022August 29, 2025 by Tim Stansbury

When you’re putting together a fundraising event, you’ll want to make sure something fun, simple and unique is on the list, a great example being a wine pull raffle.

With a small amount of effort, you can transform any regular event into something that’s remembered as different and exciting. But what is a wine pull raffle and how exactly can you ‘pull’ it off? We’re glad you asked.

Read on for our complete wine pull raffle guide, and for more information on Givergy’s services and fundraising solutions, just click here, or get in touch.

What is a wine pull raffle?

First of all, a wine pull raffle involves a lot of bottles of wine. It’s completely up to you as to how many bottles this is, but know that the more you have, the more money you can raise. We suggest trying to find as many donations of bottles as possible at wine merchants and even from places like restaurants. You may be able to receive some bottles for free, others you may need to pay a small price for, while the rest will be full price. Just bear in mind that whatever you spend on the bottles, you’ll need to make back in fundraising.

A wine pull raffle can work in a number of ways. Traditionally someone will purchase a ticket with an unknown number on it for a set price. Typically this is $20 but you can raise this depending on the values of the wine involved (and the depth of the pockets for your audience). Once the person has pulled a ticket number from a pot, it will correspond to a bottle. This is the bottle that they will then claim as their prize.

As we said, that is what a traditional wine pull looks like but there are variations. For example, you can forget the entire ticketing process and wrap the bottles up in brown paper bags so they seem identical. A person can make a donation for a fixed amount (the same as they would pay for a ticket) and then simply take any bottle they choose. Be creative with wrapping the wine, it could just be brown paper or you can have handcrafted wine covers from a local store and raise even more money for charity by selling them alongside the wine.

Another thing you can do with wine pulls is make an exciting display so that it draws people over to the activity. You might create a wine bottle wall or color code all the tops to create an image or phrase. Making the bottles look enticing is what will make people come over to see what the ‘fuss’ is all about. Simply having the wine sat on a table will not be interesting and you’ll have to work twice as hard to get people’s attention.

Remember that a wine pull raffle is supposed to be exciting because there’s the potential to win a $100+ bottle for as little as $20. Don’t downplay that, especially if you’re at a live fundraising event when the wine is already flowing at the tables – it’s a great opportunity.

When would you host a wine pull raffle?

A wine pull raffle is an exciting event, however, it doesn’t quite have the gravitas to be a stand-alone event. This is why we suggest that you host a wine pull raffle when you’ve already got something else going on. It might be on the side of a charity auction or a silent auction dinner, something that takes a few hours to get through. It might even be at a town fayre. Whenever you do host a wine pull raffle, see it as an additional way to bring life to your fundraising efforts.

Why you should host a wine pull raffle for fundraising?

Wine pulls aren’t common but they’re great ways to raise some extra cash. So, why should you host one? Other than raising extra funds of course. At the end of the day, there are plenty of ways to raise money, so what makes a wine pull so special?

We believe a wine pull is unique because it adds a touch of sophistication and quality to a fundraising event. If your event is black tie, the last thing you want to do is bolt on a fundraiser that doesn’t fit the atmosphere. The chance to win some fancy wine is certainly a classy addition and one that we believe can be really effective. You should host a wine pull raffle because it increases funds and the quality of your event.

Important things to consider when hosting a wine pull raffle

Unfortunately, unlike most events, there are limits as to when and where you can hold a wine pull raffle so just make sure you have considered them before you go ahead. All those who win a bottle must be over the drinking age in your state. The venue in which you host the event must also be licensed to give out alcohol.

This doesn’t always mean there needs to be a bar, but just make sure there are no issues with you hosting a wine pull raffle before the event. Small checks beforehand can prevent big mishaps when it comes to having your event run smoothly. Other than that, enjoy wine pulling!

Running your fundraiser with Givergy

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4 Strategies to Help Shift Fundraising Online and Foster Engagement

Posted on January 25, 2021August 29, 2025 by Tim Stansbury

Many charities prefer to host galas to secure life-changing funds for those in need. Large events like galas, for example, are a wonderful way to bring the community together, all while providing a rewarding and memorable experience for participants. However, due to complications from the pandemic, many charities have been facing uncertainty and unprecedented challenges that have hindered their ability to continue their philanthropic efforts.

With many social gathering and event restrictions, it may seem like charitable efforts have been halted. However, there are still many options available to continue wonderful work for the greater good, while also respecting health and safety. It is especially important to be aware of the latest strategies and tools that can help keep your organization on track during critical times. It may seem daunting to find a way to keep your charity afloat and engage donors when you need them the most. Consider the four strategies below to help continue your efforts and foster engagement with your charity by shifting them online.

Leverage a Charitable Fundraising Solution

If donors were most engaged and willing to contribute through galas, do not despair. Your favorite charitable events can be shifted to an online format. Galas that were once held in person can still be held virtually. One way to get started with your virtual gala is by leveraging a virtual fundraising solution. Such platforms allow you to consult a gala host, record or gather visual content, and live stream your gala to your participants. Donors can enjoy the event safely from their homes, and can also place additional donations, participate in a raffle, interact with live comments, and enjoy the host experience virtually just as they would in person. All of the features and conveniences of a fundraising solution make hosting charitable events a breeze even during the most difficult of times.

Ensure Participants Utilize Secure Networks

When moving your charitable fundraising event online, ensure that you have the proper infrastructure in place. Secure networking options, like a software-defined wide-area network, provide a reliable connection for your virtual gala no matter the location of all your participants. Your donors can enjoy a good user experience and also have peace of mind that their connection remains secure. A secure networking option will help to prevent interruptions by keeping uninvited attendees from accessing and disrupting your gala or fundraiser. In addition, it helps to add an extra layer of protection to sensitive information that may be exchanged over the course of your fundraiser.

Express Gratitude

Once your fundraising event is over, it is extremely important to take the extra steps to follow up with your participants. Securing funds is just one part of your charitable fundraising endeavors. It is a fundamental responsibility of your organization to take a moment to demonstrate your gratitude to selfless donors who are willing to help great causes. Now, expressing donor gratitude is especially important because many individuals have been impacted financially during the pandemic and extra funds may be hard to spare. It only takes a moment to send a thank you card to express sincere thanks for contributions that are keeping your organization’s mission alive. Without your donors, your work would not be possible.

Show Your Impact

One powerful way to foster engagement with your charity during critical times is by showing your impact. Many potential donors may be prompted to give for the first time or donate repeatedly when they see firsthand how their contributions are being allocated. Be sure to brief donors on your latest projects and initiatives. This can be done by sending regular charitable email marketing updates to donors. It is essential to cultivate a sense of compassion by telling the stories of good that have come out of your efforts. Donors can often feel removed from those who may be in need. Help your donors walk in the shoes of those you will be impacting by bringing stories from the community to life. Demonstrate how your funds have made a difference on a personal level by showing the individuals behind your campaign. Heartwarming stories bring a sense of hope to the community and can be a call to action to volunteer, donate, and get involved in making a difference.

When times become challenging, your hard work and dedication pays off. It will help you be creative, flexible, and do whatever it takes to grow your charity despite the circumstances. Being able to transition your events virtually and prompt donors to stay engaged with your charity will be a testament to how the will of the community can prevail. Take the time to invest in the strategies and tools that can help you make a difference to those who are counting on us.

Fundraising in 2021 – Predictions Please

Posted on November 13, 2020August 29, 2025 by Tim Stansbury

There’s no doubt that 2020 has thrown just about everything possible at us – a global pandemic, a messy US presidential election, the fallout over Brexit, and the late, great Sean Connery recently passing; it’s had it all.

The impact on charitable fundraising has been vast. Major non-profits within North America, the UK and the rest of the world have taken a drastic hit, with many battling for survival in a time when the people or projects they support need them most. We ourselves have seen in-person fundraising events shrink by over 95% due to the far-reaching impacts and restrictions of COVID-19.

So, surely, 2021 will offer sunnier skies?! Goodness, we all hope so…

It’s very hard to predict what 2021 will look like in terms of fundraising for non-profits, but here are a few thoughts coming out of Givergy HQ (via our ‘working from home’ offices…)

1. The return of in-person events

Back in April we were quietly hopeful that the Autumn / Fall season would be back to some sort of normality; and then as the months passed the reality of the pandemic really hit home. At that point many of our clients turned to both online fundraising campaigns and virtual events in the knowledge that in-person galas just wouldn’t be possible in most regions for 2020.

However, there is certainly now confidence that in-person events will make some sort of return in 2021. We are already supporting a handful across different countries, especially the likes of golf tournaments where outside activities allow for less restrictions and are safer for charity supporters.

Many of the major venues in the likes of New York, London and Vancouver are already booked up, and we have a number of tentative dates on hold. But as we’ve seen, in-person events are incredibly hard to predict right now.

2. Hybrid events

A Hybrid set up combines smaller in-person events with an online audience. As restrictions ease, in a no doubt progressive fashion, smaller 50 – 100 in-person events linked with a much larger audience online may well become the ‘new norm’. The jury is still out on what the format would be and how to ensure your online supporters are engaged throughout, but it could well be an area that many will want to explore.

3. Virtual events – here to stay?

Virtual events have definitely done a job at a time when there weren’t many other options. A number of non-profits have seen some incredible results from their virtual event offering and even surpassed funds raised from an in-person gala the year before! (Have a read here on how to win at virtual)

With the uncertainty around in-person events, many of our clients are booking now for Q1 2021, getting something fun, engaging and interactive in the diary for their supporters to look forward to in the traditional Feb / March fundraising season.

You often hear that ‘things will never be the same again’, which makes us stop and think – some element of virtual or online fundraising, either as stand alone or linked into an in-person event, will have a big factor in charitable giving in 2021.

4. Online fundraising campaigns

In our world there has been a fascinating and seismic shift in the enquiries we are receiving each day for fundraising solutions. Online fundraising campaigns, be it for a month long auction, pledge drive or prize draw for a specific gift or package, have kept us pretty busy in 2020 and once again are generating some incredible results.

We’ve also seen that the majority of clients are ready for the information and to ‘get going’ straight away. We continue to pride ourselves on service and support, but are definitely reacting to the fact that many are happy to get their site live and crack on.

We believe 2021 will absolutely continue along this path. Simple online fundraising solutions with limited cost or risk is what the market is shouting for. Campaigns that can run for a week or month, with the option to do one campaign per quarter, or even per month, using the same platform to allow simple online giving and payment collection, will we believe be a big part of the ‘new norm’ in 2021.

Yes, 2021 will surely be a step up from the doldrums of 2020. But to what extent and how that will impact charitable giving is a hard one to predict. No matter which way the market goes, be it by choice or necessity, we’ll be here to support in any way we can.

As ever, any questions or to get in touch, just complete the form below.

Ground Control to Colonel Tom

Posted on May 1, 2020August 29, 2025 by Tim Stansbury

Well. That just happened!

The amazing story of a now 100-year-old WW2 veteran who by the simplest of messages raised over £32 million (and counting) for the NHS, is now a household name and gave us all in the Giving Sector something to think about.

Colonel Tom’s message was highly visible, simple and transparent. It gave people a route to giving, to support the action of one man, but crucially at the very same time allowing us all to feel involved. Technology was the medium that united a WW2 veteran’s actions with these incredible results. His voluntary message was unassuming but direct. He did it (brilliantly) and technology delivered it.

Once again we have learnt individuals and society want to help, and we are seeing this all the time in both small ways; paying for a nurses petrol, and big; switching a production line from hoovers to ventilators.

But what really is at the core of the incredible things people are doing to help each other?

When the feeling of giving is stripped right back to its philanthropic roots, it is about individuals within a complex society believing that they can make a difference, that they can help. That the power of their individual giving is going to be counted.

This thought, along with various others, made me re-consider many things. The techniques we use here at Givergy are all essential to help our clients maximise funds raised:

Online fundraising platforms
Auctions
Direct donations
Raffles

But above all, now is an opportune time to consider what we are saying and what we are asking. Strip back your message to the fundamentals, and see how it will change. Perhaps now is the time to have a good look at expressing your brand in the aftermath of this terrible pandemic. Examine the cause and effect of crisis giving and how you can use this positively to reset your business plan for 2020/21/22. These are uncertain times but we can all adapt and learn from them. Technology has been the fundamental connective infrastructure during this crisis and it shows just how important it will be in the future.

Congratulations Colonel Tom from all the employees at Givergy

Julian Sykes

CEO – Givergy

How to Successfully Fundraise Through Live Streaming!

Posted on April 23, 2020August 29, 2025 by Tim Stansbury

At a time when the world is at home and going to live events just isn’t possible, the events industry is filling the void with live streaming and virtual events. Just this weekend some phenomenal events took place, including:

One World: Together at Home – featuring the likes of Lady Gaga, Elton John and Taylor Swift, to name a few
‘The Phantom of the Opera’ at the Royal Albert Hall
Movie Night with Jamie Lee Curtis
Robyn D.J.s Live

It’s a concept many are new to, but one we have realised for some time has a lot of potential. We’re learning new tricks quickly and wanted to offer some advice and support.

How it works:

Live streaming events is a fairly simple concept. You really don’t need expensive or professional equipment, but the clearer the picture and sound quality of course the better it will be. Just make sure the backdrop for your shot is uncluttered, homely or fun, whatever your desire.

Content:

If you’re short on content; i.e. live music, comedy or interesting info, then do not fear – when fundraising it’s fine to be short and sweet. You must have your Givergy fundraising platform set up where we can embed the live stream of the event, then show your fundraising targets, donation options and auction items (if applicable). Then you’re all set.

Timings:

The barebones are to invite your audience to participate at a specific time (say Saturday 6pm) and for a limited time (perhaps only 30 minutes to an hour).

The Host:

Then have your MC ready, an opening speech with your aims for the evening, drawing attention to the fundraising needs and how those at home can access the fundraising platform. For the more advanced, you can have multiple hosts, in different locations and these can include a speaker from the charity, videos, plus elements of entertainment such as a comedian or band. You could even include a celebrity chef with food suggestions or a wine connoisseur with a pre-agreed shopping list, for a fully interactive experience!

Platform options:

There are many different platforms that you can use to deliver your virtual event, some are free such as YouTube Live or Facebook Live. Others come with a cost such as GoToWebinar or one that we particularly like called Glisser. These offer better functionality and will allow you to create a more fluent and easier to manage event.

All platforms enable you to incorporate the live streaming of a host and presentation of your Givergy fundraising platform so your audience can use their phones, iPads or desktop computers to place bids on auction items, or make a donation. It’s genuinely interactive and fun for the MC to comment on and give thanks.

Limitations:

Guests can get distracted, or possibly confused if content doesn’t simply flow from one section to another. So, it’s crucial your content is simple, clear and structured.

How to fundraise:

We’ve already seen some great success stories supporting live streamed events. Again, it’s important to keep it clear and simple. Guests would have a giving platform on their computer, tablet or phone at the same time as having the live event open as well. Some suggestions for event fundraising:

Pre-Event Ticketing – You can sell tickets to attend the live event, either per person or per family / home. You can then share the link where the Live Event will be, or password protect to allow access. Learn more.

Donations – For most, a focus on donations throughout the event will be the main giving option. You can break this down to offer different levels with a clear explanation on what will be achieved with that amount. Or provide a simple ‘give any amount’ page where guests can choose the amount they want to donate. Check out an example.

Silent Auction – Our bread and butter! Online silent auctions with eye catching imagery and descriptions is what we’ve been perfecting for 10 years. Include different categories, buy it now options and sealed bidding. If you need help sourcing some /all of your items , just let us know. Here is an example of a silent auction!

Integrated Payment – Our online system includes integrated payment, so guests add in their card details at the time of giving or bidding to ensure that no money is lost. There is a payment processing fee, but you can ask your guests to cover at the time of the transaction.

We hope this helps. We believe now is the time to engage your donors to offer quality content, remind them of all the great things you are doing, and how they can help in this time of need.

For more information or any questions, please do get in touch.

4 Ways to Fundraise During COVID-19

Posted on March 20, 2020August 29, 2025 by Tim Stansbury

We are going through unprecedented times with COVID-19 and many governments are now enforcing social distancing, but fear not, we can still continue to help you to fundraise!

Fundraisers worldwide are now switching to online fundraising and we are finding that although many of us are staying at home, the urge to give is still strong! Below we explore a couple of key areas you should consider focusing on over the next few months and until your event calendar fully returns.

1) Efficiently create your own bespoke fundraising website

Using an online platform to drive donors to fundraise is an essential tool in the current climate, and using our fundraising website is simple and effective. You can still run a silent auction and drive competition normally found at events, whilst encouraging people to also make donations. Using our support we can help you launch an effective fundraising campaign, engage your donors and drive participation.

Our online platform has built-in outbid notifications, ensuring donors get emails and SMS messages directing them back to the site to continue to drive participation and interest.

To see what your own, brandable platform might look like, check out our demo:

VIEW DEMO

2) Run a fun prize draw

Donors love a competition and you may have some exceptional prizes originally intended for your gala event. These could be perfect for an online prize draw. It’s a simple, effective and exciting way to drive donors to fundraise, keeping your charity in their minds, whilst also giving you a great social presence.

3) Now is the time to ask for donations

Now is the time to ASK! Many fundraisers are fearful of asking for direct donations and you shouldn’t be. Donors know that during this difficult time you need those vital funds more than ever, so make sure you ask them!

Using our donation feature you can set up multiple pledge items, from ‘any amount’ donations to what we call tangible donations; giving specifics on how their donation will be used. Donors love to give, but they also want to know where their money is going. Giving your donors these options is proven to raise more.

4) Strategically drive traffic to your fundraising website

Setting up your fundraising website is one part of the puzzle and we can certainly help. However you now need to think of your site as an online fundraising campaign and it’s crucial that you get the message out to your donors to ensure that they participate and bid and give. Targeted email campaigns to your support network will help drive traffic, but also promote on your website and through social media channels, as this will easily allow supporters to share and increase your reach. You also have the ability to use the Givergy platform to message donors in the system, pushing items that have low bids or warning that the auction will close soon. Eyes to the site is an absolutely crucial part of your fundraising strategy!

The Givergy podcast

We are also proud to launch our new podcast, which we will be updating over the coming weeks with further advice and support. We already have two great episodes and next week we will be releasing a special episode on fundraising during COVID-19 with special guest Stephanie Thomas CRFE. So please subscribe now on Apple or Spotify.

If you would like to discuss online fundraising further click the button below.