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Category: Fundraising Advice

Turning Traditional Fundraising Into Digital Success

Posted on by Emily Clare

With the increasing use of technology and digital platforms, turning traditional fundraising into digital successes can significantly enhance your fundraising efforts. Charities that rely solely on traditional fundraising may struggle as our world advances in the digital era, but the reality is that raising more is only possible if you harness the power of technology.

44% of charities don’t have a digital strategy, which is worrying as they all risk getting left behind where others are thriving. The digital transformation of the giving sector allows more money to be raised, improved trust and increased transparency with donors. All of these factors work together to improve charities’ branding and reputation, which means they can help more people whilst establishing long-term futures. 

Keep reading to learn how to turn traditional fundraising methods into digital successes for your organisation.

What Is Traditional Fundraising?

Firstly, let’s clarify what is meant by the term ‘traditional fundraising’.

Traditional fundraising refers to raising funds or financial support for a cause through conventional, in-person methods. These can include things like door-to-door canvassing, auctions, bake sales, and other in-person charity events. Traditional fundraising has been the standard approach for charitable causes for many years, focusing on building a solid rapport with donors through face-to-face interactions.

While these still offer success, they limit the ability for an organisation to expand its reach, and awareness, which greatly affects the amount of vital funds that need to be raised.

Why Does Givergy Believe in Digital Fundraising?

If you have attended any of Givergy’s Future of Fundraising events, you know how strongly we believe in innovation and technology in the fundraising industry. 

The future of fundraising is racing towards digital methods now more than ever due to several reasons:

  1. Digital fundraising allows for increased cost-effectiveness compared to traditional methods. For example, the cost of hosting an online fundraising campaign can be significantly cheaper than hosting an in-person gala. With a digital campaign, a wide range of online fundraising tools can be used, making it easier for charities to engage and excite supporters.
  2. Digital fundraising offers greater convenience and accessibility for donors. Online platforms allow supporters to contribute to causes anytime and anywhere, eliminating geographical barriers and time constraints. This accessibility can lead to increased donor participation and engagement. Moreover, digital platforms provide charitable causes with quality opportunities for storytelling and showcasing impact. 
  3. Digital fundraising reaches critical demographics needed to keep fundraising alive and strong. Younger generations, such as Millennials and Gen Z, are more digitally connected and have different preferences for engaging with charitable causes. By reaching them through digital methods that feel authentic, they are more likely to donate and support.

As our world gains technological advancements, charities can utilise tools that empower them to raise funds, promote their causes, manage donors, engage communities, and collaborate online.

How To Transform Traditional Fundraising Methods

Here are a few traditional fundraising methods along with their suggested digital transformations:

Traditional Method: Door-to-door canvassing 

Digital Method: Online fundraising

Volunteers going door-to-door in a neighbourhood or community, soliciting donations or selling products on behalf of a charitable organisation used to be the norm. Nowadays, people appreciate their privacy a bit more, so having someone knock at the door unexpectedly doesn’t always have the desired impact.

Instead of having volunteers out pounding the pavements, online fundraising is a digital alternative that simplifies the donation process. Furthermore, it has a high chance of success as it increases visibility and reach, enables storytelling and aligns with the preferences of modern donors. Givergy’s fully customisable campaigns allow each organisation to create an online presence that best represents their intentions and goals.

Traditional Method: In-person gala events

Digital Method: Virtual galas

Don’t get us wrong, in-person gala dinners and events are still a proven way to raise money. There’s no need to go completely digital straight off the bat, but embracing the balance the digital world has to offer can make a world of difference. 

By hosting a virtual gala, you can still include exciting event moments like entertainment and testimonials. The difference is that you can reach a larger audience than the boundaries of a room. Many in-person galas are annual events, but with virtual galas, it’s easier to host more than one, giving you the opportunity of making consistent impacts throughout without an expensive budget. 

Furthermore, virtual fundraising contributes to a reduced environmental footprint by eliminating the need for physical travel and printed materials. This aligns with the growing awareness and preference for eco-friendly practices. You can essentially achieve good by doing good!

Traditional Method: Telethons

Digital Method: Live Streams with integrated silent auctions and pledges

We all probably grew up watching televised fundraising campaigns that integrated our favourite celebrities and other forms of entertainment. The big names will likely use this method for a long time, but due to the saturation of smaller charities, it can be hard for some to stand out in this way. 

Live Streams have become powerful tools for fundraising, offering a dynamic and interactive platform that engages audiences in real-time. These are primarily conducted on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitch. Livestreams still offer the same levels of engagement and collaboration that telethons have but also integrate the option to easily donate from a phone, tablet, or computer, aligning with the needs of the modern donor.

Live Streams offer interactive features during live events, such as polls, Q&A sessions, and live chat. These features encourage active participation and engagement, making viewers feel more involved in fundraising and your cause.

Go Digital With Givergy

Does your charity need to join the digital world of fundraising sooner rather than later? Even though transitioning to new methods can be scary for some, we can assure you that the benefits outweigh the risks. 

Our team offers a collaborative approach to the task, finding the best digital methods of raising more that will resonate with your existing and potential audience. To find out more, contact us.

How to fundraise effectively in the gaming space

Posted on by Shane Bailey

The video game industry has come a long way since the days of arcade machines. In 2022, the global video game industry was estimated to have generated more than US$300 billion in revenue, engaging more than two billion people on a daily basis across consoles, PC and mobile. It’s a form of entertainment that eclipses non-interactive mediums like film, TV and music, yet ‘gamers’ aren’t necessarily top-of-mind for consumer brands and non-profits.

Identifying and reaching the gaming audience can be a challenge. With few options to reach the gaming audience through the games themselves (outside of mobile in-game advertising), how does one engage gamers, particularly for non-profits with limited resources? Here are some tips and guiding principles to help your charitable organisation find success in the gaming space.

6 Tips to Fundraise effectively in the gaming space

  1. Build credibility:

People often use gaming to escape; to leave reality behind and visit a fantastical realm, connect with friends across the world, or test their mettle in a challenging experience or online competition. Through interactivity, gaming is an emotion-filled form of entertainment, so when a brand interrupts that experience, it’s not always welcome. It’s why building credibility in the eyes of gamers is so important. To that end, think about the brands endemic to the gaming space you can partner with to help introduce your charity to the gaming audience, such as well-known publishers like Xbox, EA Games and Ubisoft or consumer brands like Elgato, HyperX and Logitech. Similarly, are there content creators or personalities in the space who can act as ambassadors for your cause? Before jumping straight to the biggest names in gaming and streaming, like Ninja, Loserfruit and Dr. Lupo, try starting small first and expanding from there. Grassroots creators are much more likely to work with you as they grow their own online, personal brand. Laying a strong foundation of credibility first will make it much easier to build upon your success in the space.

  1. Find the right experts:

It can be difficult navigating a world completely unknown to you and the team, so look for ways to engage experts in the space. This doesn’t necessarily mean hiring someone from the gaming industry. There are many people in the space that can deliver the expertise you need. If community fundraising via live-streaming is your first focus, start with influencer and talent agencies that represent these content creators, and be sure to ask questions when you start. It’s likely that these agencies field proposals from a variety of brands every week and the last thing you want is for the creators they represent to view you in the same way they view another brand looking to advertise via their streams and social channels. Ask how the agency’s creators like to work with charities. What would an engaging charity or fundraising campaign look like to them? Is there a way their creators can team up to create something larger, like a streaming marathon where multiple creators work together? With a bit of imagination and collaboration, creating something a bit different can be exciting for the creators you work with.

  1. Add value:

Always remember that your partnership with these creators and brands is exactly that: a partnership. How is your charity adding value to this relationship? Can you demonstrate the impact the audience’s involvement will have on your mission? Particularly for grassroots content creators, spotlighting them on your website and social channels can be really meaningful. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone as well. Jump on livestreams with creators who fundraise for you and thank them and their community for their support. You don’t necessarily have to play the game they’re playing, but just appear as a guest for 10-20 minutes and show how much they are appreciated. The same can be said for any brands you partner with. Treat them in the same way you would any traditional corporate partner and build that value together.

  1. Be where they are:

A part of finding the expertise to navigate the gaming space is understanding where and how to communicate with gamers and content creators. You’ll likely have a difficult time gaining support by focusing on social ads, cold emails and phone calls. Instead, look to where the gaming audience is highly engaged. X/Twitter and TikTok are both platforms content creators use to speak directly to their own communities, so try casually sliding into their DM’s there. Try not to be too heavy-handed in your initial approach either; they don’t need the full pitch upfront. Ask if they’ve fundraised for a charity before and if they’d be open to working together. If you have the capacity and resource, taking the time to get to know streamers when and where they stream can be hugely beneficial. Tune into their streams and pop in their live chat to say hello. This can make it much easier to then send a message to them after the stream to introduce yourself more formally.

  1. Leverage a connected community:

One thing that is definitely true about content creators in the streaming space and people who work for big gaming brands is that everyone is connected. When you chat with a brand manager at Nintendo, it’s likely they know the local team at PlayStation or an agency who works for Twitch. Similarly, the content creators you chat with likely have creator friends, are involved in a community of streamers who play together, or know creators who have had success supporting charitiesin the past. Even if someone is unable to support you directly, they will likely know someone else who can, so always ask for those introductions or to be pointed in the right direction.

  1. Don’t forget the basics:

It’s important to remember that gaming brands and content creators you partner with are not dissimilar to other corporate partners or P2P fundraisers. Everyone who supports your organisation wants to do a good job, so be sure to make it as easy as possible for them to find success. Equip them with all the usual fundraising tools who would your traditional partners and fundraisers. For content creators, it’s worth taking the time to create assets suitable for their streams as well. Being a good partner and empowering your supporters to do the best job they can will maximise the chance that they’ll come back and support you again.

 

 

 

Top Thanksgiving Fundraising Ideas

Posted on by Chloe Colquitt

The season of thanks is almost upon us, so now is the time to finalize your Thanksgiving fundraising plans if you have not already! With people set to enjoy family time, good food, and a start to the festive period, the minds of many turn to helping those less fortunate than themselves.

To help you use the season wisely and boost your 2023 donations before the end of the year, check out our top fundraising ideas below. 

Do People Donate More During Thanksgiving?

One of the most iconic symbols of Thanksgiving is the turkey. The turkey has long been associated with abundance and generosity. In the early days of Thanksgiving, when the Pilgrims and Native Americans came together to celebrate, they shared a feast that included wild turkey. This act of sharing a meal symbolized the spirit of giving and community.

Today, the tradition of sharing a Thanksgiving meal with loved ones continues, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of giving back. 

Family plays a central role in Thanksgiving celebrations, and it is through family traditions that a culture of giving can be fostered. Many families have their unique traditions when it comes to Thanksgiving, whether it’s cooking a special meal together, watching football, or going for a post-dinner walk. These traditions can also include acts of charitable giving. For example, some families choose to volunteer together at a local soup kitchen or food bank on Thanksgiving Day. This allows them to give back to their community and provides an opportunity for family bonding and creating lasting memories. 

Thanksgiving is not only a time for giving back through volunteerism but also through charitable donations. Many people choose to make financial contributions to organizations that are working to address issues such as hunger, homelessness, and poverty. Charitable donations tend to increase during the holiday season, with Thanksgiving catalyzing this generosity.

Thanksgiving Event Ideas

  1. Host a Thanksgiving Dinner Fundraiser

One of the most popular ways to raise funds during Thanksgiving is by hosting a Thanksgiving dinner fundraiser. This live fundraising event involves organizing a dinner event where attendees can enjoy a delicious meal while supporting a good cause.

You can present a meal with all the trimmings and use features such as silent auctions to raise money while guests are tucking into their feasts. You may also find that local food stores or restaurants will want to donate meals or ingredients in honor of the cause, which will help keep costs down.

  1. Create a Thanksgiving-themed Silent Auction

A Thanksgiving-themed silent auction is another creative way to raise funds during the holiday season.

To make the auction successful, offer unique items or experiences that will attract bidders. Consider bundling items together to create themed packages, such as a Thanksgiving feast package or a holiday travel package. This will increase the perceived value of the items and encourage higher bids.

  1. Organize a Thanksgiving Bake Sale

A Thanksgiving-themed bake sale is a classic fundraising idea that can be both fun and profitable. To organize a successful bake sale, start by recruiting bakers who are willing to donate their time and skills to bake delicious treats.

To make the bake sale successful, offer a variety of treats that are related to Thanksgiving. This could include pumpkin pies, apple crisps, or turkey-shaped cookies. Consider packaging the treats as gifts, such as in festive boxes or bags, to make them more appealing to bidders.

  1. Organize a Thanksgiving-themed Charity Walk

Charity walks have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to raise funds and promote awareness for various causes. Organizing a Thanksgiving-themed charity walk can be a great way to engage the community and raise funds during the holiday season.

You could arrange a walk that takes in some popular thanksgiving sights in your town or city or just market it as a way to walk off the calories consumed during the luxurious meal.

Choose Givergy To Support You

Thanksgiving is a holiday that is deeply rooted in gratitude and community. It is a time when people come together to express thanks for their blessings and give back to their communities. From its origins in the early days of the Pilgrims to the present day, Thanksgiving has inspired acts of kindness, generosity, and volunteerism.

At Givergy, we love a seasonal event as a way to reach more donors and use the positive spirits to help raise more. To find out how we can assist you, contact us today.

Labor Day Fundraising Ideas for 2023

Posted on by Ella Jacques

Is there a better excuse than Labor Day to celebrate your patriotism with everything red, white, and blue? We think not!

With everyone feeling ready to celebrate and spirits high, it is the perfect opportunity to remind people about your fundraising cause. As the festivities approach, many individuals and organizations prepare to host events, while others plan to use this holiday to raise funds for their cause. That being said, organizing a fundraising event can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. 

We’ve compiled a list of five Labor Day fundraising ideas for 2023 that are engaging and creative, offering the perfect complement to ongoing celebrations.

Why should you use Labor Day as a fundraising opportunity?

Capitalize on the holiday spirit: One of the biggest advantages of using Labor Day as a fundraising opportunity is that people are still in a generous and giving mood despite summer coming to an end. They’re more likely to donate to a good cause and support organizations that align with their values. 

Focus on workers’ issues: Labor Day is all about celebrating the contributions of American workers to society and highlighting the challenges they face in today’s economy. This presents an opportunity for you to bring attention to the issues that matter to workers and their families, such as fair wages, healthcare, equal pay, and job security. If your nonprofit is focused on any labor-related causes, you should really maximize the holiday for your messaging.

Thank your donors and supporters: Finally, don’t forget to thank your donors and supporters for their contributions and support. Use Labor Day as a moment to express your gratitude and show how their donations are making a difference in the lives of workers and their families. This can help build long-term relationships with your donors and encourage them to continue supporting your cause in the future.

Top Fundraising Ideas for Labor Day:

  1. Create auctions showcasing the best USA-themed consignment items.

This could be either a live auction or a silent auction that is packed full to the brim with experiences, gifts and vacations that showcase the best the country has to offer. By having a clear theme, you are able to capitalize on the Labor day celebrations perfectly.

  1. Organize a Bake Sale or hold a BBQ

Baked goods always stay in style, be it any event or occasion. Labor Day is a great opportunity to bake and sell your homemade goodies for a good cause when people are looking for some good food to celebrate!

Aside from offering traditional bakery items, you can get creative and offer themed snacks or meals that are popular on Labor Day, such as barbecues, hot dogs, hamburgers, and desserts.

Nothing screams Labour Day more than a traditional barbecue if you are more interested in an outdoor event. Consider giving it an old-fashioned touch by serving meals in tin-foil plates and disposable cups to make it interesting. For dessert, serve apple pies or cupcakes with edible American flag images. To collect funds, charge a small fee per plate or simply ask for a donation.

  1. Host a mini-games tournament.

Everyone loves friendly competition, and there’s no better way to add life to your Labor Day party than by hosting a mini-games tournament. Consider including classics such as Twister, horseshoes, or cornhole, and award prizes to the winners. You can charge for entry or ask for a donation.

  1. Patriotic Karaoke. 

Karaoke is always a crowd-pleaser, and it’s even better when it’s patriotic. To add a fun twist, organize a karaoke competition where participants sing songs inspired by American history or culture. You can charge an entry fee, provide prizes for the winner, or take donations for your cause.

  1. Outdoor Movie Night.

Finish off your Labor Day party with a bang by hosting an outdoor movie night. Rent a projection screen, use a white wall, and display a patriotic movie such as “Independence Day” or “Captain America” to end the evening. Charge for admission or ask for donations.

Labor Day is a great opportunity to bond with family and celebrate the hardworking citizens of the country. However, you can use this day to make a difference by raising funds for a worthy cause. The ideas mentioned in this post will add excitement to your Labor Day party and help you collect funds. So go ahead, put on your thinking cap, and plan the perfect Labor Day party that will impress your guests and make a difference.

Givergy’s fundraising platform can support all your event needs. To find out more, contact us today.

How to Choose Auction Items for Fundraising Campaigns

Posted on by Ella Jacques

Charity auctions are a creative and effective way to raise funds for a worthy cause, but putting together a charity auction can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to choosing the right auction items. 

The items offered during an auction can be the determining factor in the success or failure of your campaign. Choosing the perfect items encourages attendees to bid generously and helps to maximise the amount raised. In this article, we’ll share some tips for selecting the best auction items that will attract bidders and generate funds for your cause.

Why is there pressure to choose the right auction items?

Every event, whether online or in-person, aims to raise as much money as possible. While people love participating in an auction, the right items must be available for everyone taking part in order to hit your fundraising goals.

This means you need to know your audience very well. Consider the people attending your charity auction and what kind of items would appeal to them. Are they wealthy, conservative, liberal, young, old, or a mix of all the above? Knowing your audience and their interests will help you create a list of potential items that will be most in demand. 

Factors such as price point, location, and availability of the item will all impact who is bidding for it. Would they prefer high-end luxury items like vacations and jewellery, or would they be more interested in sports memorabilia and other collectables? Knowing what your audience is interested in helps you narrow down your options and relieves the pressure of getting things right. You’re sure to get better results from your auction.

How many auction items should you include?

You should ensure that the number of items reflects your audience so that no time or money is wasted in raising money.

One of the most effective ways to make your charity auction more attractive is by offering unique items with a mix of everyday surprises. Some people will love the idea of bidding on a jet-setting experience, while others may just want dinner at a local restaurant.

The price range of your auction items is also important. You should offer items at different prices so everyone in the audience has something to bid on. Have a mix of high-end and affordable items to cater to all budgets. Remember that the price range of your items should also align with what your audience can afford. Consider the average income of the people attending your auction and offer items that fall into that range.

What data should be used to help you select the best items? 

One of the benefits of the Givergy package is that data supports your campaigns. This is because we believe effective campaign strategies should show in the numbers. 

Anything from your social media analytics to past-event information should be used to choose the best items. This might be more complex if you have never run an auction, but it’s not impossible. Instead, take a pragmatic approach to the selection, and you will be good to go!

This will also help you choose the lot starting prices and the number of the same lots.

How can you enhance auction item listings?

Choosing auction items is one thing, but ensuring they appeal to the audience is the next challenge. As previously mentioned, this is much easier when you select items based on your target audience. 

Our top tips for enhancing listings are as follows:

1. Use High-Quality Images

The first thing potential bidders will see when they come across your auction listing is the images of the item up for bid. Use high-quality images that show your item from various angles, highlighting its unique features. All Givergy auction items are provided with hi-res images to make the task easier!

2. Include Detailed Descriptions

In addition to visually compelling images, your auction listing should also come with a detailed description of the item. Be sure to include all information that potential bidders might want to know about the item, including its condition, dimensions, history, and provenance.

You should also use this as a chance to weave in storytelling and share your narrative.

3. Highlight the Value and Benefits of the Item

Auction listings should not only provide details of the item but also highlight its value and the benefits of owning it. Share information about its rarity or originality to help potential bidders understand its worth.

4. Leverage Social Media 

As you build your auction listing, don’t forget to leverage social media and email marketing to promote your items and encourage people to bid. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are excellent ways to reach a broader audience and generate buzz around your auction. 

What type of auction items does Givergy offer?

We know something about engaging the room with irresistible auction items. To achieve this, we have a dedicated team solely responsible for sourcing brilliant items and securing them at a great price. This means our clients have a diverse catalogue to select from with detailed information available for a strategic decision.

Our collection includes holidays, mini-breaks, experience days, dining sessions, art, sports memorabilia, and exclusive gifts from providers worldwide!

Are you ready to choose your next auction items?

Choosing the right charity auction items can seem daunting, but by following these tips, you are more likely to create a successful fundraising event. Remember to keep your audience in mind, seek out unique items, offer different price points, prioritise quality over quantity, and get creative. By doing so, you can turn your charity auction into a memorable and enjoyable experience that benefits your cause and community.

To find out more, contact us today.

Top tips for your Live Auction

Posted on by Ella Jacques

Your live auction is often the most important aspect of your event in terms of the funds raised. Givergy’s event team are experienced in managing a live auction and will work with you to make sure each element of the live auction is planned to make the most of every opportunity.

Here our top tips for your live auction:

Choosing the right auction lots is the first thing to think about.
It is a unique item? Try to use items that money can’t buy for a live auction, i.e. a sold-out event.
Are there restrictions on the item? Try not to use items with a short expiry date.
Does the item have broad appeal? Try to use items that are going to appeal to a lot of people to increase the number of bidders to drive up the price.
Can you sell it twice? If you have multiple bidders sell the item twice & double your profits. Ensure your spotters and the Givergy team know this is a possibility so they are prepared.

The next most important element to consider if the number of items you will auction live. You want to ensure you raise lots of money but be mindful that if live auction goes on too long, guests can get bored which will ultimately end up in a disengaged audience – the last thing you want for a live auction! In our experience, the most effective live auctions have an absolute maximum of 5 items – in fact the most successful auctions we have experienced have 2-3 items!

There are various ways to make your live auction engaging and to keep the energy in the room high:

  • Do you have any videos to accompany the auction lots?
  • Do you have a celebrity guest who could help the auctioneer to generate bidding activity?
  • Do you have any items that could be walked around the room?
  • Could you use glow sticks as paddles? This will help locate your bidders too!

Your auctioneer is paramount to the success of your auction – read this article on Selecting and briefing your auctioneer

The timing is a key element of the live auction.  Do not start or finish your event with a live auction. Just after the main course is often a good place – at this point guests are into the swing of their great evening; they are feeling energised and ready to give. More advice on your running order can be found here: Live Event Running Order

Be prepared! Make sure your spotters are prepped & ready as they play a vital role in making sure your live auction runs smoothly & most importantly getting the winners details for payment. If guests feel their bids are not being seen, they can get frustrated and stop bidding so position your spotters around the room to help catch the eye of the auctioneer. Your Givergy team will be happy to assist to collect all the bids during the live auction, but it’s great to get volunteers involved too.

Have you ever thought about running a reverse auction? This can work effectively as it makes sure the whole room is paying attention. Here’s how it works:

  • Choose an item that you are able to sell multiple times.
  • The auctioneer will ask everyone in the room to stand, and then start the bidding low, asking guests to remain standing if they are still willing to pay the bid amount as it increases.

Givergy leaderboard options

Posted on by Ella Jacques

The Givergy leaderboard system will help to engage your guests with both the auction and donations to ultimately help you raise more.

There a multiple different options available as shown below. The leaderboards will be designed pre-event to match your events branding. To find out how to customise your leaderboard follow this article: How to customise your leaderboard screen

If you have a live event with a Givergy tech manager on-site the leaderboards will all be taken care of for you. We will liaise with the AV team pre-event to confirm our connections into their screens and we can be switched in and out whenever required.

If you do not have a Givergy tech manager present at your event, follow this article to find out how to display your leaderboards: How to display your event leaderboard

We can offer a ‘bespoke totaliser’. For more information on this please follow this article: How to customise your Bespoke Totaliser

Top tips for successful smartphone events

Posted on by Ella Jacques

Pre-event
1.    Make sure your chosen venue has strong signal / WIFI
For guests to access the fundraising site, your venue needs a strong mobile signal. The Givergy team will send you tools to test the mobile signal and provide alternative recommendations, such as venue WIFI, if the signal is not strong. It is also a great idea to remind guests in your pre-event materials to bring their phones to participate this time around.

2.      Pre-registering 
Registering at the event is quick and easy, but we always encourage pre-event registration. Givergy has a great ticketing platform, so why not sell tickets through the same site so everyone is registered and ready to go for fundraising during the event? This can make a huge difference when it comes to your pledge appeal and processing final payments.

3.      Open the auction in advance
Another way to generate fundraising revenue before your event even begins is to open your auction in advance. Givergy’s mobile solution makes it easy for your supporters to start bidding at home and continue the activity throughout the event. We recommend opening the auction approximately seven days prior to the event.

4.      Make use of outside bidders
As all of your fundraising is through a website, extend your audience by promoting your site further than event attendees. Take a look at a great article on promoting your fundraising site on social media here.

During event
1.      URL & QR code
It is extremely important for guests to understand how to access the fundraising site. We recommend having the URL on the screens around the room as well as QR codes printed on tables for easy access to the site.

2.      Host 
In the opening speech by your fundraising host, make sure they promote the site and how to access it by pointing out the URL on the screens as well as the QR codes. This needs to be continuously pushed throughout the night.

3.      Leaderboards
Make use of the Givergy Leaderboard options to display on your screens around the room. We can also include the event URL at the top of these screens for an extra push. This will draw guest’s attention to what is available in the auction, ultimately drawing them to the fundraising site. During your pledge appeal, we have various totalisers available so speak to our team to make sure you are utilising those in the best way for your audience.

4.      Guest messaging 
The Givergy system will send automatic registration and outbid notifications to guests to ensure they have easy access to items of interest. Through the system we can also send notifications to your guests to keep them interested. We recommend countdown notifications to the end of the auction / prize draw to ensure you have a big focused finished with guest’s full attention on placing their last bids or purchasing their final tickets. We also recommend a pre-pledge appeal message, so all guests are only one click away from making a donation.

5.      Quick and easy payment solution
Collecting your guests’ payments couldn’t be easier with our mobile platform! All pledge and prize draw tickets can be taken straight away, and with our pre-authorisation feature, we will have the winning bidders card details already stored so we can simply charge them at the close of the auction. Don’t forget, we also have an option for guests to cover the payment processing fee to ensure more charity profit.

7 Learnings From Unicef USA’s Giving Tuesday Fundraising Masterclass

Posted on by Jordan Morris

Since its inception in 2012, Giving Tuesday has grown into a monumental day of global giving and now provides a great opportunity for non-profits to engage with current and new supporters.

On Giving Tuesday in 2020 for example, $2.47 BILLION was donated by supporters to US non-profits, whilst in the UK over £14,000 PER MINUTE was donated to UK charities. Moreover, the day resulted in 14.2 BILLION social media engagements, demonstrating the vast opportunity non-profits have on Giving Tuesday to raise not only funds, but awareness too.

As the day itself is just around the corner (30th November) we partnered with Unicef USA to create a free webinar of top tips and tricks that can make a Giving Tuesday campaign truly effective. Senior Philanthropy Associate Emily Monasterio talked us through the lessons she has learnt as Unicef prepare for their 75thanniversary event, pulling 10 events in 10 cities together for one night on Giving Tuesday. Read on for the Top 7 things we learnt from this Fundraising Masterclass, or alternatively watch the webinar for yourself here!

  1. Get Your Committee Members On Board

The pandemic has forced almost all non-profits to take risks with their fundraising that pre-pandemic would not have seemed possible. Emily’s advice for making a success of these risks is to ensure the buy in and active participation of your board and/or committee members. A strong relationship with your committee can ensure that when undertaking a new journey, you at least have a strong understanding of the needs of your community.

  1. Listen, Listen and Listen Some More

The market on Giving Tuesday can seem oversaturated with many non-profits battling for attention. Focus your attention on your own community. By truly understanding your community’s needs it’s possible to capitalise on the opportunity Giving Tuesday presents to fundraise. Holding regular meetings with your committee members will provide ample space to discuss their wants and needs.

  1. A Little Friendly Competition Doesn’t Hurt!

Giving Tuesday is a thread which can pull together different regions or different chapters of an organisation under one campaign banner. Of course, remember the overall goal and mission, but encouraging each region or chapter to compete with one another can drive up donations whilst adding an element of fun to the campaign. For example, Unicef USA are using Givergy leaderboards to provide live updates of fundraising totals for each region during their 75thyear anniversary event. This not only adds a little friendly competition but reminds supporters at each individual event that they are part of a larger movement.

  1. No Idea Is Too Small To Bring Money In The Door

Embrace ideas that drive participation because at the end of the campaign, all the little ideas add up. This is made easier under an umbrella day like Giving Tuesday. A good example is the committee members from Unicef USA’s campaign tying in birthday events with fundraising, or simply buying tickets to a virtual event.

  1. Keep Ease Of Giving Constant

Emily was keen to emphasise that this tip applies to any fundraising event an organisation is running. Giving should be easy and feel like second nature to your supporters. When interacting with your campaign, the process of giving should be as seamless as possible. For Unicef USA, this means placing QR codes across their event space and including them on all programmes so that guests have constant access to the silent auction and donation options.

  1. Start Fundraising Before The Event

Open your fundraising streams before the event itself as this allows momentum to build and your mission to be shared. Unicef USA did this through specifically focusing on pledging during their build-up.

  1. Don’t Be Scared Of Social Media

Yes, the marketplace is competitive on Giving Tuesday but that doesn’t mean your organisation should shy away from entering the social media sphere. Look to your own community or network and identify those that are active on social media, as just those within your own community can share your message and raise awareness. Moreover, if you have chapters in different locations, connecting through social media can again help amplify the power of your movement.

If you would like more information on fundraising solutions for your upcoming fundraising campaign or event, please get in touch!

 

Selecting and briefing your auctioneer

Posted on by Ella Jacques

Choosing the right auctioneer is paramount to the success of your auction. If an auctioneer is entertaining and charismatic, he or she will keep the crowd’s attention and transform a silent room into a hive of bidding activity. If you haven’t worked with an auctioneer before, we can recommend one for your event.

If your budget permits, avoid the temptation of using a board member or staff member as the auctioneer to cut costs. A good auctioneer could be the difference between raising £10,000 and £50,000, so even if there is an initial cost involved, the right person will pay for themselves in the money they raise for you. However, it is still important to do your research. Ask your potential auctioneers if they have any recordings of their work they can share and make sure you select someone whose style is tailored to your event.

Ahead of the event, your auctioneer needs:

  • A fact file with key points about each item.
  • A list of correct reserves so he/she does not undersell.
  • A list of any items that can be multi-sold.
  • A brief on any high net worth individuals or VIP tables so he/she knows where bids may be coming from.

Your Givergy event manager will brief with your auctioneer prior to the event to ensure everything is clear. As part of this, it helps to introduce volunteers and spotters to your auctioneer so that he/she knows they are there to assist and point.
Getting the auctioneer to say “Sold!” and the table number can eliminate missed bids and direct the spotter to the winner.

How to best utilise your MC for your silent auction