Charity Funding 2.0

One of the most successful ways to enhance a fundraising event for non-profit groups to raise money through an online auction. Pierce Events offers charity organizations, schools and churches a turnkey solution to efficiently take fundraising efforts online. Even with the best attended events, many donors cannot attend on a certain date or time. With an online auction, donors from anywhere can participate. It provides auction item donors broader exposure and the charity a larger pool of donors.


Here are some tips for online auctions:

1. Market Your Online Auction –  Make sure to incorporate email, social media, and local radio and television stations into helping market your online auction.

2. Solicit Sponsorships - With a well promoted auction you will be able to solicit larger items. Remember that you can give back to your sponsors by putting their name and logo in front of desirable supporters, on your auction home page and in your emails.

3. Find The Right People - List the job functions required for your online auction, then enlist help from people with skills that match your requirements.

4. Creative and Informative Item Descriptions - Make sure your item names are descriptive, but also intriguing and interesting. Remember to also include detailed descriptions that include all terms and conditions.

5. Set Reasonable Starting Bids - Inflating opening bids and values will not result in higher bids or revenue if they are unreasonable. It is generally best to start the bidding at approximately one-third of the actual item value.

6. Stagger The Addition of New Items – Instead of listing all of your auction items when the online auction opens, try staggering the addition of new items. This encourages return visits to the auction site, and also allows you to stagger opening and closing dates.

7. Solicit Specific Auction Items - Tell people what auction items you are looking for and the approximate value range desired.

8. Use Reserve Prices on Key Items – Make sure to set reserve prices on any items that are purchased or on consignment so you don’t lose money. Also, always set reserve prices on any items that a donor requires cannot be sold for less than a certain amount.

10. Recognize Donors – Show your appreciation to donors by providing recognition and links on items that they have donated.



Pierce Events offers complete event planning, production and management services for corporate, social and non-profit events. For more information and other helpful tips visit our website at http://www.pierceevents.net/ ◦

Charity Funding 2.0