Planning a fundraising event can raise plenty of questions, particularly when it comes to choosing fundraising activities, sourcing auction prizes and encouraging guests to participate.
Whether you’re organising a charity ball, corporate fundraiser, school event or gala dinner, we’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you plan a successful event.
What Is the Best Way to Raise Money at a Fundraising Event?
The most effective approach is often to combine several fundraising activities rather than relying on one source of income. Ticket sales, sponsorship, silent auctions, live auctions and direct donations can all contribute to the overall amount raised.
The right combination will depend on your audience, event format and fundraising goals.
How Does a Silent Auction Work?
A silent auction allows guests to bid on prizes without a traditional auctioneer. Bids are placed privately, either using paper bid sheets or a digital bidding platform.
When the auction closes, the highest eligible bidder wins the prize and completes payment.
Silent auctions are particularly popular at fundraising dinners, gala events and corporate fundraisers.
What Is the Difference Between a Silent Auction and a Live Auction?
A silent auction allows guests to browse prizes and place bids over a set period, while a live auction is led by an auctioneer who encourages bidding in real time.
Silent auctions are ideal for offering a wider selection of prizes, while live auctions can create excitement around a smaller number of standout experiences.
Many fundraising events successfully combine both formats.
What Are the Best Prizes for a Fundraising Auction?
Popular fundraising auction prizes include luxury holidays, sporting hospitality, fine dining experiences, spa retreats, golf experiences and signed memorabilia.
The most successful prizes are those that appeal to your audience and offer something memorable or exclusive.
How Many Auction Prizes Should You Have?
There is no fixed number of prizes required for a successful auction.
The ideal quantity depends on your guest numbers, fundraising target and audience. A smaller selection of highly desirable prizes can sometimes generate more interest than a large number of less appealing items.
How Can You Source Auction Prizes?
Auction prizes can be sourced through local businesses, corporate sponsors, existing supporters and professional auction providers.
Impulse Decisions can supply a range of experiences, hospitality packages and memorabilia to complement donated prizes, reducing the amount of sourcing required from organisers.
Can You Run a Fundraising Auction Without Donated Prizes?
Yes. Professional auction providers can supply prizes that do not need to be donated by supporters.
Some experiences may be available on a sale-or-return basis, allowing organisers to offer desirable auction lots without purchasing every prize in advance.
Always confirm the supplier’s terms and understand how the fundraising return is calculated.
Can Guests Bid Online Before an Event?
Yes, if your chosen auction platform supports advance bidding.
Opening an online auction before the event allows guests to browse prizes, register and potentially place bids in advance.
Some platforms also allow supporters who are not attending the event to participate remotely.
How Can You Encourage Guests to Bid More?
Choose desirable prizes, use high-quality images and clear descriptions, and promote standout lots before the event.
During the event, create excitement through announcements, bidding reminders and clear closing times.
Making the bidding process simple can also encourage greater participation.
Do You Need a Professional Auction Company?
Not necessarily. Smaller auctions can be managed independently, particularly when organisers have the time and resources available.
However, professional auction support can be valuable for larger events or organisers looking for access to exclusive prizes, digital bidding technology and event-day assistance.
Impulse Decisions supports fundraising events with auction prizes, technology, winner payments and fulfilment, helping reduce the workload for organisers.
Planning Your Next Fundraising Event?
Every fundraising event is different, but choosing the right activities, prizes and support can make a significant difference.
Whether you’re planning a silent auction, live auction or a combination of both, Impulse Decisions can help you explore the most suitable approach for your event and audience.
Get in touch with our team to discuss your fundraising goals and find out how we can help.
