Fundraising auctions are a popular and effective way to generate money for nonprofits and make a lasting impact for your cause and community. One huge benefit of charity auctions (in-person, virtual and hybrid) is that they can be seamlessly fitted into other fundraising events such as golf tournaments and school festivals. But why not take this already favored fundraising idea to new heights by hosting an auction of promises and get your organization noticed?
Take a look at our easy-to-follow guide on what an auction of promises is, how to host one successfully, and our tips on which auction promises work best to smash your fundraising goals.
What Is an Auction of Promises?
In a typical charity auction, donors bid on tangible items until the highest bid wins. An auction of promises differs as donors bid on a range of services, skills, and donated time as prizes instead of goods. Here are some examples of what promises could be on offer at an auction of promises fundraiser:
- Baby-sitting services
- Yard and gardening help
- Dog walking or dog sitting
- Cooking meals or baking
- Grocery shopping
- Use of a holiday home
- Car or window washing
- Home tutoring
- House cleaning or decluttering
- Running general errands
Your imagination is the only limit to how long this list of auction promises can be. Many people are keen to get involved in an auction of promises for two main reasons: firstly, it’s great fun. Secondly, everyone has something to contribute, whether fixing shelves, washing dishes, or ironing shirts. It’s a novel way to get into the community spirit and for people to share ideas and spend time helping out while generating valuable revenue for a nonprofit’s cause.
Don’t forget to include local businesses in your auction of promises. If you have local cafes, hairdressers, or cycling shops willing to participate, they can offer in-kind donations such as a free haircut, a meal, or even a bike rental as a promise. In this way, they are helping a great cause and producing free marketing for their services which can bring in new clients.
If you are unsure how to approach local businesses for donations as promises, check out our fundraising donation prize letter template here.
How To Plan an Auction of Promises
The great news is that planning and running an auction of promises is basically the same as organizing a traditional fundraising auction.
Just follow our ten simple planning steps to make your auction of promises fundraiser run smoothly, have a great time, and create an unforgettable charity event.
- Gather a planning committee to create a solid roadmap of your goals and how to get there.
- Find a venue, if needed. This could be a physical location such as a school/town hall or community center. Another option is to host a virtual auction of promises online.
- Set a timeline for your fundraiser and give people plenty of notice.
- Ask friends, supporters, and colleagues to volunteer promises, skills, and chores.
- Promote your auction of promises. Do this through social media posts, your fundraising page, and emails.
- Find a group or individuals to donate their time to entertain your donors and make it a memorable day. Get supporters in the mood to donate generously!
- For live events, make sure you have enough staff and volunteers on hand.
- If you are hosting a virtual or hybrid auction of promises, your guests can have the option to donate by texting and mobile, giving from their cell phones or any device. Our auction software platform makes this easy.
- Close on a high note. Always inform your donors of how much you raised at the end of your auction of promises fundraiser. If you met or exceeded your fundraising goal, share and celebrate this information with your guests. If you fall a bit short of the goal, don’t forget to tell your supporters that the bidding will stay open for another 24 hours so they still have a chance to reach the target.
- Thank your donors personally through emails, text messages, and social media posts, and inform them about the impact they made for your nonprofit’s cause.
Unique Ideas to Make a Great Auction of Promises
If you want to smash your fundraising goals and get your donors excited about the prizes they’re bidding for, look at our unique ideas for promises at your nonprofit’s charity auction.
- A day with a local journalist to learn about your area
- Business consultancy courses
- Personal training sessions
- Classes and conferences for individuals with experts and influencers
- A round of golf with a golf pro
- Decorating for a wedding, birthday party, or baby shower
- A family portrait
- A getaway at a donors vacation home
Pro Tips For a Successful Auction of Promises Fundraiser
- Pick a captivating cause to raise funds for. By knowing your audience well, you’ll be able to decide on an impactful, profitable auction of promise idea.
- Hand out or post a clear and simple timeline and agenda for the auction of promise participants to follow along. If they arrive late to the fundraising event, they can see where you are and what’s coming next.
- Use gamification tools such as fundraising thermometers to motivate and visually remind your donors of how close you are to reaching the fundraising goal.
- Live stream your nonprofit’s charity event to increase your outreach and awareness.
- Get a professional and charismatic auctioneer to help with your auction of promises fundraiser. This is vital to getting the bidders excited, motivated, and willing to give generously. Your auctioneer or MC needs to engage your crowd of supporters from the get-go. They will have about two minutes to pump up the audience and give brief and clear instructions on contributing and where the money will go. Focus on the ultimate fundraising goal of the event and the powerful impact everyone can have together.
- Keep thanking your donors when you’re receiving contributions. Don’t forget to make a point of paying public gratitude to top donors.
Wrapping Up the Auction of Promises
Create an unforgettable experience for your donors and community, and make a huge impact by organizing an auction of promises fundraiser. It’s the perfect opportunity to come together for a good cause after such a long period of uncertainty and for many who have been isolated from friends and family. Enjoy the variety of promises offered at such a fundraising event and the feel-good factor of contributing in such a selfless manner to make positive changes.
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