Profitable Fundraisers Require Organizational Skills
Fundraising has become an integral part of our society and
non-profit groups are continually searching for new and unique
ways of raising money. There are a multitude of fundraising
products on the market and silent auctions seem to be a
preferred fundraising event.
Silent and live auctions are a great opportunity to make
tremendous profit with little or no costs involved. The key
element is to make money - not spend money - and get everything
donated. For example, a great donation is a signed sports jersey
- with passionate fans in the audience you have a license to
print money!
A profitable auction, or any other fundraising endeavor, depends
on how well the event is organized. The canvassing and
collection of auction items is not difficult, but it does
require a certain amount of discipline and structure. This is
where organizational skills come in handy - an appropriate
introduction letter and auction donation contract is imperative.
In reality, it makes no difference whether the fundraiser is a
potluck dinner in the school gymnasium or a black tie affair at
the golf & country club - the same principles and organizational
skills apply to all silent auction events.
Organizing such events need not be complicated, however, it is
important to have a Chair who will oversee every aspect of the
fundraiser and ensure everything is on track and running
smoothly. The proper set up of auction tables, choice of emcee,
venue selection and check-in/cash-out procedures are a few
topics that require special consideration and organization.
Volunteers are often hard to acquire, but once a core group has
been assembled, it is important that the entire committee be
organized. The Chair should hold frequent meetings to ensure
volunteers are well informed and up to speed with their duties.
A good rule of thumb is to lead by example! If the Chair is
organized and has everything under control, a profitable silent
auction will be the end result.