Well, can you guess what “The Secret” is? Actually it’s quite simple but most people look for a much larger answer. Plus it goes AGAINST THE GRAIN of 80% of the Fundraisers across the country, because there are so many charity fundraising myths out there today. Well can you guess what it is yet?
Ok I’ll tell you, but first let me give you just a few hints or the background behind why it’s such a “Well Kept Secret.”
First - Have you ever noticed that all of the large scale charities who raise $ Millions $ of dollars each year, where do they host their Gala’s? Churches? Fire Departments? Parks? No not at all…normally they are held at very nice Hotels or High End Event Centers.
Second - Have you ever been to any of “High End” Gala’s that raise millions? No? You should because you would see how they have a professional staff who runs their events. They handle everything from beginning to end while the charity staff enjoys the night and the fruits of their labor, devoting that time to talking to and taking care of their sponsors. These charities hire event planners who then hire and train the actual event staff.
Third - Do you think the venue or hotel where they are having these events, do you think it’s all FREE or DONATED? No, not at all. The charity understands that they must “Spend Money to Make Money.” They do not even bother with donated items, only concentrating on Live Auction items being donated. But they also recognize the value in having high end or high profile auction items in both their Live and Silent Auctions.
The “SECRET” is - They don’t waste their time scouring the city or the area where they are looking for donated items such as Gift Baskets and Gift Certificates, not at all. They know their guests will not place high bids on these because of this rule “Local People, Going to a Local Event, with items donated by Local Businesses - If the guests truly wanted those items, they would have gone and bought them, themselves.” They do not waste their time or energy on auction items that will not be highly profitable.
So what do they do George? Tell us - What’s the “SECRET”?
The Secret is, they get high end items on consignment from companies or stores then find “Sponsors” or “Underwriters.” What do Sponsors or Underwriters do? They donate the money to pay for the item or items so that they charity keeps 100% of the entire selling price. This then attracts more sponsors because of the sponsorships are lower levels plus the high end, high profile items get very high bids. These items impress the crowds because no other charity out there knows “Their Secret.”
What’s the downside? Is there a downside? Absolutely not, there is no downside because even if no one bids, the items are “Consigned” and can be easily returned to the company from which it came and the charity STILL MAINTAINS THE INITIAL SPONSORSHIP MONEY.
Plus the Sponsor or Underwriter is happy because they were advertised !
Make Sense? If it doesn’t, reread this or call us at 443.206.6121 and we will walk you through it.
There are so many secrets, tips & tricks surrounding successful fundraising that most people do not know. Remember EVERYTHING counts! Everything, down to the last and smallest details matter and will ultimately help you and your charity be incredibly successful.
If you want us in your corner, on your team, call us at 443.206.6121 and speak to George Wooden…he will be your Secret Weapon.
