Fundraising Tip of the Day: The Importance of Pre-Event Marketing!

As a fundraiser, I know just how important it is to make the most of every fundraising opportunity. Whether you're planning a charity auction, a gala dinner, or an event with a charity auction, every event provides a chance to raise money and awareness for your cause. One of the most effective ways to do this is by advertising the auction items that you have available for your charity fundraiser.

Charity fundraising events are all about bringing people together to support a common cause. But in order to do this effectively, you need to make sure that people know what they're supporting. That's where advertising comes in. By promoting your auction items through various channels, you can attract a wider audience, generate more interest in your event, and ultimately raise more funds for your charity.

So, what are the top reasons and methods for charity fundraising when it comes to advertising your auction items? Here are a few to consider:

#1 - Unique: Make sure your auction items stand out from the crowd by highlighting their uniqueness. Whether it's a one-of-a-kind experience, a rare collectible, or a limited edition item, showcasing what makes your items special can help attract bidders and drive up the final sale price.

#2 - Value: While uniqueness is important, so is value. Make sure to highlight the potential opportunities that bidders could enjoy by winning your auction items. This could include incredible vacations, exclusive access to events, exciting memorabilia or other benefits that make your items a great investment.

#3 - Urgency: Creating a sense of urgency is key to encouraging bidders to act quickly. Highlighting that certain items are limited in quantity, or that the auction will end soon, can create a sense of urgency that motivates people to bid higher.

#4 - Emotion: Finally, don't forget to tap into the emotional side of your audience. Highlight the impact that their donation will have on your cause, and create a sense of connection between your auction items and the work that your charity does.

By incorporating these important topics into your advertising strategy, you can help ensure that your auction items get the attention they deserve. This, in turn, can help you raise more funds and awareness for your charity. So, don't be afraid to get creative with your advertising, and make sure that your auction items are front and center in all of your charity fundraising efforts!

We would love to help you host an incredibly successful event, contact us at info@bwunlimited.com.

"I want to be just like them" - The pitfalls of comparing your Charity or Nonprofit to another.

Are you back in grade school?  Why do you want to be like another charity?  Ask yourself that question before I give you the answer.  How many times have we heard “Be Yourself, there is no one else like you.”  Being a copy of someone or something, is just that, a copy.

Wish to be a better you, not a mirror image of someone or something else.

However, here is what you don’t realize or know.  You will find the answers in the question should have asked before, here are the question that is the actual answer:

#1 – How old is the charity / nonprofit?

#2 – How many years have they been hosting their annual large fundraiser?

#3 – Who is on their Charity or Nonprofit Board of Directors?

#4 – How did they attract their sponsors and supporters?

One of the very best mantra’s I was ever told was this simple statement that makes perfect sense “Time takes Time.”  It’s just that easy, that simple but many of us fail to think this way.

It takes time to build a large supporter base.  It takes time to plan a successful fundraiser and years holding it to work out the “kinks” and to also attract a guest list of supporters who will make large donations.  It takes time to determine what they like, what they want and what they will respond too.  It takes time to find the people in your community or businesses who you need to attract to be a part of your fundraising event. 

There is a term which I have coined called “Crowd Training.”  What is Crowd Training you ask?  It is the time allotted to educate and train your guests on what your event is about and how to be support your cause via the charity fundraiser.  It could take up to three (3) years for your guests to figure out what is happening at your event through all of the “Fundraising Platforms.”  Your Fundraising Platforms are the Live Auction, the Silent Auction, Raffle’s or Games and the “Ask” or request for donations.  We have to understand, your crowd does not just walk in and know exactly what is going on – it takes time!

It also takes time to find a great, qualified fundraising professional who can lead you and your staff.  It takes time to find a great charity Auctioneer who is professional that your crowd will love.  It takes time to train your staff whether it is a paid or volunteer staff.

Remember when comparing yourself to another charity or nonprofit, remember “Time takes Time.”  Invest yourself in the long haul, get educated and begin your journey to success.   

George Wooden, BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising

www.BWUnlimited.com