| One of the most important and sometimes overlooked | | | | organization's needs. |
| strategies to maximize giving at your benefit auction is | | | | If "Fund-A-Need" programs are so successful, why do |
| to include a "Fund-A-Need" program. Charities around | | | | some charity organizations avoid them? One of the |
| the world have been utilizing this method to energize | | | | most common reasons is being unaware of the |
| their auctions and inspire their guests, increasing their | | | | revenues possible. For the most part, the staff |
| revenues dramatically. This program should address a | | | | members of charity organizations are not experienced |
| specific need of your organization and directly involve | | | | with professional auctions and are unequipped to set |
| the donors in your cause, making them feel a greater | | | | up such a program. Some believe that it will cause the |
| commitment to your organization. If done correctly, you | | | | event to become too lengthy. Therefore, they prioritize |
| will never regret it. | | | | the awards presentations or the entertainers over the |
| So why should you utilize a "Fund A Need" program? | | | | "Fund A Need" program and they miss the most |
| Shouldn't the auction be sufficient to draw in the | | | | important part of their event - generating revenue. |
| donations that will be available? One of the reasons is | | | | They may feel that they are "overdoing" the request |
| that there will always be "losing" bidders at your | | | | for giving because they are already including a silent |
| auction. These guests came and attempted to give | | | | auction and a live auction. But remember the mindset |
| their money to your organization but the potential | | | | of your guests. By attending your event, they are |
| donation is still in their pocket. Occasionally, there will | | | | already showing their support for your organization, |
| also be guests who are not fond of the competition of | | | | with their presence and their wallets. The |
| an auction or are not interested in the items for sale. | | | | "Fund-A-Need" program will invite them to be a more |
| They are also there to give, but need another means | | | | influential donor and give them an ownership in the |
| to do it. The direct appeal for a specific need allows | | | | process. People want to give more when they feel |
| every type of giver to become involved. It does not | | | | that they truly are a part of something special. |
| limit participation to those at certain levels of giving. | | | | To plan your event, speak to your professional charity |
| Surprisingly, more money is often raised during the | | | | auctioneer. Together, you will be able to create a fun |
| "Fund-A-Need" program than throughout the auction | | | | and effective program. If done correctly, your guests |
| itself. Just as important, it inspires the guests at your | | | | will be entertained and motivated to help achieve your |
| event and makes them more aware of your | | | | goals. |