As 2008 nears an end, nonprofit and charity organizations are looking for holiday cheer in generous donations. A little extra at this time of year can go a long way to satisfy needs. But if donations shrink this holiday season, how will charities cope as demand for dollars rise?
The primary reason people support charities is due to an attachment with the cause. Now is the time to reinforce the message of what their donation will do for your organization. For example, if money is needed for hiring a new employee, tell donors that with their donation, the hiring of a new staff member will solve many needs. List the numerous benefits that new employee will resolve for the organization. I have conducted many nonprofit auctions that do not inform their generous guests of what happens to all the raised money. I have had organization presidents tell me that their gala is not the time to talk business, this is a party and time to have fun! Talk about missing a huge opportunity to let donors understand the cause!
No matter what economic time we face, I always tell organizations to deliver the mission message. Charity begins at home, but you are also part of the family.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
If Grants Sink, How Will Nonprofits Swim?
If your nonprofit organization happens to be in Ohio, a Nov. 17, 2008 article in The Cleveland Plain Dealer states that the economic downturn "could mean fewer grants for Ohio's nonprofit groups in 2009." Here is a news flash, nonprofits always need money. Whether they receive a grant or not, charities always need more money. The question should be, how will they get more?
Foundations will continue to grant money because they must. Foundations exist for this exact reason. There are thousands of opportunities for nonprofit organizations to receive grants and mandated money. If an organization is aggressive enough, they will be awarded. It is the same principle in auctions.
The best survive because they adapt. The ones who worry do so because they go to the same well time after time until its dry. Business succeeds on the strength of ideas and relationships. Unless you go beyond what you have already mastered, one will never grow. What we seek we shall find and what we flee from, flees with us. It is time to seek that new money opportunity. Time to spread the word about your tremendous organization, its factor on the community or its spectacular auction event that is a must to attend! Be the organization that raises more money with the assistance of a certified benefit auctioneer specialist.
Fear defeats more people than any other one thing in the world.- Ralph Waldo Emerson. Don't let fear sink your fundraising efforts when lifeboats like auctions are available.
Foundations will continue to grant money because they must. Foundations exist for this exact reason. There are thousands of opportunities for nonprofit organizations to receive grants and mandated money. If an organization is aggressive enough, they will be awarded. It is the same principle in auctions.
The best survive because they adapt. The ones who worry do so because they go to the same well time after time until its dry. Business succeeds on the strength of ideas and relationships. Unless you go beyond what you have already mastered, one will never grow. What we seek we shall find and what we flee from, flees with us. It is time to seek that new money opportunity. Time to spread the word about your tremendous organization, its factor on the community or its spectacular auction event that is a must to attend! Be the organization that raises more money with the assistance of a certified benefit auctioneer specialist.
Fear defeats more people than any other one thing in the world.- Ralph Waldo Emerson. Don't let fear sink your fundraising efforts when lifeboats like auctions are available.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Economy Does Not Have To Be A Hardship For Benefits
We cannot escape a tough economy. The hardships affects all of us and each season seems to bring a little tougher times in 2008. Some organizations have cancelled their large fundraisiser believing that throwing in the towel to the ecomomy is better than trying harder to find new money. Well, I am here to tell you that yes, the economy has affected market price but it has not stalled giving.
In 2008, non-profits who invested in a certified benefit auctioneer specialist that would educate their committee in order to make more money, made a lot more money. I have never conducted an auction where the organization did not exceed its funding goal. How can that be in an economy that is hammered by job loss, foreclosures and bank closings?
This past weekend I conducted auctions for The Cleveland POPS Orchestra and The Great Lakes Historical Society. On back-to-back evenings these wonderful organizations had rather small attendance. The POPS had about 200 and the GLHS nearly 150 supporting guests. How can an organization get a lot out of a little? They did it by applying Auction brio services. The Cleveland POPS Orchestra's G-Clef Ball made more money in 10 minutes of their live auction than they had in 3-hours in last years auction without Auction brio. In a rough economy, they set a record in raising funds. The Great Lakes Historical Society set sail with a new live auction record too!
The economy does not have to be a hardship for benefits. By teaming with Auction brio, it remains an opportunity to raise more money.
In 2008, non-profits who invested in a certified benefit auctioneer specialist that would educate their committee in order to make more money, made a lot more money. I have never conducted an auction where the organization did not exceed its funding goal. How can that be in an economy that is hammered by job loss, foreclosures and bank closings?
This past weekend I conducted auctions for The Cleveland POPS Orchestra and The Great Lakes Historical Society. On back-to-back evenings these wonderful organizations had rather small attendance. The POPS had about 200 and the GLHS nearly 150 supporting guests. How can an organization get a lot out of a little? They did it by applying Auction brio services. The Cleveland POPS Orchestra's G-Clef Ball made more money in 10 minutes of their live auction than they had in 3-hours in last years auction without Auction brio. In a rough economy, they set a record in raising funds. The Great Lakes Historical Society set sail with a new live auction record too!
The economy does not have to be a hardship for benefits. By teaming with Auction brio, it remains an opportunity to raise more money.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
It Is Not How Many, Its How Much
When I speak to an organization for the first time, I ask them about the previous years events. If they had a live auction I ask, was it successful ? Did you exceed your goal? Were guests entertained? Did they comment on how much fun they had or how much you raised? How many participated? Did items go for market values? By understanding what happened in the past is an indicator of what could happen in the future, good or bad.
Many organizations have bad experiences with live auctions. Some are poorly organized. Most are conducted by non-professionals that have no concept of market value and will cost the organizations tens of thousands of non-raised dollars. A bad experience can be a bear to repair. All organizations want to make more money, but many do not want a "long live auction". They want 5 items and make $50,000 dollars. I ask if they have the audience that will support 5 items that will average $10,000 a piece. Every one of them will say no. So, how do they propose the auctioneer will raise $50,000 with 5 items? The most important question is, how much do you want to make? As a certified benefit auctioneer specialist I will evaluate the answers and then start enhancing the live auctions. Contact Auction brio to make the most at your gala or event.
Many organizations have bad experiences with live auctions. Some are poorly organized. Most are conducted by non-professionals that have no concept of market value and will cost the organizations tens of thousands of non-raised dollars. A bad experience can be a bear to repair. All organizations want to make more money, but many do not want a "long live auction". They want 5 items and make $50,000 dollars. I ask if they have the audience that will support 5 items that will average $10,000 a piece. Every one of them will say no. So, how do they propose the auctioneer will raise $50,000 with 5 items? The most important question is, how much do you want to make? As a certified benefit auctioneer specialist I will evaluate the answers and then start enhancing the live auctions. Contact Auction brio to make the most at your gala or event.
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