Great Fundraising Ideas To Help You Raise More

The Texas Society of Homeopathy's journey from paper bid sheets to a digital auction that reached hundreds more supporters

Fundraising platforms are becoming more automated and efficient, but often at the expense of real-time human support, which is crucial during live events. When issues like payment failures or glitches happen, delays can directly impact revenue and the event experience. While many platforms rely on chatbots and queues, the real advantage comes from immediate, knowledgeable support.

In late 2025, a major fundraising platform was accused of withholding or severely delaying donation payouts. Nonprofits reportedly waited many months to receive funds their supporters believed had already been delivered.

With a fresh format and the help of GalaBid’s easy-to-use digital tools, the Salvation Army's Women of Distinction Fashion Show brought community spirit and fundraising success together—online and in style.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly changing the way fundraising works—making it easier, smarter, and more effective. With the help of AI, fundraisers can better understand their donors, send the right messages at the right time, and run smoother, more successful campaigns.

Fundraising platforms do not all operate the same way. Pricing models vary widely - from free platforms funded by tipping, to percentage-based fees, flat subscriptions, feature-based charges, or multi-year contracts. Some platforms manage payment processing on your behalf, while others allow you to connect and control your own payment processing account.

A successful home tour fundraiser - lessons learned in how to set up the online fundraising auction, attracting international & local bidders. How to run the event on the day for an enjoyable experience for all stake stakeholders.

An overview of recent updates to GalaBid and upcoming features aimed at making fundraising easier to run and more flexible for supporters.

School fundraising can be time consuming for the many volunteers who are part of the school community. We've got three effective, self-run school fundraising ideas that will raise more and save time.

Practical tactics for getting the most out of your live auction on the night: roving bid-spotters, briefing your auctioneer properly, using dynamic video over static boards, table cheerleaders to drive competition, and testimonials that help sell the prize.

Setting the perfect silent auction item price isn't always easy. Too high and you may deter bidders, too low and you may not get a good return on your prize. Here are some tips to help make sure the price is right.

At the end of last year we told you about our 2018 initiative to sponsor two children, one in Zambia and one in Uganda. Through charitable organisations, Zambia’s Childand School For Life, we’ll be helping the children access education and associated support to secure a positive future for them and their communities. We’ll receive regular updates about how the children are progressing and we’re looking forward to sharing their experiences with you.

A 50/50 raffle splits ticket sales between one winner and your cause. How it works, why it raises more with less effort, and how to run one online.

Raising funds for a personal cause, memorial or community group? GalaBid works for individual fundraisers, not just registered nonprofits. Auctions, raffles, ticketing and more

Whether you're organising a gala dinner, golf day, school fundraiser, charity walk, church event or community fundraiser, here's how to build a volunteer team that makes fundraising easier.

A hybrid event extends your fundraising reach and boosts results without requiring a separate event, a separate platform, or a significant increase in organisational effort.

Social media is not just a place to announce your fundraising event. Used well, it is where you build anticipation, drive ticket sales, open pre-event bidding and raffle ticket purchases.

The MC is the most important person at a fundraising event who is not on the organising committee. They set the tone, drive participation, manage timing, and are responsible for translating the energy in the room into revenue.

Most fundraising events have screens. A logo on a slide, maybe a video at the start of the night, perhaps an acknowledgement of sponsors. And then the screens go dark for most of the evening while the fundraising happens elsewhere. This is one of the most consistent missed opportunities in event fundraising.

School fundraising has always been a team sport. Parents, teachers, volunteers, and school leadership all pulling in the same direction, usually with limited time, limited budget, and a committee that changes every couple of years as families move through the school.

most raffle prizes do not need to be purchased. Local businesses donate prizes to fundraising events regularly, and many actively want to do it. A donated prize costs your organisation nothing and gives a local business exposure to a roomful of potential customers. When the ask is framed well, it is not really a favour, it is a mutually beneficial arrangement.

The last guest has left. The room is quiet. Our checklist covers everything that needs to happen after your fundraising event, in the order it should happen, with guidance on how GalaBid's platform makes most of it significantly faster.

Whether you are briefing a team of volunteers for a gala dinner or stepping into that role yourself, here is everything you need to maximise raffle ticket sales from the moment guests arrive to the moment the draw is called.

If you are planning a fundraising gala, charity dinner, or benefit event, you have probably asked yourself this question. Should we do an auction? A raffle? A paddle raise? All four? And if all four, which one actually moves the needle most?

Whether you're organising your first gala or looking to bring more structure to an event you've run before, here is a complete planning timeline from six months out to the morning after covering everything you need to deliver a night your supporters will talk about for years.

The Best Online Auction Platform for Charity Galas? Here's Why So Many Nonprofits Keep Coming Back to GalaBid

Small nonprofit budget? Learn how to diversify funding for a more stable operation, covers: grants, individual donors, events, and earned income.

Silent auctions underperform without quality items. Learn which items work and get ideas for 30+ items that actually sell.

Learn how to run a successful silent auction from start to finish. Includes sourcing items, setting up bidding, managing auction day, and fulfillment.

Choosing a ticketing platform for your fundraiser can be overwhelming. This guide outlines the key features nonprofits should consider and the essential questions to ask before selecting a platform for a gala, charity event or fundraiser.

How amazing are your volunteers? These people are passionate about your cause and happy to give their time and talents to help achieve great things for your non-profit.If you’re holding an in-person fundraising event, volunteers can make a huge difference to your guests’ experience and fundraising results.

Online fundraising has become a vital part of charitable efforts, however, you might find some of the terms and confusing when starting out. Our handy guide will give you the lowdown on all the need-to-know terms.

Haileybury School, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and community involvement, leveraged GalaBid to support their Master’s Appeal, aiming to raise funds for the renovation of their Grade II listed library. Marika shares insights into their auction experience, the benefits of using GalaBid, and the overall impact on their fundraising efforts.

The latest three day event took place online just last week, and I had the pleasure of being part of it. It was an excellent event, packed full of practical tips and inspiring and thought provoking discussion.

The real cost of paper fundraising isn't a messy auction close, it's the donor data you lose the moment the event ends. What a digital platform captures that paper never could, and why it matters more than one night's revenue.

Being time poor can leave you with little room to organize a traditional fundraising event. Here are three convenient digital fundraising options that will help you raise money effectively without overwhelming your already busy life.

One big prize can outperform a full prize pool. How to choose, source and sell a single-prize raffle or silent auction, plus pricing and compliance tips.

Setting the right starting price for each item in your online silent auction can make a huge difference to sale outcome. Too high and you might deter people from bidding, too low and there may not be enough demand - but setting it just right?

What exactly is a silent auction, and how does it work? This guide breaks down silent auction meaning, bidding rules, and the difference between silent, live, and online auctions — plus how paper bid sheets compare to running one online.

Thinking of raising money for a great cause but worried you don’t have time to organise a big event? Digital fundraising is the effective and fast way to raise money without it turning into a full-time job.

Items on Consignment can be a convenient way, to source tried and tested prizes for your online auction on a sale or return basis. This guide includes 7 key questions you should ask when weighing up which supplier to use.

Running your fundraising auction online for the first time? This guide will explore 5 features you should consider using to maximize your total raised including, transaction fees, vouchers, donations, leaderboards and personal shoppers

There are lots of online fundraising options for individual fundraisers, non-profits, and communities to choose from. How do you know whether a silent auction, digital raffle or donation drive is the right fundraiser for your cause?

Love the idea of digital, online fundraising but baffled about the jargon? Unsure whether a silent auction or live auction is right for you? Worried you don’t know the difference between consignment and self-sourced prizes?Don’t worry, we’ve got all the low-down you need to make your next fundraiser a breeze.

Live auctions are the showstoppers at fundraising events. Here are five strategies event fundraisers can use to boost live auction results including spotting bids, a knowledgeable auctioneer and showcasing the prizes effectively.

Key takeaways on all things Fundraising at in-person Events and beyond. A summary of the amazing tips, insights and thought provoking anecdotes delivered by a very knowledgeable and experienced panel at AFP's latest conference in Seattle - ICON 2025

Attracting sponsorship is a vital element of many fundraisers. Corporate sponsors help provide financial support to stage and run many events. But what about small local fundraisers? Can they attract sponsors too? Absolutely!

Find out how GalaBid's innovative online fundraising software can maximize the success of your next fundraising campaign

Fundraising events play a crucial role in supporting various causes, and choosing the right approach can make all the difference. Two popular options are silent auctions and live auctions with each offering unique advantages and considerations.

Practical, time-conscious tips for organizing a small or community charity fundraiser, from planning and delegating tasks to marketing, sponsors, and handling the unexpected on the day.

Whether you’re running a glamorous Charity Gala, a local school fair, or holding a fundraising auction as a standalone online campaign, we’ve compiled a guide to the essential features and considerations when selecting online bidding software.

At GalaBid, we believe in the power of fundraising to create meaningful change. As we look back on the incredible work accomplished by thousands of charities, nonprofits, schools, and community groups using our platform, we are filled with gratitude and admiration.

This guide breaks down 10 top providers for US nonprofits into fundraising categories: gala and auction platforms (GalaBid, OneCause, GiveSmart, ClickBid, Handbid), donation and peer-to-peer platforms (Fundraise Up, Classy/GoFundMe Pro, Give Lively), and hybrid tools that do a bit of both (Givebutter, Zeffy). Each entry covers who it's ideal for, what real users on G2 and Capterra praise, and where the drawbacks show up, including a common blind spot: which platforms don't natively sync with your existing donor CRM.

A clear, jargon-free glossary explaining the fundraising and nonprofit terms you'll actually come across — from annual giving and pledges to silent auctions and peer-to-peer fundraising

The challenge for fundraising event organisers isn't convincing people to put their phones away. It's giving them meaningful reasons to use their phones to engage with your fundraiser rather than everything else competing for their attention.

How long should my silent auction stay open for? How long in advance of the event should I launch my auction? At what point during the event should I close my auction, and is there a case for closing an auction post event? This article looks at the main factors event fundraisers will consider.

A practical guide to pricing gala tickets, structuring VIP and table tiers, and setting policies for waitlists and refunds, without the generic advice that treats every fundraiser the same.

This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of creating your very own auction website using our platform. From setting up your organization and campaign to customizing the site's appearance and functionality.

Your leaderboard not only provides valuable information but also serves as a powerful tool to engage and motivate your event attendees. To ensure your leaderboard delivers exceptional results, we have listed the key inclusions and considerations.

Running a school fundraiser can be labor intensive for time poor parents and carers. Read about our three simple, fast and effective school fundraising ideas that will raise money and save valuable time.

Crowdfunding is a great way for individuals, communities, clubs and charities to raise funds for a specific cause or project. GalaBid’s crowdfunding platform is easy to use and quick to set-up. Setting-up a Crowdfunding Campaign on GalaBid takes no time at all.

10 tips to help fundraisers write more successful copy to engage existing and potential supporters. From avoiding cliches and jargon to learning how to use emotion and how to craft a compelling call to action, this concise guide has you covered.

Community fundraisers are often inspired by a desire to help a local organisation, individual or family. But if you’re not a professional fundraiser, how can you make your cause count? Let's find out!

One of the keys to a successful silent auction is having a large variety of items. Sourcing a range of must-have items means you’ll get plenty of bids, generate healthy competition, and maximise your fundraising result.

Choosing the right auction items can make or break your fundraiser. Discover the silent auction prizes and experiences most likely to inspire competitive bidding and maximise funds raised.

Setting the right silent auction bid can be challenging. Too low and the item may not reach retail or market value. If the starting bid price is too high, it may deter people from placing bids. Our handy guide will help you find the right starting price for the items in your next online auction.

Running your first online fundraising campaign can feel very daunting. We talked to some experienced fundraisers about what they learned from running their first fundraiser and how to make yours a success.

Without the help of your generous supporters, your fundraiser won’t reach the targets needed to make a positive difference to others. Here are a few things you can do to make sure every supporter knows your fundraiser is worth their support and that their contribution is appreciated.

A packed gala doesn't guarantee a successful one. Learn how to target the right guests, set concrete goals for your committee, and build an evening people want to come back to.

A summary of the panel session, which discussed the future of Event Fundraising at the AFP ICON event in Seattle in April 2025.

We collated four incredibly effective fundraising ideas that will help you get the most out of your donations. Whether you're a non-profit organization, a school, or an individual seeking support for a cause, these strategies can make a significant impact on your fundraising efforts.

Want to get the most out of your social media campaign to promote your fundraiser? We've enlisted expert blogger, Kathy Hope, to give some great advice.

A look at mobile fundraising apps: bidding and giving from your own phone, why connectivity matters, and why browser-based access beats a downloadable app for a one-off event.

Fundraising events can be complicated to organise. With so many elements to get right, plenty can go wrong. We've got the fundraising ideas you need to make sure your charity and non-profit fundraising event runs like clockwork.

Want to raise money for charity but don’t know where to start? Would it help if we told you there are mobile fundraising options right there on your phone.

Running a pre-event marketing campaign can make a huge difference to your fundraising success. And the good news is it doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Find out how.

Solo fundraiser, Jimmy Hayes, is raising funds for MS Australia by undertaking a gruelling trek across The Great Wall of China. Find out about his trek preparation and how you can help Jimmy smash his fundraising target.

We talk daily to fundraisers who are sourcing prizes for their live and silent auctions. It can be a challenging and time consuming job. So, it's no surprise that 3rd party fundraising prizes are hugely popular. Here are 9 key questions to ask before you take the plunge.

Good question! Sealed bids are a great way to introduce tension and excitement at fundraising events, but they should only be used for certain prizes.

Consignment holidays are a great drawcard for many fundraising auctions. However, before you include a luxury getaway in your fundraising auction prize package, make sure the quality matches your expectations.

Your fundraising leaderboard can deliver so much more than just donation updates. From custom display to amount tallies, find out how powerful your leaderboard can be.

A practical guide to running a fundraising auction with no venue and no live event, covering item sourcing, timing, overtime bidding, and how to create genuine urgency and community feeling entirely online.

FA collection of low-cost and creative fundraising ideas for schools, sports clubs, churches, and community groups, from bake sales and business partnerships to more unusual ideas like trash art auctions and reverse raffles.

Want to raise money for a great cause but don't have time to organise a full-scale event? We've got some great digital fundraising solutions for time poor fundraisers.

Don't let your donation drive get lost at your fundraising event. Give it time in the spotlight to send cash pledges sky-high!

Want to boost donations and auction bids at your next fundraising event? The addition of a big screen can give you the revenue raising firepower you're looking for.

We take a close look at Australia based charity Support Act and their important work in providing help and support for musicians and music workers.

CALM is an award winning charity dedicated to preventing male suicide, the single biggest killer of men under the age of 45 in the UK. The Calm Photography Movement was founded to help men express their emotions and provoke conversation through the medium of photography.

On February 21 and 22 the annual Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME 2018) will return to Australia’s city of Melbourne. Attracting event professionals from around the world, AIME is an industry renowned forum for the exchange of ideas, knowledge and connections.

The drive to secure sponsors for your fundraising event is often a major part of the organisation process. Fundraising sponsorship not only provides important financial support, it can be an effective marketing channel for the charity/non-profit and associated events.

Crafting compelling copy can be tricky. The tone, style and length of fundraising marketing communications are important to get right. Here are 10 tips to make your messages effective.

Last year we introduced you to our fabulous New Zealand team and some of the terrific projects they were working on. 2017 was a successful year for GalaBid’s NZ fundraising partners. Cathy Taylor and her team worked hard to help lots of charities and non-profits beat their event fundraising targets.

Want to create a bidding frenzy at your next fundraising auction? Highly sought after and difficult to obtain prizes are perfect for exceeding your fundraising target. Whether it’s exclusive holidays, original artwork or unique pieces of jewellery, offering bidders the chance to obtain that hard-to-get prize gives your auction a genuine and desirable point of difference.

The success of your charity fundraiser depends on generating more. From event buzz to auction bidders to money raised – more is better. Generating ‘more’ means extending the reach of your cause. But engaging existing supporters and finding new ones can be a challenge...