Great Fundraising Ideas To Help You Raise More

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.

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.

What actually happens to your money after someone clicks "Donate"? It's an important question because not every fundraising platform handles payments in the same way. Some platforms process donations directly into your own payment account, while others collect funds into accounts they control before transferring them later.

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.

Learn digital raffle ticket best practices to increase ticket sales, improve fundraising, and run successful online raffles with GalaBid.

Follow this charity raffle promotion checklist to boost ticket sales, reach more supporters, and run a successful fundraising raffle with GalaBid.

Compare online and traditional charity raffles across cost, reach, compliance and effort, with an honest framework for choosing the right format.

Plan your charity raffle budget with this guide to costs, revenue scenarios, and break-even planning that protects your fundraising result.

Learn social media strategies for charity raffles, including what to post, where to share, and how to turn followers into ticket buyers. Primary keyword: Charity Raffle Social Media

Discover corporate sponsorship ideas for charity raffles and learn how to attract sponsors, build partnerships, and raise more with GalaBid.

Learn which charity raffle success metrics every nonprofit should measure to improve ticket sales, donor engagement, and fundraising results.

Learn how to price charity raffle tickets, create attractive ticket bundles, cover campaign costs, and maximize fundraising revenue.

Learn early bird raffle strategies that create urgency, encourage earlier purchases, and help nonprofits increase ticket sales with GalaBid.

Use these charity raffle email templates to promote ticket sales, engage supporters, and build momentum throughout your fundraising campaign.

Learn how QR code raffles make ticket sales easier, improve supporter access, and help nonprofits sell more tickets online and in person.

Learn how to create a charity raffle landing page that increases ticket sales with clear messaging, strong calls to action, and a better user experience.

Learn the key charity raffle compliance requirements by country and use this checklist to help plan your fundraising campaign responsibly

Learn how to encourage repeat raffle buyers with better follow-up, stronger supporter relationships, and more engaging fundraising campaigns

Discover charity raffle countdown marketing ideas that create urgency, engage supporters, and help increase ticket sales before the draw.

Learn how to sell more charity raffle tickets at in-person events with better signage, volunteer support, QR codes, and simple checkout.

Discover charity raffle sponsor benefits and recognition ideas that build stronger partnerships, increase visibility, and encourage future support

Use these charity raffle thank-you email templates to thank supporters, strengthen relationships, and encourage future fundraising participation.

Get answers to common charity raffle legal questions and learn what nonprofits should check before running a raffle in their area.

Learn how to create a charity raffle report for your board with key fundraising metrics, financial results, and actionable insights.

A well-designed silent auction catalog does much more than list donated items. It creates an engaging browsing experience that encourages more bidding and helps maximize fundraising results. By carefully selecting the right mix of auction items, organizing them into clear categories, setting thoughtful starting bids, writing compelling descriptions, and using high-quality images, nonprofits can keep bidders engaged and increase competition. Digital auction catalogs also provide greater flexibility by allowing supporters to browse and bid from any device before and during the event. With the right strategy and tools, such as GalaBid's silent auction platform, organizations can build a professional auction catalog that improves the bidder experience, streamlines event management, and ultimately raises more for their cause.

Post summary: A hybrid silent auction isn't complicated technology, it's the same bidding system everyone already uses, just opened up to supporters beyond the room. This guide breaks down what that actually means (and what it isn't, namely a live auctioneer syncing bids to a video feed), why it matters for the two groups of remote supporters a purely in-person event misses, and how one nonprofit's real fundraising model, extending their auction to supporters "wherever they are in the world" while keeping their in-person raffle exclusive, shows the balance in practice. It also covers the practical side: what technology actually matters, how to keep in-room and remote bidders equally engaged through leaderboards and a shared activity feed, and the mistakes that limit a hybrid auction's reach.

A donation request letter only works if it's specific, easy to act on, and sent the right way, and that's not one template, it's several. This guide breaks down exactly what to include in a strong ask, then gives four ready-to-copy templates: a local business letter, a corporate donor letter, an email version, and a social media message for businesses you already have a connection with. It also covers the one step most nonprofits skip before reaching for a template (checking how a business actually wants to be asked), the mistakes that quietly kill response rates, and why a QR code linking to a simple online form beats expecting anyone to fill out paper and mail it back.

Securing a few high-value donations will always outraise a table crowded with mediocre ones — but most nonprofits get procurement wrong by asking too late, casting too wide a net, or skipping the fine print on donor tax receipts. This guide walks through where to find donations worth bidding on (past donors, local businesses, corporate giving programs), how to time and pitch your ask based on donor type, which items reliably drive the highest bids, and the procurement mistakes — including a commonly misunderstood fair market value rule — that quietly cap what your auction raises.

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.

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.

Securing great raffle prizes is one of the biggest challenges for any fundraising event. Most fundraisers know that attractive prizes help sell more tickets, but many are unsure who to approach, what to ask for or how to convince local businesses to donate.

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.

Running a charity gala? Here's what actually matters in an auction platform, from mobile bidding to event-night support, and why GalaBid keeps winning fundraising committees over.

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.

Everything you need to know about fundraising auctions, including silent auctions, online bidding, reserve prices and choosing auction software.

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

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.

Learn how to run a live auction at a fundraising event, from choosing and sequencing items to briefing the auctioneer, using bid spotters and taking payments.

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

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.

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.

Seven practical tactics that lift fundraising totals on event night: open bidding early, use leaderboards and SMS to drive urgency, time your paddle raise well and make checkout fast.

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.

When you're planning a fundraising event, it’s easy to get caught up in the big tasks; finding a venue, selling tickets, securing sponsors and sourcing auction items.But some of the biggest fundraising improvements can come from small changes that take almost no time to implement.

Seven mobile fundraising ideas for charities, schools and clubs. Run silent auctions, raffles and donation appeals entirely from a phone, with no app download 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.

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.

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.

A key goal of any fundraising auction is to raise as much money as possible.  A clever and easy way to boost your fundraising tally is to sell multiple lots of the same item.

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.

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.