Why removing barriers to bidding helped create a better fundraising experience
When fundraising events attract supporters of all ages, the success of an auction often comes down to one simple question:
How easy is it for people to participate?
That was the challenge facing the Dravet Syndrome Foundation as it prepared for Dance for Dravet, its largest annual fundraising gala.
Hosted by a family affected by Dravet Syndrome, a rare and severe seizure disorder, the event welcomes around 400 guests each year and has become one of the Foundation's most important fundraising initiatives.
After using two different auction platforms in previous years, the Foundation decided to switch to GalaBid in search of a simpler, more intuitive experience for both organisers and guests.
The goal wasn't necessarily to add more features - it was to remove barriers that made bidding feel difficult for some supporters.
The result was a smoother auction experience that made it easier for guests of all ages to participate, while giving organisers the flexibility to tailor the event to the preferences of their audience. As Event Coordinator Meredith Bankston explains,
"We found GalaBid and it was just a game-changer."
In this case study, Meredith shares why the Foundation chose GalaBid, the lessons learned from its first event on the platform, and the practical changes that helped create a more accessible fundraising experience.
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When Auction Technology Becomes a Barrier
Like many nonprofit events, Dance for Dravet attracts a diverse audience. Some supporters are comfortable using digital fundraising platforms, while others are less confident with technology and appreciate a simpler experience. As Meredith underlines, that made usability a key consideration when choosing new auction software.
"A lot of the older people who would come found the last two softwares very difficult to use."
Rather than introducing more complexity, the Foundation deliberately searched for a platform that would remove barriers and make participating feel intuitive for everyone.
Let People Browse Before They Register
One GalaBid platform feature immediately stood out. Unlike the Foundation's previous auction software, Meredith appreciated how GalaBid allowed guests to browse auction items before creating an account.
"Somebody does not have to have an account to look at the auction items."
Although it sounds like a small change, it addressed a common frustration.
Instead of asking supporters to register before they could even see what was available, guests were free to browse the catalogue, read item descriptions and decide whether they wanted to participate before creating an account. Removing that initial hurdle created a more welcoming experience and encouraged greater engagement with the auction.
Fundraiser takeaway: Every additional step between a supporter and your auction creates another opportunity for them to disengage. Where possible, let people discover your auction before asking them to register.
Flexibility Matters
The Foundation also valued the flexibility GalaBid offered around payments.
Rather than requiring every bidder to enter payment details before participating, organisers could invoice supporters after the event if they preferred. For a gala welcoming hundreds of guests, this approach helped accommodate different preferences while keeping the bidding process simple and accessible.
Small decisions like these can make a meaningful difference to the overall supporter experience.
Listening to Your Audience
One of the Foundation's most thoughtful decisions involved pricing. While many organisations choose a tip-supported model to reduce fundraising software costs, Meredith's team took a different approach after listening carefully to supporter feedback. Previous events had shown that some guests were becoming fatigued by repeated requests for additional contributions during the evening.
The Foundation wanted the auction to feel enjoyable rather than transactional.
"Let us bid, let us have a good time, let us win what we want to win, but then stop there."
GalaBid's flexible pricing options allowed the Foundation to select a paid plan without suggested tips, creating an experience that better reflected what their supporters wanted.
Fundraiser takeaway: The right fundraising strategy depends on your audience. Listen to supporter feedback and design your event around the experience they value most.
Don't Forget the Human Element
Even with an intuitive platform, Meredith identified one lesson for future events.
"We had a few people coming and asking questions about how to place a bid."
While the questions were easily answered, the experience highlighted the value of having a dedicated volunteer available to assist guests throughout the evening.
Technology can simplify fundraising, but a friendly face nearby can provide the confidence some supporters need to get involved, particularly those using mobile bidding for the first time.
Fundraiser takeaway: Digital fundraising works best when it's supported by real people. A volunteer who can answer questions and reassure guests can help increase participation and improve the overall event experience.
Support When You Need It
Preparing a fundraising event involves far more than simply setting up an auction. Organisers are often managing deadlines, volunteers, suppliers and hundreds of event details at the same time, so having access to quick, reliable support can make a significant difference.
Throughout the setup process, Meredith appreciated being able to connect directly with the GalaBid team through live chat rather than navigating automated responses or searching through generic help articles.
"I've used the live chat option, and it was very helpful, very quick, very responsive."
For busy fundraising teams, having a real person available to answer questions, provide guidance and help resolve issues quickly can reduce stress and give organisers greater confidence as they prepare for their event.
Looking Ahead
Following the success of its first GalaBid auction, the Dravet Syndrome Foundation is already exploring how the platform could support additional fundraising activities in the future.
Although the organisation currently uses separate software for some event functions, Meredith says conversations are already taking place internally about whether a more integrated approach could benefit future events.
"Myself, as well as our CEO and CFO, have definitely talked about what that looks like when that contract runs up."
For now, however, the biggest outcome has been clear.
By focusing on simplicity and accessibility, the Foundation created an auction experience that welcomed supporters of all ages and made it easier for more people to participate with confidence.
Key Lessons for Fundraisers
Make participation easy
Simple, intuitive technology encourages more supporters to get involved.
Reduce registration friction
Allowing guests to browse auction items before registering can increase engagement and encourage more people to bid.
Listen to your supporters
Fundraising strategies should reflect your audience's preferences rather than following industry trends.
Combine technology with human support
Even the best fundraising platform benefits from friendly volunteers who can answer questions and help guests participate confidently.
Choose flexibility
Giving supporters options around registration and payment helps create a smoother fundraising experience.
For the Dravet Syndrome Foundation, moving to GalaBid wasn't about adding more technology.
It was about removing barriers - so more people could take part.