Tom Kelly - Fundraising Insights & Trends | CharityAuctionsToday (Page 4)

How To

How to Run a Silent Auction: Your Ultimate Guide

Learn the full silent auction process: recruit volunteers, source items, pick a venue or platform, structure bid sheets and rules, orchestrate the bidding and closing, then announce winners and thank supporters — all to maximize fundraising success.

Auction Best Practices

60 Silent Auction Item Ideas

Explore 60 curated silent-auction item ideas—from spa days and cooking classes to gadgets and getaways—that help nonprofits offer something for everyone, boost engagement, and reduce unsold items.

top platforms comparisons

Top Silent Auction Software

This guide reviews top silent auction software options (CharityAuctions, GiveSmart, OneCause, Handbid) by their core features—bid management, mobile bidding, analytics, and payments—so you can pick the right tool for your nonprofit’s event.

fundraising ideas

Nonprofit Fundraising Strategies for Success

A guide for nonprofits on fundraising: set clear goals, know your audience, use tech & storytelling, secure corporate partners + grants, and thank donors to build engagement and sustainable funding.

FAQ

Why There’s No Such Thing as a Free Auction Site

While “free” auction platforms attract fundraisers, hidden costs always exist—platform tipping, payment processing, ads, or premium features. A truly free, quality auction site doesn’t exist.

keep your donors

Effective Strategies for Boosting Donor Retention

Discover proven donor retention tactics: welcome donors well, communicate with relevance, demonstrate the result of gifts, thank often, provide perks, and listen—so your nonprofit builds a reliable base of repeat support.

General Auction Info

Types of Auctions for Fundraising

This guide explains fundraising auctions: from high-energy live events to silent, sealed-bid, hybrid, and chance models—each with pros/cons in reach, cost, and engagement.

Donations

Free Text-to-Give for Nonprofits: The Hidden Costs

The article warns nonprofits that “free” text giving isn’t without cost — fees are baked into transactions, advanced features cost extra, or donors absorb the burden, all undermining transparency and results.

Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Text-to-Give Fundraising for Nonprofits

This guide explains how nonprofits can use text messaging to drive donations—with keyword setup, seamless giving flows, smart promotion, and measurement—to reach mobile audiences and grow support.