Tom Kelly - Fundraising Insights & Trends | CharityAuctionsToday (Page 7)

How To

How to Make the Most of Charity Auction Software

This guide shows nonprofits how to maximize their auction platform: set it up carefully, promote smartly, use features like mobile bidding and pop-corn extensions, analyze results, and run smooth payment & follow-up workflows.

FAQ

Are Silent Auction Items Tax Deductible?

You can deduct the portion of your silent auction bid that exceeds the fair market value of the item—if the nonprofit is tax-qualified and gives you a written acknowledgment.

Auction Best Practices

Are Online Auction Sites with Apps Better?

Auction platforms with apps offer real-time bidding, push notifications, and ease of use, making them more effective than browser-only sites at keeping bidders active and reducing friction.

Case Studies

Give n' Glow: Nonprofit Spotlight

Learn how founder Samantha Asprelli turned her passion for beauty into impact — Give n’ Glow’s mission is to go beyond basics and help women feel dignified through skincare and cosmetics.

Case Studies

Nonprofit Spotlight: Rainbow Youth Project

Rainbow Youth Project supports LGBTQIA+ youth through a 24/7 suicide hotline (~3,000 calls/month), transitional housing, legal aid and emergency funeral funds — all staffed by volunteers who don’t take salaries.

Volunteers

Top 10 Volunteer Management Software Picks

A roundup of the top volunteer management platforms (Bloomerang Volunteer, SignUpGenius, VolunteerMark, POINT, Golden, etc.), comparing features like scheduling, communication, donor syncing, and pricing.

fundraising ideas

Creative Holiday Giving Campaign Ideas for Nonprofits

This article presents 15 festive campaign ideas—from holiday auctions and wishlist drives to 12-Days-of-Giving and corporate round-ups—plus guidance on branding, segmentation, and multi-channel promotion.

Case Studies

Variety the Children's Charity of Illinois Case Study

Variety IL runs major events (gala, golf) with silent auctions that use popcorn bidding to extend hot items — e.g. a $25 doll sold for $500. Their auctions average $1,081 per item, raising $15,143 to help 2,500+ kids.

Guides

A Guide to Salesforce for Nonprofits

Salesforce for nonprofits comes in two flavors: NPSP (free, open-source, highly configurable) and Nonprofit Cloud (paid, with built-in features). Eligible nonprofits can access free licenses via Power of Us.