Silent Auctions & Fundraising Ideas
Among the many possible methods for raising funds for a charity or organization, a silent auction is one of the most popular. Unlike a typical auction, where people make their bids using their voices or handheld signs, a silent auction is held in written form. Items to be auctioned are displayed, generally on tables, and people write their bids on a piece of paper adjacent to the item.
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Gathering Donations
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The key to a successful silent auction is having items that people will want to take home at the end of the event. To keep expenses low, ask local businesses and other organizations to donate auction items. If there is a professional sports franchise nearby, ask if it will donate autographed items or tickets to games. Seek autographed photos or other items from celebrities who may have ties to the area. It's important to a successful auction to gather items that people desire, while doing so at the lowest possible upfront cost to the auction organizer.
Combining Items
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Many organizations will donate small items that by themselves would not bring much of a profit at a silent auction. But combining several of these items together into one auction item will be worthwhile. For example, if a coffee shop donates several small bags of coffee and a coffee mug and a candy store donate several small candy items, put them together in a gift basket. In the same vein, a bath shop may donate scented soaps, bath salts and shampoos, which could be combined with a gift certificate from a spa.
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Family Auction Items
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Family auction items are always popular, especially if the silent auction or other fundraising event is tied to a school, community center or similar family oriented organization. Tickets to a children's museum or zoo will be popular, as will tickets to a sporting event. Ask reliable and trustworthy teenagers to donate babysitting hours to the silent auction; parents of small children will certainly bid on that service. Ask kid-friendly restaurants to donate their services for a birthday party.
Other Ideas
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The almost endless list of items available for fundraising includes some basics, such as home cleaning services. Maid services may be willing to donate an hour or two of home cleaning to the highest bidder. Lawn services, carpet cleaning and similar businesses may wish to donate as a way to raise their community profile. Ask sewing supply stores and craft centers if they would like to donate items for scrapbooking, stamping and other activities.
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